Innovative Approach: Live Horses in Veterinary Anatomy Classes in Hungary

To kick off their academic journey, first-year veterinary students in Hungary experienced a unique anatomy lesson – two full-grown horses joined them in the lecture hall. Dr. Péter Sótonyi, the rector at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Budapest, initiated their first animal anatomy lesson by bringing these horses directly into the classroom, AP reported. With a piece of chalk, he outlined where the bones, organs, and muscles are located from head to hooves on one of the horses.

Sótonyi believes that first encounters with living animals are crucial for students aiming to heal and improve the lives of animals. "This is their very first lesson, and the first time should be with a living animal," he stated. "They shouldn’t first meet with a carcass because they want to make animals better."

Dr. Sótonyi has employed this hands-on teaching method for about 25 years, advocating that it fosters better student engagement compared to traditional studying through books, charts, and models. Horses, which Sótonyi describes as "particularly intelligent and honorable animals," provide an excellent opportunity due to their size and temperament.

"These big animals can demonstrate a lot, and the fact that a horse comes into the classroom and climbs up on the podium leaves students amazed. This immediate interaction fuels their motivation," he explained.

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