Distance Learning Courses

Our distance learning courses are designed so that you can gain an accredited qualification from the comfort of your own home to take the first steps towards your career as an equine assisted professional. You can work your way up through each step, studying when you are available, fitting your learning around a busy life, stopping or pausing when necessary and gaining a qualification at each stage. You will receive a printed course manual and our distance learning trainers will offer help and support virtually throughout. Assessment is done via an online portfolio. Studying from home, you can work your way up to becoming a certified Equine Advocate or Assistant Riding Instructor who can work alongside an equine assisted practitioner or instructor. If you want to progress further to become a professional who can lead rather than assist in sessions, you can add on one or more of our intensive onsite training courses. 

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These courses form the foundation of our Therapeutic Riding as well as our Equine Assisted Learning vocational courses. Working through these distance learning units ensures that, by the time you are ready to attend one of our onsite intensive training courses, everyone is on the same page, has the same knowledge and starts on a level playing field. Why not start your journey towards becoming a certified equine professional today?

STEP 1: Introduction to Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies £99

 

The first step for all learners is the OCNCredit4Learning LEVEL 1 distance learning course. It has a 3 credit value and is ideal for anyone who wants to learn more about the basic premises of Equine Assisted Services.  It usually takes approximately six weeks to complete but you can work at your own pace and you can study from anywhere. Learning outcomes include:

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  • Understand and define Equine Assisted Services.

  • Understand the experiential learning process and explain the experiential learning cycle.

  • Know how Equine Assisted Services can benefit participants.

  • Understand the potential hazards and risks of equine assisted services.

 Step 2: Equine Assisted Learning Option

Equine Advocacy Course £450

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This LEVEL 2 distance learning courseis the next step for learners wishing to go on to provide ground-based equine assisted sessions. The course provides an awareness of the most up-to-date equine welfare and science-based training practices. Once you have completed the coursework portfolio, it qualifies you to work as an equine advocate in Equine Assisted sessions. Learning objectives include:

 

  • Understand the different models used to involve equines in learning and therapy.

  • Describe the differences between equine assisted learning, equine assisted psychotherapy and hippotherapy.

  • Understand the experiential learning process.

  • Know the ethical and safety considerations involved when working with equines and vulnerable people.

  • Demonstrate awareness of the ethical and safety considerations involved when working with equines and vulnerable people.

  • Develop practical equine handling skills.

  • Demonstrate safe equine handling

  • Be able to perform the role of Assistant at an Equine Assisted Learning session.

  • Describe the role of the Equine Assisted Learning Assistant.

  • Know how to monitor and evaluate learning.

  •  Analyse and evaluate a variety of learning and evaluation tools.

Step 2 :Therapeutic Riding Option

Assistant Therapeutic Riding Instructor Course £450

LEVEL: 2

CREDIT VALUE: 2

This LEVEL 2 distance learning courseis the next step for those wishing to follow the therapeutic riding training pathway. Once you have completed the coursework, you are qualified to work as an assistant in therapeutic riding settings.

Learning outcomes:

  • Understand the different models used to involve equines in learning and therapy.

  • Know the ethical and safety considerations involved when working with equines and vulnerable people.

  • Develop practical equine handling skills.

  • Understand the role of the Assistant in a therapeutic riding lesson.

  • Assist with the planning, delivery and evaluation of the three consecutive therapeutic riding lessons, showing how observations and evaluations inform future session plans.

  • Know how to lead and side-walk.

  • Demonstrate the three types of hold and the three leading positions used in leading and side-walking.

  • Know how to monitor and evaluate learning.

Pony Ride