As an accredited UK Rural Skills Training Centre, we are able to run a wide number of equine based courses.
Additionally we have developed our own courses which have achieved accreditation through UK Rural Skills, ensuring you of high quality training.
Scentwork for Equine Enrichment
This short course consists of two half days of theory, followed by a submitted video assessment of the participant having trained their own horse or pony.
Loosely based on dog scentwork training, it utilises the natural scent detecting instinct of the horse to search and locate food, objects and people. Developed with assistance from Veterans in Communities who provided a specialist dog trainer and with almost all proceeds being returned to Veterans in Communities, this course has achieved accreditation from UK Rural Skills.
Absolutely unique this course is suitable for all equines of all sizes and ages, and the training and enrichment can be used in an arena, car park, field or any safe area. Additionally the work could be used for horses on box rest to provide mental stimulation. The course covers elements of physiology in the differences between the equine and human brains, an understanding of positive reinforcement in a training context, theory behind scent movement and the use of different scents.
Minimum age 14
Two half days of theory, followed by a submitted video for final assessment.
Equine Behaviour
This UK Rural Skills course aims to give trainees knowledge, understanding and basic skills in the behaviour of equines. It covers the skills necessary to assess an equines behaviour in a safe and effective manner to ascertain whether it is safe to perform the required task. It also covers the skills and knowledge necessary to ensure that interactions with equines reinforce desired behaviour and do not result in setting up undesirable behaviour patterns. A good understanding of the processes of routine training will help to ensure that routine interactions with the equine comple,ent the pre-existing training. Theory covers setting appropriate training goals, shaping plans for desired behaviour, the difference between flooding and desensitisation, counter conditioning and schedules of reinforcement.
Minimum age 16.
One day course.
Understanding Equine Facilitated Learning
This UK Rural Skills accredited course was developed here in response to the need for interactions which benefit the equine as well as the human in Equine Facilitated Learning. It is a short course of sessions which can benefit the relationship between equine and handler equally and have been used in our own EFL work. Each session involves hands-on interaction with our own equines, with reflection on the benefits and discussion of how the equine benefits. This course is the precursor to our upcoming Equine Facilitated Leader course for handlers and trainers who want to work with people who are disadvantaged through ill health or disability of a wide range through interactions with horses, but where they recognise that the equine must benefit equally in the session. Throughout all sessions the equine is given choice and freedom to express like, dislike or even to end the interaction.
Minimum age 16
Series of 8 one-hour sessions.