Unit 1 

The horse sense:

• Sight
• Hearing
• Smell
• Touch
• Taste

Unit 2 

How intelligent are horses?:

• What is intelligence
• The horse’s brain
• Old and new ideas
• Intelligence testing
• Relativity of intelligence
• Looking at human attitudes

Unit 3

How horses learn:

• Classical vs operant conditioning
• Positive and negative reinforcement
• Negative reinforcement vs punishment

Unit 4

Common behavioural problems:

• Biting, bolting, bucking, raring, napping, spooking
• Difficulty catching
• Trailer problems
• Bad behaviour with vet, farrier or dentist

You will also complete a Special Study on a topic of your choice, relevant to the course.

On successful completion of this course you’ll receive the Animal Care College Certificate* in Intermediate Equine Psychology, graded to show the standard you have reached. There are no exams.

You will also receive the Certificate of Achievement at QLS Level 2 when you complete this course**.

Quality Licence Scheme endorsement involves robust and rigorous quality audits by external auditors to ensure quality is continually met. A review of courses is carried out as part of the endorsement process.

* The Animal Care College Certificate will be issued once you have successfully completed your course and finished your course payments.

**QLS registration fees included.

We recommend that you complete the Introduction to Equine Psychology course or have equivalent experience before enrolling on this course. Those with equivalent experience may be asked to speak with the tutor to identify the most suitable level to begin study.

We classify our courses by level to guide students towards the best course based on their experience. However, we strongly believe open study should be just that. If you’re open to challenging yourself, our tutors will be on hand to help.

This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to progress your career in the animal care sector, or better understand your own pet.

Once it’s completed, you may wish to further your study. If that’s the case, we’d suggest:

• Advanced Equine Psychology
• Advanced Horse and Pony Care

If you’d like to turn what you’ve learned into a career, or you’re wondering how best to apply it to your existing role, get in touch with one of our tutors, or contact our support team from 9am – 5pm.

Your first unit will be sent to you when you enrol, you can start as soon as you want and progress through the course at your own pace, studying when and where you choose.

Your course materials are broken down into manageable units and will include helpful guidance and advice as well as additional reading lists and tools to signpost where you can source further information. We would encourage you to carry out wider reading and research on topics covered in the course materials.

Your learning materials have been developed by experts so studying is easy and enjoyable. At the end of each unit, there will be an assessment to complete and submit to your tutor.

Studying with the Animal Care College is a great place to start your learning journey and will give you a solid grounding in animal care subjects.

The Animal Care College’s courses promote the best care of pets at all stages of their development. We believe working and engaging with animals is a deeply rich and rewarding experience. Although the theory learning is important, being able to put your skills into practice beyond the theory is even more so. We are here to help you every step of the way as you build meaningful bonds with animals and gain in-depth knowledge that can only be obtained by working directly with animals. We can help advise on potential placements and work experience where necessary.

There are no deadlines for this course. Simply study in the comfort of your own home, and in your own time.

Distance learning is designed to be flexible, but as a guide, students who can spend 4-6 hours a week studying tend to complete a single unit within a month.

You can contact our support team who are here to help you Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, at any point during your studies – to ask questions or for advice. Your tutor will mark your lessons, giving valuable, constructive feedback – helping you to master each step before moving on to the next. You can contact them for support or advice throughout your studies.