Develop a deep understanding of equine behaviour and practical skills to build trust, ensure safety, and promote horse welfare in many handling and training situations.
The Certificate of Horse Behaviour and Training is a professional development course that provides the skills and knowledge to understand and manage horse behaviour.
In this horse behaviour and training course, you will learn how instincts, perception, and experience shape responses, and interpret body language, vocal cues, and herd dynamics to better read equine communication. You will also develop practical handling techniques, including safe catching, leading, and desensitisation.
You will explore reward-based and pressure-based training methods, build trust through groundwork, and teach essential ground manners for calm, confident horses. You will also learn about behaviours such as spooking, biting, and resistance, along with welfare-focused solutions to address them.
On completion of this course, you will feel confident to handle and train horses in real-world situations.
Course Structure
Certificate of Horse Behaviour and Training
Unit 1: Understanding Horse Behaviour
- Understanding horse behaviour
- Key instincts and behavioural traits
- Horse perception
- Fear, stress and curiosity
- How behaviour is shaped by experience
Unit 2: Equine Communication and Social Structure
- Equine communication and social structure
- Horse body language
- Horse ears
- Horse eyes and facial expression
- Head, neck and body posture
- Tail movements
- Vocal cues
- Herd interactions
- Dominance, submission and bonding
- Social cues
Unit 3: Safe Handling and Horse Psychology
- Safe handling and horse psychology
- Understanding horse psychology
- Catching, haltering and leading safely
- How horses learn and react
- Pressure-release
- Desensitisation techniques
- Calm and respectful relationships
Unit 4: Introduction to Horse Training Principles
- Introduction to horse training principles
- Reward-based methods
- Pressure-based methods
- Timing, consistency, and clarity
- Groundwork exercises
- Maintaining trust while guiding behaviour
Unit 5: Training for Ground Manners
- Training for ground manners
- Teaching leading
- Teaching tying
- Teaching standing still
- Safe grooming and handling routines
- Shape behaviour for real-world settings
- Solve common handling issues
Unit 6: Introducing New Skills and Obstacles
- Introducing new skills and obstacles
- Build confidence with novel environments
- Step-by-step exposure techniques
- Teaching basic obstacle navigation
- Focus on resilience and adaptability
Unit 7: Problem Behaviour and Solutions
- Problem behaviour and solutions
- Identifying causes of unwanted behaviour
- Spooking
- Biting
- Kicking
- Resistance
- Adjusting training plan to suit individual horses
- Balance correction with welfare
Unit 8: Reflection
- Reflection
- Learning review
- Self-assessment
- Goal setting
Study Hours
Estimated duration 40 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Approval and Recognition
Australian Online Courses Pty Ltd is an approved and recognised member of IARC. The IARC is an International association that recognises quality and excellence in tertiary education providers.
Testimonials
I really enjoyed studying with AOC, I particularly liked the self-paced component of it. The tutors had great response time and were very helpful in answering questions and giving feedback.
Shirley | Mt Pleasant, SA | Certificate of Horse Behaviour and Training
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrolment Form – Employment Services and Rehabilitation Providers
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY and EFT/Direct Deposit. Please allow 1-2 Business days for processing for EFT and BPAY.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no course or subject pre-requisites for entry into our programs. However, our professional development programs are generally intended for people over the age of 18. In some circumstances, enrolments from younger people may be considered. Please complete the AOC Parent Guardian Consent Form prior to enrolling and submit here.
Are there any computer requirements?
To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
How is this course delivered?
This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email only during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
Professional Development for:
- Horse Owners
- Horse Trainers
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