NPB 099/199: Equine Behavior, Welfare, & Neurobiology of Human–Animal Bonds
This 1-unit course invites UC Davis students in the UC Davis Hunter Jumper Club to weave their equestrian practice with science, studying equine behavior and welfare alongside the neurobiological and physiological foundations of human–horse bonds. The course emerged organically from a fortuitous alignment: the Hunter Jumper Club had independently selected Pine Trails Ranch as their riding home, which is also the site of the Green Care Lab. Observing students working with the horses in the same environment where the lab conducts research on animal behavior and welfare inspired the development of an academic component to enhance their existing experience.
Each week, students will read a research article and discuss its ideas during equestrian practice, transforming the arena into a living classroom. Topics include equine behavior, welfare, enrichment, and training, as well as how human–horse interactions influence stress, cognition, and mental health in both species. The course is offered through the Green Care Lab, directed by Dr. Rebecca Calisi-Rodriguez in the Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior. The Green Care Lab investigates how human–animal interactions can promote animal welfare and human well-being. Students will build skills in scientific literacy and ethical horsemanship while learning to see their equestrian experience not only as sport but as a dynamic exchange between biology, behavior, and care.
Course Offered: Every quarter, including summer sessions
Course Location: Pine Trails Ranch, 35270 Co Rd 31, Davis, CA.
Green Care Lab Website: https://greencarelab.ucdavis.edu/
Each week, students will read a research article and discuss its ideas during equestrian practice, transforming the arena into a living classroom. Topics include equine behavior, welfare, enrichment, and training, as well as how human–horse interactions influence stress, cognition, and mental health in both species. The course is offered through the Green Care Lab, directed by Dr. Rebecca Calisi-Rodriguez in the Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior. The Green Care Lab investigates how human–animal interactions can promote animal welfare and human well-being. Students will build skills in scientific literacy and ethical horsemanship while learning to see their equestrian experience not only as sport but as a dynamic exchange between biology, behavior, and care.
Course Offered: Every quarter, including summer sessions
Course Location: Pine Trails Ranch, 35270 Co Rd 31, Davis, CA.
Green Care Lab Website: https://greencarelab.ucdavis.edu/
Grading Criteria (P/NP)
This is a 1-unit discussion-based course. To receive a Pass (P), students are expected to:
Note: This course does not provide or require riding instruction. Students’ equestrian lessons with private coaches are arranged independently of UC Davis and are not part of the course.
This is a 1-unit discussion-based course. To receive a Pass (P), students are expected to:
- Read the assigned article each week before practice.
- Participate in the weekly discussion during equestrian club practice by sharing at least one comment, question, or observation.
- Attend regularly, with participation in most sessions across the quarter. Excused absences such as illness, competition travel, or family obligations are fully supported and will not count against your participation grade, as long as you let the instructor know.
Note: This course does not provide or require riding instruction. Students’ equestrian lessons with private coaches are arranged independently of UC Davis and are not part of the course.
How to Enroll
Since the UC Davis Hunter Jumper Club already rides at Pine Trails Ranch, where the Green Care Lab is housed, this course is designed with their members in mind. To sign up for this course, please email the UC Davis Hunter Jumper Club at [email protected] with the following information:
Since the UC Davis Hunter Jumper Club already rides at Pine Trails Ranch, where the Green Care Lab is housed, this course is designed with their members in mind. To sign up for this course, please email the UC Davis Hunter Jumper Club at [email protected] with the following information:
- Your UC Davis email address ([email protected])
- Your Student ID number
- Which course you should be enrolled in:
- If you have 84 or more completed units (upper-division), indicate NPB 199.
- If you have fewer than 84 completed units (lower-division), indicate NPB 099.
