Equine Psychology & Behaviour

This engaging and in-depth course gives riders, owners, and equestrian professionals the knowledge to better understand how horses think, feel, and respond to the world around them. You’ll explore the psychology behind equine behaviour and gain practical tools to confidently approach unwanted or difficult behaviours in a calm, informed, and effective way.

Rooted in modern, welfare-focused horsemanship, this course goes far beyond the basics. It explores how horses perceive their environment, how they interpret human behaviour, and how to build trust and communication through thoughtful management.

Written and tutored by an experienced BHS instructor and veterinary physiotherapist, this course is widely recommended by professionals for its depth, quality, and real-world relevance.

Course Highlights

• Approx. 45 hours of guided, self-paced study
• Self-assessment tasks and optional tutor-marked final assignment
• Tutor feedback and email support throughout
• Immediate start – course files delivered automatically
• Study online or print for offline use

Who Is It For?

• Confident horse owners, riders or yard staff with basic stable management skills
• Anyone interested in natural horsemanship or behaviour-based training
• Career changers or aspiring professionals considering equine behaviour roles
• Students looking for a stepping stone toward higher education or advanced equine study
• Curious equestrians who want to understand what makes horses tick

Whether you’re aiming to improve your relationship with your horse, explore a new career path, or simply deepen your appreciation of equine behaviour, this course will challenge what you think you know — and leave you with insight that changes everything.

If you’ve ever wondered “why does my horse do that?”, this course has the answers.

Student Experience

Students often tell us this is the course that changed the way they see horses forever.

Whether you’re a knowledgeable rider, a horse owner, or someone with aspirations in equine behaviour, this course offers a fascinating and practical insight into how horses think, feel and interact with us. You’ll learn not just the “what” but the “why” behind equine reactions and habits – and how your own approach influences your horse’s behaviour.

You’ll receive two thoughtfully structured modules filled with real-world examples, research-based theory, and assignments that challenge you to apply your learning. Self-assessment tasks and tutor-guided projects encourage deeper understanding, while optional certification offers a chance to receive personalised feedback on your final work.

You won’t be left to figure it all out alone. Students benefit from free tutor support throughout, and your tutor – a BHS-qualified instructor and experienced veterinary physiotherapist – is available to help guide your thinking, clarify complex topics, or simply offer reassurance.

This course fits around your life. You can start immediately, work at your own pace, and revisit the materials anytime. Some students set aside an hour a week, others dive in more intensively, it’s up to you.

Whether you’re deepening your knowledge for your own horse, preparing for future study or simply curious, this course meets you where you are and takes you further than you expected.

Career Options

For anyone already working professionally on a yard — whether in riding schools, livery yards or competition environments — it enhances day-to-day decision-making and horse welfare management by deepening awareness of how horses interpret their surroundings and human interaction. This course provides essential, applicable knowledge that supports a modern, horse-centred approach.