Course Description

Finding out just why horses do the things they do is the focus of Advanced Equine Behaviour. The field of horse behaviour and welfare has exploded with research in the last 10 years. Course Instructor Kelly Hecker Jimmerson will show you where to find the latest research and help you to develop the skills to critically assess and apply what you learn to real life situations. This course will provide you with a depth of knowledge on equine behaviour, learning and related welfare issues.

During the course you will:

• observe a horse's behaviour over time and activity
• design a training activity to teach a new behaviour
• create a behaviour evaluation checklist to make a well-informed evaluation of a presenting behaviour

At the end of this course you will have developed:

• a depth of knowledge of equine behaviour and learning
• several tools and resources aimed at analyzing, evaluating, and creating management practices that work for the horses in our care based on the evidence available to us

Understanding abnormal behaviour of horses and the management decisions that contribute to them will be a part of assessing and evaluating current management practices. You will have the opportunity to research a current or special topic in equine behaviour research as part of your work in this course. Past students have researched horse learning theory, horse psychology and behaviour, rehabilitating the abused and neglected horse and the effects of back pain on behaviour.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Interpret, analyze, and critique behavioural research reports and methods
• Locate, access, and evaluate sources of behavioural research & industry data
• Effectively report and assemble research data in a written paper and presentation
• Intepret a horse’s behaviour in a given situation using physiological, physical, social, and behavioural information
• Identify potential causes and generate appropriate solutions for such behaviour to improve the horse’s welfare
• Systematically evaluate management practices

Course Topics

This course has four units:

Unit 01: Exploring Equine Behaviour Research

• Recent history of equine behaviour research
• Tools behaviourists use
• Thinking critically about research

Unit 02: Understanding Equine Learning & Abnormal Behaviours

• Etiologies of Abnormal Behaviours and Vices
• Neurobiology of stress
• Pain assessment in equids

Unit 03: Relating Management Practices to Equine Behaviour and Welfare

• Specific management practices that influence stereotypic behaviours and welfare
• Applying evidence-based knowledge to improve equine welfare
• Influence of human behaviour on that of the horse's
• Changing human behaviour, perceptions, & attitudes
• Evaluating equine welfare

Unit 04: Research Papers, Presentations & ePortfolio

• Reviewing peer-reviewed equine behaviour articles
• Conducting a peer-review of written work presented in class
• Present research findings

Assessment

• Research Paper
• Lead a Discussion on the Research Paper
• Participation in Discussions
• Behaviour Research ePorftolio

Sponsors

Equine Guelph
Open Learning and Educational Support

Note:

You do not need access to a horse, or own your own horse to participate and be successful in this course.

You can expect to spend 6 - 10 hours per week to complete the course material, discussions and assignments.

Do you have more questions? Visit our program page Frequently Asked Questions or send us your question by completing the Request Information contact form.

Applies Towards the Following Certificates

• Equine Welfare Certificate : Required Courses