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Equine Behavior & Management

The Equine Behavior & Management program is designed for horse trainers, owners and enthusiasts that would like to develop a deeper understanding of equine behavior - including training, cognition, emotions, health and nutrition. Our comprehensive program will improve the management of the horses in your care, enhancing their welfare and producing a stronger human-equine bond.

Outcomes

​Your training will allow you to:

  • Create and implement training plans to teach horses new behaviors and to extinguish or reduce unwanted behaviors.

  • Develop a firm understanding of equine social behavior, including dominance, herd structure, reproductive behavior, parental behavior, and courtship.

  • Interpret equine sounds and body language in order to improve human-equine communication.

  • Develop a detailed understanding of equine sensory systems and how horses process information.

  • Identify signs of anxiety and boredom in horses and create an environment that reduces stress.

  • Select the most appropriate equipment and techniques to minimize anxiety during training.

  • Create an effective diet based on an animal’s age, sex, reproductive condition, and activity.

  • Recognize common ailments and their symptoms.

Program

The specialized certificate in Equine Behavior & Management requires the completion of three online courses (9 academic credits) and a field requirement consisting of 40 hours of hands-on experience as an employee, intern or volunteer at an approved institution of your choice.​

Courses

​Required courses:

  1. ABI 127  Equine Minds & Emotions

  2. ABI 237  Equine Behavior

  3. ABI 317  Equine Health & Nutrition

Careers

Upon graduation, students may begin using the designation CEBMS, Certified Equine Behavior and Management Specialist. Many of our graduates start their own businesses after obtaining their certificate, working as independent trainers and behavioral consultants. Other graduates find work at riding stables, training facilities, or equestrian centers. The outlook for professionals in animal care and service, which includes equine trainers, is very positive. Employment in these areas is expected to grow 11% over the 2016-26 decade, faster than the average for all occupations*. Salaries vary greatly based on the specific field or employer. For example, independent animal trainers may work for $20-50/hour or more. Animal care staff working in other fields may earn considerably less.

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Our Approach

Students at the Animal Behavior Institute participate in a highly interactive online classroom, engaging in regular dialog with their professors and student colleagues. You'll receive feedback each week, completing collaborative projects while working with your own animals. This collaboration, coupled with the weekly mentoring each student receives from their instructors, ensures that you will receive a very personal education.

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