COURSE OVERVIEW and Frequently Asked Questions
This Equine Positive Learning Horse Course is suitable for people of all ages that are interested in horses. Those with previous horse experience, those with very little or no experience and as a ‘learning tool’ for those teaching horse skills.
You can complete this course on your own or
share the experience with a friend or relative. Both names can appear on your certificate if you wish. You also decide how you will share the and enjoy the course with them.
The course covers a range of general horse activities with assignments and self directed activities to ensure you enjoy and understand the subject. The activities are part of the assignments you will send to us for assessment.
You will find the course a fun, interactive way to learn about horses.
The six modules are:-
1. Understanding horses
2. Safety and good practice
3. How to describe horses and ponies
4. Everyday care for horses and ponies
5. Horse and rider improvement
6. First aid and minor ailment for horses and ponies.
to view a sample module click here
Questions we are often asked:-
Do I need a horse or pony to complete this course?
No you do not, however you will need access to some quiet horse to work with to complete some of the activities. Make sure the owner of the horse is happy for you to do this and agree on the times when it is convenient for you to use their horse or pony to enable you to complete your assignments and succeed.
Do I have to be able to ride to complete this course?
No, if you no longer ride or have never ridden a horse you will still be able to complete this course. For Module 5 Horse and rider improvement you can observe horses or ponies being ridden and complete the assignment.
What will I achieve at the end of the course?
You will have learned a lot about how to understand, handle and care for horses and ponies and have some knowledge of how they need to be ridden, and how to handle the horse safely. Communicating with horses or ponies when handling and/or riding them will be clearly understood. You will find it easier to spot the signs when the horse is expressing how it feels by its reactions.
You will receive a certificate on completion of all six modules and automatically go into the competition for the ‘Animal Hobby Course Top Student Award’ with prize vouchers of your choice.
Can I do the modules in any order?
Yes you can do the modules in any order but we strongly recommend that you complete module one first, but you must complete the ‘student profile’ when you send back your first assignment. This helps us get to know you and to be able to understand, help and support you to do really well.
How long have I got to complete the course?
You have two years to complete this course. The time starts from when your course pack is sent to you. You can apply for an extension on this period for unforeseen circumstances. However we feel sure you will enjoy this course and be motivated to complete it quite quickly.
How can I get help from the tutors during the course?
You can email us at the Animal Hobbies Course Centre via our website or write to us here at the centre. Your tutor may contact you during the course to see how you are progressing.
What books will I need to do this course?
Your course material contains two wonderful books they are yours to keep! They are:-
Trudy Nicholson – ‘Away with Horses – understanding the horse & human relationships’ Pub Tandem Press--- 2004
E. Knox- Thompson & S. Dickens, NZ Pony Club Manual No. 1. Ray Richards, 1992
Page references to both of the above books are made throughout the course material with references and set pages to read from them.
You may already have some books abut horses that will help you complete this course.
We also strongly recommend:-
‘Code of Recommendations and Minimum Standards for the Welfare of Horses’, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries Wellington 1993
