EBQ Stage 3

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>>Introduction

Stage 1
Stage 2
Stage 3
Stage 4

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Preamble

Whilst the EBQ (Stages 1 and 2) focus primarily on understanding horse behaviour from the perspective of ethology, learning theory and the relevant physiology, in Stage 3 students are introduced for the first time to behavioural concepts relating to the genetics of horse. Once the basic aspects of genetics are understood, the student will re-visit many of the subjects studied in Stages 1 and 2 learning to make comparisons between the equine genotype and phenotype.

Stage 3 also incorporates more advanced conditioned reinforcement than that undertaken in previous stages (in the form of clicker training). In so doing, Stage 3 raises the standard of the practical use of clicker training horses to a level more akin to that being used by the most innovative and advanced of marine mammal trainers. As always, the emphasis remains on maximizing the use of positive reinforcement as part of behavioural modification therapy in helping horses that have behavioural problems.

By offering an advanced Stage 3 qualification, the Natural Animal Centre (NAC) aims to raise the international standard of professional equine behavioural advice available to horse owners, equine welfare organizations and veterinary surgeons by giving them the opportunity to seek advice from equine behaviourists with a superior, trustworthy qualification.

Course format

Other than in exceptional circumstances, the entry level for Stage 3 is graduation of Stage 2 and an invitation from the course supervisor.

The complete course comprises 7 modules (23 days of lectures, assessments and practical study) held at the NAC as well as a section of assessments to be undertaken at home. Modules need to be completed in chronological order. Note: the student is required to bring a horse (and its companion) to two of the modules held at the NAC for practical clicker training tuition.

Final commitment for the qualification need only be made on registering for Module 7 (which includes Final Assessments).

Students are expected to supplement their study at the NAC with Required Reading as well as practice at home a number of clicker training tasks with a horse.

MODULE 1 - Aim: Advanced Practical Horse Handling and Training I (Four Days)

(practical sessions working with horses are alternated with advanced learning theory sessions (beyond Stage 2), including) :
	habituation, flooding and conditioned suppression re-visited
	cognitive dissonance and conditioned inhibition in the equine phenotype
	more on learning without reinforcement (beyond Stage 2)

MODULE 2 - Aim: Introduction to genetics (Three Days)

	introduction to cytology and gene replication
	heritability of behaviours
	simple case studies with genetic implications

MODULE 3 - Aim: Genetics and behavioural modulation (Three Days)

	Darwin and animal expression of emotions; the Selfish Gene revisited
	neural plasticity and genes
	genetic predispositions for certain emotions in horses

MODULE 4 - Aim: Comparative analyses of genotype and phenotype (Three Days)

	the affects of breed and temperament differences on behaviours
	the equine ethogram revisited (based on above)

MODULE 5 - Aim: Welfare issues relating to genotype vs phenotype (Three Days)

	welfare of individuals with respect to genetic predispositions
	abnormalities of paternal and maternal behaviours re-visited
	stereotypical behaviours in horses and genotype

MODULE 6 - Aim: Advanced Practical Horse Handling and Training II (Four Days)

(practical sessions working with horses are alternated with advanced learning theory sessions (beyond Stage 2), including) :
	how to incorporate analyses of genotype vs phenotype into consultations
	pulling it all together - solutions for more advanced behaviour problems together

MODULE 7 (a) - Aim: Conclusion and Final Assessments (Three Days)

Apart from teaching as normal on the first day of the module, final Assessments will be made on the succeeding two days and comprise five sections:
	Formal assessment of consultation with a client and a horse
	Written analysis of behaviour presented in the form of a short DVD
	Written assessments (3 papers: General, Genetics and a Case Study)

MODULE 7 (b) & (c) - Aim: Prepare Case Studies and Clicker Training Project

In Module 7 (b), students submit answers to two written case studies for assessment

In Module 7 (c), students are required to demonstrate practical application of the teaching of clicker training to a client who has a horse with a behavioural problem. Practical training sessions to be videoed and submitted for assessment. Preparation for the latter will occur throughout Stage 3 with modules 3 and 6 containing advanced clicker training practicals to be undertaken by students whilst attending lectures at the NAC.

Course Price Details

OTHER ISSUES

Becoming a more effective behaviourist - both verbally and practically

Throughout Stage 3, practical sessions are undertaken designed to assist the development of the behaviourist’s consultation skills. This includes sessions on self-development as well as opportunities to practice imparting highly technical information in plain English. Considerable practical emphasis will be placed on the NAC approach to the horse during a consultation.

Time limit for Completion of EBQ

There is a time limit of two years in which to complete EBQ (Stage 3).

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 NAC (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 NAC 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 (Stage 4)

The NAC offers 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 Stages 1, 2 and 3, a final stage 4 allows students to further their in-depth equine behavioural study, 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.