Applied Behaviour Course

In order to build a good relationship with your horse, meet their needs and train them effectively and ethically, it is essential that communication is two way!

This module will help you to identify what your horse is communicating both consciously and unconsciously; where subtle changes in body language reflect changes in emotional state for example.

There is a strong focus on recognising the subtle signs that indicate that all is not well, but also discussion on how we can tell when we are getting it right!

Practical work will develop the student’s skills in applying the theory objectively to the horses they encounter in real life.

We all have ideas about what horses need, often strongly influenced by the culture we grew up in.

This module will outline the evolution of horses, and examine how feral horses live today, using this information to consider the needs of our domestic horses without confusing them with our own traditions and needs.

Mental well-being will be discussed as it applies to all sentient animals, to equines, and to specific individuals.

The aim of this module is to be able to objectively assess and improve the mental well-being of our domestic equines.

A good relationship is essential between horse and human when they spend time together; without this safety, welfare and effective communication are all compromised.

In this module we’ll examine the foundations of a ‘good’ relationship, drawing from research into both inter-species and intra-species relationships.

We’ll look at diverse areas such as the effects of relationships on brain function and development; trauma treatment; attachment theory as a model for how healthy relationships function and the practical steps to building a healthy relationship with horses.

In this module the basics of learning theory will be covered. We consider how horses learn, using the foundations provided by the first three modules to better understand their full experience.  

As well as explaining learning theory, we discuss the problems arising from applying the theory without being informed by a richer understanding of equine psychology. 

The fifth module will cover training and retraining techniques.

A strong emphasis will be placed on helping students to train in a way that is not only scientifically correct but is also ethical.

We will look at how to teach horses new skills, and how to change a horse’s existing responses. We focus on emotions and helping the horse to form positive associations and feel calm and confident about what she is doing, rather than ‘making’ her behaviour change regardless of feelings. At the heart of any training is consideration for mental well-being and relationship-building, creating a rich reflective practice. 

Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive (LIMA) guidelines will be discussed in depth, and practice at training real horses will be supported.

In light of the information in previous modules, we will also consider when training is appropriate, or if other changes are necessary first.

A broad range of training systems and methods will be analysed in this module, from traditional to alternative.

Students will develop their skills in recognising what kind of training is happening (from the horse’s point of view), identifying safety and welfare issues and being able to assess overall whether the training is effective and whether it is ethical.

The ‘side effects’ of various systems will be discussed – not just considering the behaviour changes seen, but the effect on the horse’s well-being, on their relationship with the trainer, and so on.

This is a very practical module. How to apply the theory presented in part one to everyday tasks such as veterinary procedures, grooming, leading, loading, catching; all the things we may do with horses when we are not on their backs!

Students will also be introduced to a small set of exercises that may be used to help build relationship between horse and human, help the horse to ‘learn to learn’, and also a set of alternative behaviours that horse and handler are both comfortable with, which can be asked for in place of unwanted behaviours.

What does this kind of riding look like? We’ll consider the tack used, biomechanics, training methods and more.

We believe that the foundations of ridden work should be a horse and rider working in harmony; conflict or coercion adversely affect safety, welfare and effectiveness of training.

The central theme of this module is the laying of these foundations.

This module will look at the process of formulation as applied to equine behaviour problems. A number of case studies will be presented to illustrate the process, and students will be given examples to work through in small groups.

Online sessions are run in the evenings, from 6.30 – 9pm. Each module is 5 sessions long, with one or two week breaks in between modules. The whole course runs for approximately 15 months, including the final exam. 
There are also three practical sessions. These are 6 hours each, and will be held in Central Scotland and also in the south of England (venue to be decided) but alternative arrangements may be possible if venues/times are difficult.