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Diploma in Equine Training & Coaching

Course Overview

The Diploma in Equine Training & Coaching is accredited by National Open College Network as an endorsed programme, accredited by UKRS and is Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) Recognised for ATI. This means that on successful completion of the course, you will be eligible to join the ABTC register as an Equine ATI – the first of its kind!

The first course, specifically for equines, that meets the Animal Training Instructor (ABTC-ATI)  standard set by the UK Animal Behaviour and Training Council!

The only pathway to ABTC ATI Accreditation for Equines.

This course gives you a unique opportunity to gain accreditation with the ABTC as an Animal Training Instructor for Equines. This course is the first of its kind to meet ABTC standards.

You will learn how to successfully apply behavioural science and learning theory to the practice of training horses, ponies and other equids by using a variety of techniques and you will learn how to teach owners and handlers how to apply these techniques too. The Diploma is multi-accredited and formally recognised by the ABTC as meeting their ATI Standard and is a pathway for those looking to become a registered ATI for equines on the ABTC register.

Plus, gain 36 CPD CEUs for the IAABC on successful completion of the course.

After completing the course, you will be able to apply to join the ABTC register. Following a successful assessment of the ATI performance criteria, you will be able to join the ABTC Register as a fully fledged ATI.

Start your journey to turning your passion into a vocation today!

2024 Key Dates

Enrolment is now open. This course is due to start in January 2025.

Payment options are available. Please apply for more details.

£3,900.00

Apply Now

Course Modules

  • This module introduces key concepts in animal behaviour and what it means to be part of the ABTC ETI community. You’ll begin with an overview of Animal Cognition, exploring how animals think and learn, followed by Herd Dynamics, which looks at how individual behaviours shape group interactions.

    We then delve into Selfish Gene Theory, explaining how genetic survival influences behaviour, and Attachment Theory, which examines the emotional bonds animals form. Together, these concepts provide a solid foundation for understanding the science of animal behaviour and will support your learning throughout the course.

  • This module delves into the key aspects of equine behaviour, starting with the Evolution of Equids, where you’ll trace the development of horses and how their history shapes their behaviour today. We then explore the Impact of Domestication, examining how human influence has changed equine behaviour and management practices.

    You’ll also learn about resource-holding potential and understand how horses guard resources and manage social interactions. Finally, we cover Equine Communication Methods, highlighting how horses communicate through vocalisations and body language, crucial for effective training and management.

    This module offers valuable insights into equine behaviour, enhancing your approach to training and welfare.

  • This module covers the advanced principles of animal training, starting with Associative Learning, Classical Conditioning, and Operant Conditioning, explaining how animals learn through associations and reinforcement. We also explore further concepts such as higher-order conditioning and methods for shaping & training new behaviours, giving you the tools to train equines ethically and effectively.

    You’ll gain insights into Positive and Negative Reinforcement, Reinforcement Schedules, as well as tried and tested techniques for managing over-arousal while learning to apply effective cue conditioning and Stimulus Control in training. We also address training problems and how to tackle complex training challenges.

  • This module explores the balance between effective training and ethical responsibility. You’ll learn how to navigate Positive & Negative Reinforcement, assess equines for training suitability, and prioritise their Behavioural Needs. We introduce Humane Principles and the ESAW Framework, guiding ethical decision-making in training.

    You’ll also study the NAC Training Matrix and understand how Management plays a crucial role in welfare. The module concludes with scenarios where Training Isn’t Appropriate, ensuring you can make informed, welfare-conscious decisions in every situation.

  •  

    This module focuses on the skills needed for effective coaching. You’ll explore different Coaching Methods and understand Coaching & Learning Styles to tailor your approach to each client. Building strong Client Relationships, understanding owner and horse motivations and working within your own competency are key elements covered, along with essential Health & Safety practices.

    We also discuss evaluating previous training history to inform your coaching strategies and provide practical advice on starting your business, helping you launch and grow a successful coaching practice.

     

“Do it! The time has absolutely flown by and it’s been worth every minute of assignment-related stress. It’s been a year of meeting and getting to know like-minded horse lovers, in-depth learning about horses and how they learn, and beginning to understand more about helping clients and building a successful business. I’ve absolutely loved it.”

– Fionna McCallum, completed the Diploma and now an ABTC-ATI.

Course Details

You must have at least three years of experience working with equines. Proof of a relevant level 3 equivalent qualification is preferred but not essential.

The relevant level 3 qualification may be, for example, Science, Psychology or similar at A-Level. If you are coming from the equine industry without relevant qualifications, we are happy to welcome you subject to an application.

You must have access to at least three horses for assignment work. If you have any queries about this, please get in touch with us at [email protected].

 

Take a look at our Equine Behaviour & Training Course, designed for owners and an optional pre-requisite for this course.

Full Enrolment

If you’re looking to take the course and gain the Diploma certification and eligibility to join the ABTC ATI register, the full enrolment place is for you. You can study alongside your fellow students with us over 10 months and complete the assignments and practical coaching to complete the course and gain the Diploma. On completion of the course, you will then be eligible to join the ABTC register as an Animal Training Instructor for equines.

The course is designed to be studied around work and life commitments and therefore, is suitable for anyone looking to study alongside a job or a busy life.

Auditor Places

There are a limited number of auditor places available in each cohort. These places allow individuals to join the course and take part in all learning aspects (including receiving 1-2-1 coaching on practical training skills) without taking the assignments and gaining the diploma certification.

