This course offers an engaging yet comprehensive introduction to the fascinating study of equine behaviour. While the subject is vast, this course provides a strong foundation, making it an excellent starting point for those new to psychology or seeking to deepen their understanding of how horses think, react, and communicate.
Through structured learning, students will explore key behavioural principles, gaining insights into equine instincts, social interactions, and responses to various environments. Whether for personal interest or professional development, this course equips learners with essential knowledge to better understand and work with horses effectively.
Why choose us?
✅ Comprehensive & Detailed – Unmatched in-home study quality! ✅ No Work Experience Required – Focus purely on theory and essential knowledge. ✅ Immediate access to course material! ✅
What You’ll Learn:
2. Sexual Behaviour and Foaling
- Sexual behaviour within a herd
- The effects of hormones on the male and female horse
- Reproductive anatomy and physiology
- The behaviour of the mare in season
- The effects of gelding a horse
- Courtship and mating
- Pregnancy and foaling
3. Foal and Young Horse Behaviour and Psychology
- The differences between altricial and precocial species at birth
- The first few hours of a foal’s life
- Critical and sensitive periods
- Imprinting and imprint training
- Social communication between horses
- The importance of play for a young horse
- Weaning of foals and separation from the mare
- Learning, and classical and operant conditioning
- The principles of reinforcement and the way horses learn
- Habituation
- The shaping of behaviour using successive approximation
4. The Behaviour and Psychology of the Adult Horse
- Evolution of the breeds of horse, and the differences between artificial and natural selection
- The equine senses, and their impact upon the behaviour of the horse and its survival
- Sexual, psychological and physical maturity and the normal development
- The development of social behaviour, and aggressive behaviour
- Herd behaviour and the hierarchy within a herd
- The elderly horse and behavioural changes
5. Unusual Equine Behaviour
- What is normal, and what is abnormal in terms of behaviour?
- Maladaptive learning
- The causes of stereotypical behaviour
- Physical problems that can alter behaviour
- Vacuum activities and fixed-action patterns of behaviour
- Self-mutilation
- Aggressive behaviour and the possible causes
- Anomalous reactivity and learned helplessness
- Latent learning
- Escape and avoidance learning
6. Avoiding Problem Behaviour
- Determining the cause of problem behaviour
- Buying a horse and vetting it
- Stress in horses and how to reduce it
- The management of horses in line with natural equine behaviour
- The traditional methods of stopping stereotypical behaviour
- Artificial gadgets used in horse training
- Alternative methods of dealing with problem behaviour
- Shaping of behaviour, including the use of clicker training
- Feeding to avoid problem behaviour
Course Details:
Study Level 3
The study Level relates to the how demanding the course is. 1 is beginner and 5 is HND / Foundation Degree level.
6 Module Course – This course is delivered in 6 study modules which need to be passed to gain the qualification.
Your future starts here!
📚 Education in Animal Welfare, Training & Behaviour
✅ Enroll Anytime – No strict start dates
🌍 Study from Anywhere in South Africa
📖 Choose from 30+ Courses
📝 Open to Everyone – Except Advanced Diplomas
⏳ Flexible Learning – Each module takes up to 4 months, or finish faster
🚫 No Exams ✅ Interactive Learning Approach Each module includes: 🔹 Research-Based Questions – Strengthen understanding through exploration 🔹 One or Two Projects – Apply your knowledge in real-world scenarios 🔹 Revision Questions – Reinforce key concepts for mastery
💳 Affordable Payment Options
🏅 Internationally Accredited Learning Institution by ICOES
📜Locally Recognised by SABCAP
🔹 Also Recognised by IAABC, CBTS, NCFE, IACE, ISAP
