Advanced Certificate in Equine Studies

The Advanced Certificate in Equine Studies delivers an advanced introduction into the equine industry, covering a broad range of topics, including caring for and breeding horses, understanding the health of horses and the complex nature of horse behaviour. Whether you are already working in the equine industry and wanting to further develop your knowledge and skills, or wanting to pursue a career in the field, this advanced certificate will help you get ahead and set you up for success. 

Course Outline

Students will undertake 5 Key Modules, made up of 35 subjects.

Module 1: Horse Care I (100 hours)

In this introductory module, you will learn the basics to horse care from an international team of equestrians and animal scientists. From understanding the importance of dietary requirements and the digestive system of horses, to grooming and handling the animals, you will develop the foundation skills and knowledge required for anyone who is regularly around horses.

The module will also cover topics such as what is involved when buying and selling horses and will help you identify commercial opportunities in the equine industry.

Module 2: Horse Care II (100 hours)

In this follow up module, Horse Care 2, it delivers a stronger focus on the care of stabled performance horses and covers subjects such as stabling, foot care, bedding, tack and conditioning. Learn and analyse the feeding requirements and feeding techniques available for horse husbandry, discover how to develop a stable management program, and learn about the management and design of facilities used in the horse industry.

Module 3: Horse Care III (100 hours)

Horse Care 3 delves deeper into the specifics around horse health conditions and how their health can be impacted by different situations such as while travelling or competing in events. You will gain a better understanding of how to identify signs of poor condition and ill-health and what steps to take to improve the health of your animal. You will explore the various factors that can put horses under stress and what can increase susceptibility to problems, and in addition, learn how to minimise these risks.

Module 4: Breeding Horses (100 hours)

Horse breeding is an important sector within the equine industry; and a knowledge of breeding horses is of great value to anyone who works with horses, not just breeders specifically. In this module, you will explore the complex world of breeding, from learning the basics of how horses breed, to how to minimise risks to mare and foal during pregnancy and birth.

You will also gain a better understanding of the characteristics of foals being produced, what to look out for and expand your knowledge on each stage of the pregnancy, birth and after care of the foal.

Module 5: Equine Behaviour (100 hours)

Horses are complex animals and understanding equine behaviour goes hand-in-hand with handling and caring for horses. This module will explore the nature of horses for more effective training, better management or simply to improve the bond with your horse. Throughout your studies, you will develop your horsemanship skills, learn about horse behaviours and why they do what they do and what can impact equine behaviour. Through gaining a better understanding of horse behaviour, you will also learn ways to better communicate with your animal, whether it be in the day-to-day care and handling of the horse, or in a training or competitive environment.

For the full subject list and course guide, fill out our Enquiry Form and our course advisors will be in touch.

Assessment

Assessments are a critical step in the learning process. They help ensure you stay on track and meet the learning objectives of each lesson before moving onto the next. They also help your tutor identify where any further support may be required, so that you get the most out of your course.

You will learn via various methods; a combination of reading, interacting with tutors, undertaking research and watching videos. Each lesson will conclude with an assignment which is marked by your assigned tutor and returned to you with feedback, and if necessary, some recommended additional reading. Assessments may come in the form of – case studies, quizzes and written assessments.