Equitation Science Certificate

If you’re looking to deepen your understanding of how horses think, learn and move, this course offers a thoughtful and approachable introduction to the science behind effective, ethical horse training. You’ll explore how behavior, biomechanics and learning theory work together — helping you see your horse in a whole new light.  

Using the 10 Principles of Horse Training from the International Society for Equitation Science as a guide, you’ll learn how to create practical, evidence-based training plans that support clear communication and a better partnership with your horse, no matter your discipline or style. By the end of the course, you’ll be able to put your learning into action by developing a real-world training plan.

This hands-on course builds on foundational equitation science principles and introduces students to the art and science of in-hand training. By focusing on calm, responsive behavior from the ground, students learn how to train horses to respond to light aids while maintaining rhythm, line and head position. These in-hand skills not only promote safety and relaxation but also lay the groundwork for effective under-saddle work. Through evidence-based techniques, students will gain the confidence to handle and train horses in a way that’s ethical, rewarding and grounded in proven methods.

This course introduces riders to the essential building blocks of under-saddle training using clear, science-based methods. Building on groundwork skills from in-hand training, you’ll learn how to apply learning theory and the equitation science training scale to develop the 10 basic responses in the ridden horse. Through a focus on rider position and shaping responses progressively, you’ll create a more responsive, relaxed and predictable horse no matter your discipline or experience level. This unit lays the groundwork for everything from confident trail rides to more advanced performance goals.