Online equitation science certificate applies the latest research to advance horse training

Purdue University is partnering with Equitation Science International, a leading international source of equitation science information and education, to offer a distinctive online certificate for horse enthusiasts and professionals seeking a more informed, ethical approach to training. 

The program is grounded in the latest equine research and brings a modern, evidence-based approach to horse training, handling and behavior, exploring how horses think, move and learn to improve human and horse communications and make handling horses safer for the horses and the handlers alike. 

Students can progress through four courses that emphasize learning theory, equine cognition, biomechanics and welfare — moving beyond tradition to help build practical skills and safer, more effective training habits across any riding style or discipline. The courses must be taken in order, but students don’t have to sign up for all four and can stop at any course if they decide they have the information they need. 

Ideal for riders, trainers and other equine professionals seeking to deepen their understanding and improve outcomes, the science-backed program equips learners with the skills to create safer, more predictable horse-human partnerships free from bias and focused on the horse’s well-being. The courses also are useful for veterinarians and veterinary technicians who work with horses. 

“Although it’s definitely appropriate for people who are employed in the horse industry, from a content perspective I think this would also be very beneficial to general horse owners who want to learn more about evidence-base and science-based practices for interacting with and training their horses,” said Colleen Brady, Purdue professor of agricultural sciences education and communication, whose research focuses on equitation science. 

Brady noted that more than 80% of people involved in the horse industry in the U.S. are recreational horse owners. Purdue with its internationally ranked College of Agriculture is the only U.S. educational institution offering the Equitation Science International program, which was developed in large part by Dr. Andrew McLean, one of the leading equitation scientists in the world and a founder of the International Society for Equitation Science. 

The four courses in the program include: 

• Equitation Science Training Principles, a thoughtful and approachable introduction to the science behind effective, ethical horse training. 

• Groundwork with Equitation Science, focusing on the art and science of in-hand training and including hands-on exercises students log and receive feedback on. 

• Building Basics Under Saddle, covering essential building blocks of under-saddle training using clear, science-based methods. 

• Equitation Science Advanced Training, designed for individuals ready to take their horse training skills to the next level, teaching horses new tasks like jumping, working equitation or trick training, or to retrain horses with behavior challenges. 

For more information and to register visit the program website.