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About
The course is delivered in 9 modules, roughly 6 weeks apart. Each module comprises 12 ½ hours of ‘classroom’ teaching time, which is offered online via Zoom in weekly sessions. Additionally, each module has 2 hours of practical work with horses; the practical sessions can be arranged to suit individual student’s needs, so it is possible to do the practical sessions for several modules in one day for example, if the student has a distance to travel. Each module has coursework included which will take on average about 20 hours to complete over the 6 weeks in between modules. The coursework is a mixture of written exercises and video evidencing competency at the skills being taught. On successful completion of coursework, and attendance at all the modules, the students are eligible to take the final exam, which comprises both oral and practical assessment. Support is offered via email or phone throughout the course. There are also core texts and recommending reading included in the course, and we would expect students to spend about 5 hours per module reading these texts.
So, in total, 130 hours of formal learning plus approximately 225 hours of independent study, making a total of 333 hours.
Details of the modules can be found on our website www.equinebehaviouraffiliation.org/courses
Delivery method
OnlineRecognised by
The Equine Behaviour AffiliationCourse description:
Who should attend?
Anyone who wants to learn more about equine behaviour. For example, horse owners, grooms, riding instructors, livery yard managers, vets – anyone who spends time with horses and would like to understand them better.
The course is also the first stage in the equine behaviourist training offered by the EBA for those who want to follow a career as a behaviourist.
What will be covered?
There are 5 theory modules broadly covering: Equine body language and communication; assessing and improving mental well-being; horse/human relationship; how horses learn and the theory of training. These are followed by 4 modules applying the theory: analysing training systems; applying the theory on the ground; applying the theory to ridden work and working with unwanted behaviours.
Other areas of interest
Some distinguishing features we have identified for this course:
- We are continually integrating new information from relevant areas. For example, the most recent publications from Lucy Rees on ethology, and guidelines on trauma treatment from clinical psychologist Dr. Marie-Louise Holmes.
- We are deeply committed to training that actually works in the real world, whether you are applying it to your own horses or as an equine professional. Training is designed and evaluated, with invaluable input from an expert in adult education, Professor Judith George, to ensure that we're not just throwing some interesting ideas around but are following through to practical application for each student.
- Equine specific research and application in this area is sadly somewhat behind that for other species. Whilst recognising species-specific differences, we look to trans-species psychology to gather useful research and methods applied to other species, such as dogs and humans.
- Years of teaching equine behaviour and evaluating 'what works' feed into this course.
- Study skills workshops and support will be provided for those returning to learning after a break, tailored to help the individual.
- Flexibility in payment and delivery of the course for those who need it.
- There is lots of practical work with horses during the course as we feel this is essential and is a major reason for not teaching online only.
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