Diploma in Equine
Training &
Coaching
A 12-month, tutor-led professional Diploma course leading to ABTC Accreditation as an Accredited Equine Training Instructor. Learn to apply behavioural science to train horses ethically, and learn to coach the owners and handlers who work with them.
On successful completion you’re eligible to apply for ABTC registration as an Equine Training Instructor.
Skills grounded in science, ready to use
Train ethically & effectively
Train horses ethically and effectively using advanced positive reinforcement training principles grounded in learning theory and behavioural science.
Coach owners & handlers
Teach people, not just horses, so results hold long after your session ends. Help owners master the art and science of clicker training and understand it’s limitless benefits.
Work with clients
Build your business and understand the mechanics of creating a sustainable and thriving client base. Learn about client relationships, health & safety and the principles of coaching professionally.
A great professional instructor combines three
elements. This diploma teaches you to deliver all three.
01
Behavioural science first
How horses actually learn; cognition, communication, and the evidence behind every technique you’ll use.
02
Applied training second
Real horses, real training plans, assessed under tutor supervision. Theory becomes a repeatable practice.
03
Coaching third
Teaching the owner or handler so the training holds after you leave. This is what turns skill into a career.
What our students say, in their own words
A few minutes with a recent student — why they chose the diploma, what the tutoring was really like, and where it took them.Accredited by industry bodies
ABTC
Recognised as meeting the ATI Standard. This course supports registration as an Equine Training Instructor.
NOCN
Ofqual-regulated awarding body. This course is a NOCN-endorsed programme.
BHS
CPD-Approved by the BHS, counting towards your yearly Accredited Professional Coach CPD.
IAABC
Approved by the IAABC, this diploma is the equivalent to 3 year’s worth of CEU points in one go.
Five modules across 12 months
12 Month Diploma – 525 Hours
Foundations
Explore foundational concepts in animal behaviour and understand what it means to be part of the ABTC ETI community. Study animal cognition, herd dynamics, Selfish Gene Theory, and Attachment Theory to build a strong base for your learning.
Equine Behaviour
Delve into equine behaviour, covering the evolution of equids, the impact of domestication, resource-holding potential, and communication methods. Learn how these factors shape equine behaviour, enhancing your training approach.
Training & Learning
Master advanced Positive Reinforcement based training principles including associative learning, classical and operant conditioning, reinforcement schedules, and techniques for behaviour shaping. Address training challenges and learn about cue conditioning and stimulus control.
This module includes a Distance Practical Skills coaching programme with 1-2-1 video feedback from tutors on your training.
Welfare & Ethics
Understand the balance between training effectiveness and ethical responsibility. Study reinforcement types, assess equine training suitability, and apply humane training principles, including the ESAW Framework and NAC Training Matrix.
Coaching
Develop effective coaching skills through different methods and learning styles. Focus on building client relationships, understanding motivations, health and safety, and evaluating training history. Receive guidance on launching and managing your coaching business.
This module includes a Distance Practical Skills coaching programme with 1-2-1 video feedback from tutors on your coaching.
Apply if you…
This diploma is not…
Assessed against a published
& recognised standard
Distance learning, interactive
& genuinely supported
From experienced horse people to working professionals
“I’m loving it! This whole course has opened up my eyes – I'd just finished Uni and was planning on doing a masters but now I no longer want to…”
“The live lectures have been really useful! I have really enjoyed the course. The materials are easy to navigate in the website. I've definitely learned how to troubleshoot training scenarios much…”
“I really loved the horse centric approach throughout this course, the constant reference to ethics and welfare was refreshing as was the support for R+ training and definite avoidance of…”
“The support from the tutors is genuinely brilliant. The one to one calls are invaluable as I can ask any questions I may have. The opportunity in the calls to…”
“My expectations being an introductory course were that it wouldn't contain as much information as it did or be in depth. I was really surprised and also glad that I have…”
“I really enjoyed it. I've been using positive reinforcement as a training method for years but I believe you can always learn more. I've now learned the correct terminologies used…”
“Don't hesitate, just do it! Financially I was treated to the course as a gift as at the time it was too much of a stretch financially, but I knew…”
“I think this diploma is offering something very important This course has offered me some other perspectives on how people work with and train their horses. It has allowed the opportunity…”
“Thank you and all the staff so much! I had an absolute blast and learnt so much to aid me in my everyday care and training of my own horses…”
“I would say this course is one of a kind and well on its way to improve the equine training and instruction industry.”
“I enjoyed the weekend and particularly found the practical sessions on the second day really useful. I feel like I came away with some good ideas from the other people…”
“I had an amazing couple of days. I felt recognised which was just such a confidence booster. With it being a small group I didn’t feel overwhelmed, and…”
“The Diploma I received from NAC was life changing! If you want a career with horses, I highly recommend starting with NAC!”
“Tutors were always helpful and quick to respond to any questions The course was very well run. Course material was clear and comprehensive. The learning platform was easy to use. Weekly…”
“I’m loving it! This whole course has opened up my eyes – I'd just finished Uni and was planning on doing a masters but now I no longer want to…”
“The live lectures have been really useful! I have really enjoyed the course. The materials are easy to navigate in the website. I've definitely learned how to troubleshoot training scenarios much…”
“I really loved the horse centric approach throughout this course, the constant reference to ethics and welfare was refreshing as was the support for R+ training and definite avoidance of…”
“The support from the tutors is genuinely brilliant. The one to one calls are invaluable as I can ask any questions I may have. The opportunity in the calls to…”
“My expectations being an introductory course were that it wouldn't contain as much information as it did or be in depth. I was really surprised and also glad that I have…”
“I really enjoyed it. I've been using positive reinforcement as a training method for years but I believe you can always learn more. I've now learned the correct terminologies used…”
“Don't hesitate, just do it! Financially I was treated to the course as a gift as at the time it was too much of a stretch financially, but I knew…”
“I think this diploma is offering something very important This course has offered me some other perspectives on how people work with and train their horses. It has allowed the opportunity…”
“Thank you and all the staff so much! I had an absolute blast and learnt so much to aid me in my everyday care and training of my own horses…”
“I would say this course is one of a kind and well on its way to improve the equine training and instruction industry.”
“I enjoyed the weekend and particularly found the practical sessions on the second day really useful. I feel like I came away with some good ideas from the other people…”
“I had an amazing couple of days. I felt recognised which was just such a confidence booster. With it being a small group I didn’t feel overwhelmed, and…”
“The Diploma I received from NAC was life changing! If you want a career with horses, I highly recommend starting with NAC!”
“Tutors were always helpful and quick to respond to any questions The course was very well run. Course material was clear and comprehensive. The learning platform was easy to use. Weekly…”