Introduction to the course

In this course we define welfare and well-being, discuss social license to operate, explore the different lenses we use to assess welfare and well-being, consider psychological needs of horses, training styles, stress, choice and agency, emotions, and learning theories. There's a lot to cover and all of the material is backed by scientific literature which is available in the reference section at the end of the course. The lessons are short, accessible and easy to follow. No experience is required. Learners receive a certificate of completion and a skills badge at the end of the course. ALL PROCEEDS SUPPORT RESEARCH.

Why this matters

Understanding Welfare and Well-being Define our Practices

Understanding welfare, well-being, and the horse's subjective sense of well-being help us refine how we interact and manage domestic horses in our care. Knowing the basics of physical, psychological, and emotional well-being of horses creates safer environments for horses and humans and improves horse-human relationships.

What you will learn

Core concepts introduced in this course

  • Defining and Assessing Equine Well-being

    You will learn how to clearly define equine welfare and well-being and understand the difference between physical care and lived emotional experience. This section introduces the Five Freedoms and Five Domains models and teaches you how to assess welfare through both objective conditions and the horse’s mental state. By the end, you’ll be able to evaluate environments, management, and interactions through a horse-centered lens.

  • Psychological Needs, Stress, and Learning

    You will explore the psychological foundations of equine well-being, including the 3Fs (Friends, Forage, Freedom) and the 3Cs (Choice, Communication, Consent). This section explains stress physiology, thresholds, and how cortisol and dopamine influence learning, motivation, and emotional regulation. You’ll learn how to recognize when a horse is below, at, or over threshold and why this matters for welfare and performance.

  • Humane Training and Associative Learning

    You will examine how training approach shapes emotional memory and long-term welfare outcomes. This section covers humane hierarchy, appetitive versus aversive motivation, agency, and the science of associative learning, including operant and intrinsically motivated learning. You’ll gain tools to create learning environments that build optimism, resilience, and trust rather than fear or shutdown.

Course curriculum

    1. Welcome to Level 1 of the Equine Welfare and Wellbeing Course Series!

      FREE PREVIEW

    2. Introduction

      FREE PREVIEW

    1. Defining Welfare and Well-being

      FREE PREVIEW

    2. Welfare and Well-being Quiz

    1. Social License to Operate

      FREE PREVIEW

    2. Social License to Operate Quiz

    1. Why Welfare and Well-being Matter

      FREE PREVIEW

    2. Why Welfare and Well-being Matter Quiz

    1. Assessing Equine Welfare

    2. Assessing Equine Welfare Quiz

    1. Understanding Psychological Needs

    2. Understanding Psychological Needs Quiz

About this course

  • $55.00
  • 23 lessons
  • 2 hours of video content

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