New Short Online Training Courses

As the class of 2018 became the first graduates of the Level 3 Diploma in Equine Legislation, Welfare and Field Skills to receive their Diplomas last May, our Knowledge and Skills team were hard at work creating a new range of short courses that can be made available to everyone working and volunteering in equine welfare the length and breadth of the country.

Developed in consultation with statutory organisations, veterinary surgeons, nutritionists, equine behaviourists and animal and equine welfare charities specifically for the equine welfare sector the Diploma is the first regulated qualification for the many people working and volunteering in vital welfare roles throughout the sector. It provides a standard gauge of professional competence, but the level 3 Diploma is a two-year commitment and it became clear to the Trust that there was a need to provide key aspects of the training in a more flexible way.

As our Training Manager Charlotte Launder explains, “We had a high number of enquiries from people asking about the availability of training on different aspects of equine welfare, including subjects such as nutrition , Behaviour, Transportation and new legislation. With some research and taking feedback from the Diploma students we began exploring ways we could provide what we believe is an important service to the equine welfare community.”

Improving the welfare of all equines is a cornerstone of The Horse Trust mission  and with that in mind the Trust have launched their first set of short courses covering key areas of “the job”  through their online learning technology.  Flexible, job specific and affordable the courses will deliver material in bite sized format covering  aspects of legislation, welfare, handling and equine behaviour.

This exciting new programme has been designed for people who need to keep their knowledge and skills and understanding of new regulations up to date but find it difficult to fit training around a busy schedule and prefer working at their own pace.  With the Trust’s  e learning courses people can sign up online and complete their course online when its suits them best using their mobile phone, tablet or computer.  Participants will receive a certificate of completion on finishing their course.

The Horse Trust’s Chief Executive Jeanette Allen said “ Press acclaim for our Diploma course and the growing number of enquiries for additional training suggest a growing need for this service. We aim to advance excellence in equine care and, whenever and however we can, want to share expertise, and develop knowledge about best practice throughout the sector in a way that improves the welfare of equines everywhere. This sort of training can only help achieve that objective”

The  Horse Trust’s eLearning service launched in February 2019  initially offering eight courses including An Overview of the Animal Welfare Act 2006, Control of Horses Act 2015 explained, An Introduction to Horse Health, The Five Needs in Practice, An Introduction to Equine Nutrition, Meeting the needs of geriatric Equids, An introduction to Equine Behaviour, An introduction to the principles of how horses learn, An introduction to equine behaviour modification and Transporting horses by road.

More courses are nearing completion and will roll out over the next few months. With discounted rates available to individuals involved with Local Authorities and small charities prices are extremely affordable and there are discounts available for group bookings.