“Walker’s is a revitalized force in independent education.”
Equine Science
Newly introduced to Walker's science curriculum in Fall 2008, Equine Science, taught by Dr. Suzanne Piela, is a yearlong science elective. The intense equine biology class encompasses the anatomy and physiology of all the systems of the horse, nutrition, toxicology, parasitology, health management, neonatology, epidemiology, and sports medicine. While the curriculum is of special interest to Walker's riders, it is also beneficial to students interested in veterinary science, or careers in medicine and biology.
The course is not just lecture-based but features guest speakers, current events, journal articles, field trips, case studies, and weekly labs. The Ethel Walker School barn lends itself as a natural classroom for this course, and allows students to gain hands on experience and apply what they have learned in the classroom to real life experiences.
Once they have received a strong foundation in most of the systems in the equine body, students are able to apply that knowledge as they work up different cases during the second half of the academic year. Students in this class develop strong problem-solving skills as they learn how to ask the right questions to obtain a medical history and interpret physical exam and diagnostic test findings.
This course also teaches students to recognize signs of injury and disease in their own horses, so that they can be proactive and work with the School's riding staff to contact a veterinarian for further evaluation.
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Walker's Centennial
– David, P ‘09