This removes any stress of deadlines and allows learners to study largely at their own pace whilst being able to join in on the live discussion calls to gain the most from not only the content, but also the tutors and fellow students.

If you’re interested in taking the course but don’t want to take on the full financial commitment of the Diploma or you’d like to spread the cost, then an auditor space is for you. This place would suit you, if you would like to develop your knowledge and skills for use with your own horses without gaining the certification.

Auditors pay a discounted fee and are not able to submit any formal assignments nor gain the certification. However, there is an option for auditors that wish to gain the Diploma whereby you can join us for a second year, pay the remaining fee and complete the assignments.

Please apply below for more information.

You will be assessed through a variety of methods, with 8 assignments throughout the course duration. Assessment methods include but are not limited to:

– Written Reports

– Video Submissions

All individual assignments must receive a pass mark in order to complete the course.

Academic Level: Level 4 equivalent

Number of Modules: 4

Total Hours: 525 Learning Hours

Course Duration: 1 Year Course

This course is multi-accredited but is not an Ofqual-regulated qualification, and is not listed on the Register of Regulated Qualifications. The course has been accredited by the Ofqual-regulated awarding body NOCN as an endorsed programme which means it has undergone rigorous quality assurance testing to ensure the highest standard of educational provision for learners.

The Diploma is an e-learning based course delivered on our own NAC Portal. The course includes online content and assignments as well as live lectures, tutorials and discussion groups – providing an inclusive and interactive experience, even when studying remotely.
You will need good computer and internet access. Plus a device to video training and coaching sessions for assignments.

Course FAQs

  • Of course! We want to make sure that you feel as supported as possible throughout the course. Our course includes a forum page in which you can post any questions/queries and the tutors will give you advice, including allowing you to talk things through with fellow students.

    There will also be weekly discussion group sessions on Zoom that will give you the opportunity to ask any questions ‘face-to-face’ and have live discussions with the tutors and your fellow classmates, having had the opportunity to read and digest content discussed within the session, in the weeks prior.

    If you have any particular needs that might impact your learning on the course, please let us know during enrolment so that we can discuss how best to support you through the course. Access arrangements can be set up for students where necessary. This may include reasonable adjustments to assignments and deadlines.

  • All entry requirements can be found on the course’s main page on our website. For the Diploma, you will be expected to have some experience training and/or handling horses, for a minimum of one year and/or a UK level 3 equivalent education (or international equivalent).

    An example of a level 3 qualification could be an A-level in Psychology or it could also be a level 3 diploma in equine management from a land-based college. A level 3 qualification in a relevant subject will be ideal as, having previously studied to level 3, you are therefore likely to get the most out of the level 4 equivalent course. If you are coming from the equine industry without relevant qualifications, we are happy to welcome you.

    As part of The NAC’s Recognising Prior Learning policy, we are happy to accept students with no prior formal education who have experience in training and handling horses. If you are interested, please don’t hesitate to apply and we will contact you to discuss further.

     

  • The total study hours on the course is 525. Study hours include everything from watching live lectures, studying the course content, participation in discussion groups, reading recommended text books and resources, and the hours spent preparing and writing your assessments.

    Each module varies in length with some being longer than others, so an exact number of how many hours a week study is required will vary across the course, and everyone has different factors that will influence the amount of hours they need to dedicate such as prior learning and varying daily routines, but it averages out at approximately 12.5 hours a week.

  • Both module 2 and module 4 require you to carry out practical training with horses and to coach owners in reinforcement-based training approaches. Module 2 requires you to train three horses each, in a separate task (you will have the opportunity to choose from a set list of behaviours) and module 4 will require you to submit three separate ten minute coaching videos of you teaching owners or handlers, this can either be with their own horses or a horse that you have access to. The tasks will not include strenuous exercise, they are purely to assess your training and coaching skills against the course criteria.

  • The NAC aims to provide an outstanding level of service wherever possible to our learners and in line with that we have an appeals policy. Students must submit sufficient evidence that an appeal is justified.

    Your assignments and course work are marked internally, and they are externally verified, as well as being moderated by the ABTC; in addition students will have access to the marking framework for each assignment when it is given so you will have an idea of the level of work you need to achieve to reach each grade.

    Students are permitted one re-submit per assignment. If an assignment is not passed first-time around, students will be able to re-submit the assignment towards the end of the course.

  • The course is ten months long, during which time all work and assignments will be completed. In order to further support the growth of our students, we provide access to the learning platform for up to twelve months after the start date of the course (i.e. a further 2 months after the course has finished) to allow students to go back over course content, read assignment feedback, notes, etc.

    In terms of assignments, there are deadlines but as a training provider we aim to be as flexible and understanding as possible, where possible. There may be opportunities for The NAC to provide assignment deadline extensions to students where applicable.

    There will be weekly discussion group sessions, before which you will be asked to have read up to at least a certain point in the module so that you can engage in the discussion and everyone can move through the course as a cohort. Similarly, there will be some lectures that relate to assignment topics. Certain topics may require further study and support throughout this horse training course and therefore we include live lectures and recorded lectures throughout the course content to enhance your studies.

    You can submit your module assignments early if you wish, but we recommend waiting until the cohort is at that point in the course and all the content up to that point has been covered, to give you the best chance of achieving good grades.

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