Enhance the wellbeing and performance of horses in your care by gaining an understanding of what drives their behaviour. This course is ideal for horse trainers, riding instructors, horse owners, equestrian enthusiasts or anyone who wants to understand these majestic animals better.
The Certificate of Horse Behaviour and Training is an online professional development program that will teach you to understand how horses think and to apply this knowledge to manage difficult or problematic equine behaviour confidently.
In this online equine behaviour course, you will learn to identify factors affecting horse behaviour, as well as the influence of genes. You will also discover how horses perceive their surroundings and respond to stimuli.
You will also learn about horse communication and the nature of social hierarchy and organisation, as well as the sexual and reproductive behaviour of the horse. You will discover why problem behaviours occur and how horses learn, which can be applied to training and handling.
On completion of this course, you will have a foundation knowledge of equine behaviour to provide sensitive and informed care in the training and handling of horses.
Course Structure
Unit - Equine Behaviour
Unit 1 – Introduction: Influences and Motivation
- Why study equine behaviour?
- What motivates behaviour?
- Reactive behaviour
- Active behaviour
- Cognitive behaviour
- Species behavioural differences
- Learned behaviour
- Classical conditioning
- Stimulus conditioning
- Trace conditioning
- Delayed conditioning
- Operant conditioning
- Terminology
Unit 2 – Genetics and Behaviour
- Understanding the basics
- Heritability
- Epigenesis
- Innate behaviour
- Selective pressures
- Social behaviour
- Rank
- Conflict
Unit 3 – Equine Perception and Behaviour
- Imprinting
- Negative imprinting
- Sensory reception
- Mechanoreceptors
- Thermoreceptors
- Chemoreceptors
- Photoreceptors
- Stimulus filtering
Unit 4 – Communication and Social Behaviour
- Social constraints
- Herd membership
- Auditory signals
- Chemical signals
- Communication
- Co-ordination
- Cohesion
Unit 5 – Sexual and Reproductive Behaviour
- Sexual encounter
- Isolating mechanisms
- Birthing behaviour
- Foal imprinting
- Maternal behaviour
- Abnormal behaviour
Unit 6 – Learning and Training
- Conditioning and learning
- Shaping
- Extinction
- Habituation
- Instrumental Learning
- Thorndike’s Law of Effect (1913)
- Operant and Respondent Behaviour
- Pseudo-conditioning
- Intero-ceptive Conditioning
- Temporal Conditioning
- Biological Aspects of Learning
- Associative Learning
- Obedience
- Reinforcement
- Punishment
- Systematic desensitisation
- Counter conditioning
Unit 7 – Behavioural Problems
- Types of abnormal behaviour in horses
- Diagnosing behavioural problems
- Indicators of pain
- Indicators of mild fear
- Indicators of extreme fear
- Stress
- Stereotypes
- Stable vices
- Prevention
- Ridden vices
- Handling vices
- Problems during loading
Study Hours
Estimated duration 50 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.
Testimonials
About Us
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrol Online: Enrol Now
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)
Enrol via Purchase Order/Tax Invoice
Enrolling Multiple Staff?
To enrol multiple staff, please complete the Employer Enrolment Form. We’ll be in touch within 60 minutes during 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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