“I am really excited about this updated edition. The text will be ideal for my senior-level students, and will be a great resource to them even after their college career ends.” — Colleen Brady, Purdue University

Part One: THE HORSE—A UNIQUE ANIMAL

1. Introduction (J. Warren Evans and Anthony Borton)
History and Development / Horses and Humans

2. Breed in the United States (Jessica L. Petersen and L. Dale Van Vleck)
Classification of Breeds / Light Horses / Riding/Light Draft Horses / Warmbloods / Gaited Breeds / Ponies / Draft Breeds / "Native" Horses / Color Breeds / The Long Ears: Donkeys and Mules

Part Two: BIOLOGY

3. Anatomy and Physiology (J. Warren Evans and Anthony Borton)
Introduction / Skeletal System / Muscular System / Respiratory System / Cardiovascular System and Blood / Digestive System / Urinary System / Nervous System / Endocrine System / Reproductive System / The Integument

4. Selection (J. Warren Evans and Anthony Borton)
General Considerations / Basic Conformation / Unsoundness and Blemishes / The Horse in Motion / Vices / Technologies Used in Selection

5. Exercise Physiology (Rhonda M. Hoffman)
Factors Affecting Athletic Ability / Exercise Testing / Cardiovascular System / Respiratory System / Muscular System / Aerobic and Anaerobic Work / Metabolic Specificity / Water, Body Fluids, and Thermoregulation / Physiological Responses to Training / Aspects of Fatigue / Bone / Energy Cost of Riding

Part Three: NUTRITION

6. Digestive Physiology (Rhonda M. Hoffman and Harold F. Hintz)
The Digestive Tract / Hindgut Microbiome / Rate of Passage / Digestibility / Digestion and Absorption of Nutrients / Comparative Digestion

7. Nutrients (Rhonda M. Hoffman and Harold F. Hintz)
Energy / Caloric (Digestible Energy) Requirements / Carbohydrates / Lipids—Fats and Oils / Protein / Minerals / Vitamins / Water / Donkeys, Mules, and Ponies

8. Forages, Feeds, and Feeding Management (Rhonda M. Hoffman and Harold F. Hintz)
Forage First: Pasture and Hay / Evaluating Hay / Grain Concentrates / Balancing Rations / Feeding Management / Pasture / Supplements and Nutriceuticals / General Horse Management Guidelines

9. Problems Associated with Feeding (Rhonda M. Hoffman and Harold F. Hintz)
Feeding for Weight Gain or Loss / Eating Problems / Colic / Gastric Ulcers / Laminitis and Founder / Metabolic Disorders / Genetic Disorders / Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (Heaves) / Orphan Foals / Problems Associated with Forages and Plants

Part Four: REPRODUCTION

10. Anatomy and Physiology of Reproduction in the Mare (J. Warren Evans)
Reproductive Tract / Physiology of Reproduction / Endocrine Control / Gestation

11. Reproductive Physiology of the Stallion (J. Warren Evans)
Anatomy of the Reproductive Tract / Semen Production / Castration / Sexual Behavior / Training a Young Stallion

12. Horse-Breeding Problems and Procedures (J. Warren Evans)
Preparation for Breeding / Infertility / Embryo Storage and Transfer / Assisted Reproduction Techniques / Breeding / Foaling / Business Aspects of Horse Breeding

Part Five: GENETICS

13. Principles of Mendelian Inheritance (L. Dale Van Vleck and Jessica L. Petersen)
Transmission of Genetic Material / Sex Determination and Sex Linkage / Combinations of Traits / Selection for Dominant and Recessive Genes

14. Genetics and Genomics (Jessica L. Petersen and L. Dale Van Vleck)
Development of Genomic Resources for the Horse / Parentage and Relationships / Genetics of Coat Color / Genetic Testing for Simply Inherited Diseases and Lethals

15. Relationships and Inbreeding (L. Dale Van Vleck and Jessica L. Petersen)
Importance of Relationships / Computing Relationships / Inbreeding in Practice / Practice Problem in Computing Inbreeding / Genomic Relationships

16. Principles of Selection for Quantitative Traits (L. Dale Van Vleck and Jessica L. Petersen)

Part Six: HEALTH

17. Diseases (J. Warren Evans)
Identification of Problems / Accurate Records / Infectious Diseases / Infectious Disease Prevention / Vaccination Programs / First Aid

18. Parasites of the Horse (J. Warren Evans and Jay R. Georgi)
Parasites and Parasitism / Control of Internal Parasites / External Parasites

Part Seven: MANAGEMENT

19. Behavioral Principles of Training and Management (Gary D. Potter, B. F. Yeates, and J. Warren Evans)
Heritability of Performance / Early Experiences / Environmental Influences: Training / Intelligence / Training Summary / Behavior and Management

20. Anatomy, Physiology, and Care of the Feet and Legs (J. Warren Evans)
Anatomy / Function / Hoof Care / Corrective Trimming and Shoeing / Therapeutic Shoeing

21. Fences, Buildings, and Equipment (J. Warren Evans and Anthony Borton)
General Considerations for the Design of Horse Facilities / Farm Planning / Pastures / Fences / Gates / Buildings for Horses / Stalls / Specialized Structures

22. Managing a Horse Farm (J. Warren Evans)
Personnel and Professional Advisors / Disaster Planning / Care of the Herd / Record Keeping, Identification, and Contracts / Producing and Selling / Pasture Management / Selection of Bedding / Fire Safety / Continuing Education