EBQ Stage 1

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Stage 1
Stage 2
Stage 3
Stage 4

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Schedule
Price

Format of the EBQ

Modules need to be completed in chronological order. Final commitment for the qualification need only be made on registering for Module 7 (which includes the first formal assessment). The course is structured so that students who are either unsure or do not wish to follow it all the way to qualification, may still benefit from learning more about horse behaviour.

MODULE 1 - Aim: Introduction to horse behaviour and needs (Three days)

	evolution of horses
	herd behaviour and social structure
	hierarchies of needs in horses
	introduction to the Selfish Gene theory

MODULE 2 - Aim: Introduction to learning and play in horses (Three Days)

	introduction to animal intelligence
	instrumental learning in horses
	dominance and submission in horses
	introduction to play behaviour

MODULE 3 - Aim: More learning theory, behavioural development (Three Days)

	classical conditioning in horses
	other types of learning
	developmental behaviour in foals; attachment theory (and implications for artificial weaning practices)
	using clicker training as part of behaviour modification

MODULE 4 - Aim: Introduction to physiology of horse behaviour (Three Days)

	introduction to physiology and neurology of behaviour
	introduction to stress in horses (behavioural and physiological indicators)
	the theory of sleep and sleep/wake cycles in horses
	introduction to reproductive behaviours in horses

MODULE 5 - Aim: Introduction to equine welfare (Three Days)

	fear, anxiety and phobias in horses
	welfare problems related to stallions
	stereotypies and other abnormal behaviours in horses

MODULE 6 - Aim: more advanced horse behaviour problems and how to solve them (Three Days)

	structuring and running a consultation
	ethics of working with vets
	solutions for behaviour problems – pulling it all together
	live practice at running a consultation

MODULE 7 (a) - Aim: Additional teaching and commencement of Final Assessments (Four Days)

During the first two days of the module, teaching continues as before:
	Learning in animals in utero
	Physiology of positive and negative reinforcement
Final Assessments take place over the last two days and comprise five sections:
	Formal assessment of consultation with a client
	Written analysis of horse behaviour presented in the form of a short DVD
	Written assessments (3 papers: General, Physiology and a Case Study)

MODULE 7 (b) - Aim: Prepared Case Studies

Students submit answers to four written case studies within three months.

MODULE 7 (c)- Aim: Field Case Study

Students will submit the results of a Field Case Study based on advice given to a real client. The equine behaviour problem needs to be a level of seriousness that a progression towards a successful outcome would require approximately three month’s work. It is a requirement that the initial consultation with the client is submitted on video for assessment.

Course Price Details

OTHER ISSUES

Revision Module

After completion of Module 6, an optional module is sometimes available for those students who require more consultation or case study practice prior to commencement of Final Assessments in Module 7. Revision is available as a one or a two-day format depending on students’ requests. Current experience has shown that around 95% of students elect to attend this module.

Time limit for Completion of EBQ

There is a time limit of two years in which to complete EBQ (Stage 1). Sometimes more than one date is offered for earlier modules (See Schedule of dates) but Modules 3 and beyond are always offered only once annually, so students should plan their study in advance. Typically, a dedicated student could expect to complete EBQ (Stage 1) in approximately 16-18 months

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

Retention of this qualification requires annual renewal that takes the form of attendance of a CPD course at least once per year at the Natural Animal Centre (either in Wales or in Africa) where graduates of the EBQ will be given the latest up-to-date research on equines and other relevant animals. In this way, the Natural Animal Centre will ensure the integrity and quality of the EBQ remains intact. Currently, CPD is offered twice a year in spring and autumn.

Registration, Supervision, and the NAC Code of Ethics

On graduation of the SABQ (Exotics), the option of registering with the NAC is available, registered graduates work under the supervision of the NAC and sign up to the NAC Code of Practice and NAC Ethical Guidelines.

Advanced Qualifications - the Equine Behaviour Qualification (Stages 2, 3 and 4)

The Natural Animal Centre aims to be the first educational facility offering a professional qualification in equine behaviour with the emphasis being on teaching students how to offer scientifically-based but practical, hands-on solutions for clients with animals that have behavioural problems.

To this end, we offer a serious career path to those wishing to progress their scientific equine behavioural knowledge even further in the form of more advanced study. By building on work undertaken in Stage 1, further stages of the EBQ give students the opportunity to pursue in-depth equine behavioural study over four years, giving graduates a currently unsurpassed professional horse behavioural qualification.

Payment Terms and Required Reading

Students may pay as they register for each module. Upon registration, the full fee is due and part payments will not be accepted.

The Required Reading list for a module is sent to the student on confirmation of registration. Reading material is for the account of students.