Online Certificate in Equitation Science
In partnership with Equitation Science International, Purdue University offers a distinctive online certificate for horse enthusiasts and professionals seeking a more informed, ethical approach to training. Grounded in the latest equine research, the program explores how horses think, move and learn — helping students build practical skills and safer, more effective training habits across any riding style or discipline.
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Overview
Advance your horsemanship through evidence-based equine training methods.
Offered in partnership between Purdue University and Equitation Science International, this distinctive online certificate program brings a modern, evidence-based approach to horse training, handling and behavior. Rooted in the latest equine science research, the program emphasizes learning theory, equine cognition, biomechanics and welfare — moving beyond tradition to promote ethical, effective training for horses in any discipline.
Across four progressive courses, students explore foundational principles, practical groundwork, under-saddle training and advanced techniques for behavior change and retraining. Ideal for riders, trainers and equine professionals seeking to deepen their understanding and improve outcomes, this program equips learners with the skills to create safer, more predictable horse-human partnerships grounded in science, free from bias and focused on the horse’s well-being.
The cost of attending Purdue varies depending on where you choose to live, enrollment in a specific program or college, food and travel expenses, and other variables. The Office of the Bursar website shows estimated costs for the current aid year for students by semester and academic year. These amounts are used in determining a student’s estimated eligibility for financial aid. You can also use our tuition calculator to estimate tuition costs.
Program Specifics
Requirements
Access to a horse is required for participation in Courses 2 through 4.
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.
This advanced course is designed for riders ready to take their horse training skills to the next level — whether you’re looking to teach new tasks like jumping, working equitation or trick training, or to re-train horses with behavior challenges. Building on a foundation of equitation science, this course focuses on applying learning theory to more complex training scenarios, both in-hand and under-saddle. You’ll learn to identify and resolve conflict behaviors, use critical thinking to problem-solve and ensure both horse and handler safety throughout the process. Ideal for those seeking a deeper, more confident approach to training and behavior change.
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Get your questions answered, receive application help, or plan your degree journey by speaking with an enrollment counselor. Request more information today by filling out this form to connect with a Purdue University enrollment counselor and receive additional program materials.
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