Equine Welfare and Wellbeing

Equine Welfare and Wellbeing Course Series: Level 1 - Welfare and Well-being

This is the second course in the Equine Welfare and Wellbeing Course Series. This covers definitions of welfare, assessing welfare, stress, and learning. This is a required course for later badge modules

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Introduction to the course

Understanding how horses sense and interpret their environment is the foundation of equine wellbeing. This free course gives you a clear and science-based introduction to the sensory world of horses and how it shapes their behaviour, emotions and everyday needs. The lessons are short, accessible and easy to follow. No experience is required.

Why this matters

Horses and humans do not perceive the world in the same way

Horses rely on their senses to feel safe, understand their surroundings and communicate. When we learn how horses see, hear, smell, touch and taste the world, we can support them in ways that feel calmer, clearer and kinder. This awareness reduces stress, strengthens welfare and creates safer interactions for both horses and humans. It is the starting point for any welfare-based equine practice.

What you will learn

Core concepts introduced in this course

Sensory perception

Learn how horses use sight, hearing, smell, touch and taste to understand their surroundings. You will see how sensory experiences shape behaviour and emotion, and why horses respond differently than humans in similar situations.
Emotional signals

Identify subtle behavioural signs that reflect relaxation, curiosity, uncertainty or rising stress. Understanding these cues supports safer interactions and allows you to respond in ways that reduce tension and improve welfare.
Evolved needs

Explore how a horse’s sensory world links to their evolved needs for safety, movement, forage, social bonds and predictability. This perspective helps you create environments and interactions that better align with how horses experience and navigate their world.

Course curriculum

1. Welcome to Level 1 of the Equine Welfare and Wellbeing Course Series!
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2. Introduction
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1. Defining Welfare and Well-being
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2. Welfare and Well-being Quiz
1. Social License to Operate
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2. Social License to Operate Quiz
1. Why Welfare and Well-being Matter
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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
1. Why Training Approach Matters
2. Why Training Approach Matters Quiz
1. Stress in Horses
2. Stress in Horses Quiz
1. Choice, Agency, and Consent and the Role of Dopamine
2. Choice, Agency, Consent, and Dopamine Quiz
1. Associative Learning and Emotions
2. Associative Learning and Emotions Quiz
1. Course Summary
2. References for Level 1
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3. Level 1 Final Assessment

About this course

$55.00
23 lessons
2 hours of video content

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