Equine Psychology Course (Level 3 Diploma)

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How is the course structured? 
The OLQA Level 3 Equine Psychology course is divided into ten comprehensive modules:

Module 1 - An overview of psychology

This first unit of the Diploma in Equine Psychology introduces the general principles of psychology, to provide a foundation for the rest of the course. It covers the following topics:
The development of psychology as a scienceDefining the mind, intelligence and cognitionThe different branches of human psychologyThe different approaches to studying psychologySome of the main psychological theories and well known scientistsThe different factors that can cause behaviourHow findings from psychological studies can be applied to animals and to horses in particularA look at the history of the study of psychology, including the findings from the study of equines and other species

Module 2 - Evolution of the horse and behaviour

This unit covers the evolution of the horse and the development of the different breeds, and how this is related to the behaviour of the horse. The unit looks at the following topics:
The basics of genetics and inheritance of characteristicsThe theory of evolutionNatural and artificial selectionThe history of domestication of the horseThe development of the different breeds of horseHow breed differences can affect the temperament and behaviour of a horseThe evolution of the horse and the different breeds. Different evolutionary theories. The history of domestication

Module 3 - Learning Theory

Although undoubtedly a lot of equine behaviour is instinctive, much of it is also learned, through life experiences or through deliberate training. This unit examines in detail how horses learn. The unit covers the following topics:
The different ways in which horses can learnHow psychologists have developed their theories of learning through experimentationEnvironmental effects on learningTypes of reinforcementConstraints on learningHow memory is important for learning to take place

Module 4 - Sexual and reproductive behaviour

 Behaviour of horses can be affected by the process of reproduction, in terms of sexual behaviour of mares and stallions, and the nurturing shown by a mare towards her foal. This unit covers the following topics:
The hormonal changes occurring at pubertyThe hormones involved in reproduction and their effects on behaviour, for both mares and stallionsThe oestrus cycle of the mare and how behaviour is affected throughout the cycleThe effects of castration on behaviourThe maternal behaviour of the mareThe normal behaviour of a newborn foal

 Module 5 - The psychology of the young horse

The previous unit looks at the sexual and reproductive behaviour of the horse, and also the very early behaviour seen in a newborn foal. This unit carries on from there and covers the behaviour and psychology of the young horse as it develops and grows. It covers the following topics:
The normal behaviour of a newborn foalThe innate behavioural development of a foalThe rejection of a foal by a mare, and the problems that can occur when hand rearing foalsThe social ranking of a mare within a herd, and how this can affect the behaviour of her foalHow a foal learns and makes associationsThe procedure of weaning and separating foals from their dams, and the psychological impact of thisSome of the early handling and training that can be carried out with a young horse

 Module 6 - Natural equine behaviour

 We can learn a lot about the natural behaviour of horses by studying ethology, the observation of animals within their natural environment. By watching a herd of feral equines, we can determine which behaviours are natural ones. This unit examines natural equine behaviour as might be observed in a group of wild equines, and so does not cover the behaviour that is a direct result of training by humans, or that may be a direct result of life in a domesticated environment. The following topics are covered:
Identifying the types of behaviours that are innateThe senses of the horse and how these are related to behaviourThe nervous system and the way the brain controls behaviourThe endocrine system and its influence on behaviourThe social structure of a natural herdThe ways horses communicate with each other

Module 7 - Equine behaviour in the managed environment

In the previous unit the instinctive and natural behaviour of a horse the way it would likely to be if it was living in the wild was covered This unit looks at the domestication of the horse and how a horse may behave within this human managed environment. The following topics are covered:
The domestication of the horse and the different ways that horses are used for work, sport and recreationThe differences between the natural and domesticated environment of horsesThe ways that artificial management and feeding techniques are in contrast to a natural lifestyleThe tack and gadgets that may be used when riding or handling horsesThe reasons why a natural lifestyle may not always be in the best interests of a domesticated horse

Module 8 - The causes of problem behaviour

Unit 7 looks at the ways in which a domesticated environment might differ from the way that equines would live within a natural setting. Although horses are very adaptable, the environment in which they live may sometimes influence their behaviour, and could be the cause of some problem behaviour. This unit examines some common behavioural problems, and the possible reasons behind them. The following topics are covered:
The internal effects on behaviour, such as hormones, health or genetics, or the effects of painThe possible effects of diet on behaviourThe environmental factors that could influence behaviour, such as confinement or social interactionThe learning element behind some problem behaviourThe ways that humans could influence the behaviour of horses through giving confusing signals

Module 9 - Dealing with problem behaviour

In order to deal effectively with problems, we first need to understand why they are occurring. Without finding out the real cause, we are at best just masking the symptoms, and at worst we may be causing distress to the horse and impacting upon its welfare. Failing to address behavioural problems in horses could lead to an escalation of the problem, which could even potentially become dangerous. This unit examines some of the techniques that can be used to find out the causes of behaviour, and will examine some of the ways that problem behaviour can be dealt with. It includes a different variety of methods that are currently employed, including those that may now appear outdated, in order that a comparison can be made. It should also be remembered that a solution that works for one horse may not be suitable in every case. All horses are individuals and respond to different techniques. The following topics are covered:
Determining the cause of a particular behaviourSome of the traditional methods of preventing stereotypical behaviourAltering the managed environment to reduce behavioural problemsWays of dealing with common handling and riding problems

Module 10 - Training horses using psychology

This unit looks at the different ways of training horses, and will compare traditional methods with some of the alternative methods. The following topics are covered:
The ways horses learn and how knowledge of learning theory can improve training techniquesThe traditional methods of training horsesTechniques such as working on the lunge, and free schoolingNatural horsemanship methods, and a look at how the natural behaviour of the horse can be used to obtain resultsThe body language of the horse and how it can be used to assess the training being givenThe rider’s attitude and how this can affect equine behavior

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