Equine Behaviourist or Trainer?

When faced with training or behavioural challenges with a horse, it can be difficult to know whether to seek help from an equine behaviourist or a trainer. While these professionals work to improve the horse-human relationship, their approaches, qualifications, and goals can differ significantly. Understanding these differences is key to ensuring the best possible outcome for both horse and owner.

In this webinar, equine behaviourists and trainers Justine Harrison and Trudi Dempsey will explore their respective roles, methods, and techniques. They will discuss how they assess and address equine behaviour, the importance of ethical and science-based approaches, and how to determine which professional is best suited to help in different situations. Whether you're a horse owner, trainer, or equestrian professional, this session will provide valuable insights into the complementary roles of behaviourists and trainers. 

Webinar content includes:

  • The key differences between an equine behaviour consultant and a horse trainer

  • How behaviourists and trainers assess equine behaviour and training needs

  • When to call a behaviourist and when to call a trainer

  • When you should call a veterinary behaviourist

  • How behaviourists and trainers can work together for the horse’s benefit

  • The science behind behaviour modification and training techniques

  • The qualifications and experience required for each role

  • Considerations of either role as a career

  • Common misconceptions about both professions

  • The importance of ethical, evidence-based approaches in working with horses

  • What’s in a name? What’s the difference between an equine behaviour consultant, a behaviourist, a behaviour specialist, an equine psychology specialist or an equine psychologist.

  • The importance of ethical, evidence-based approaches in working with horses

After the presentation, Trudi and Justine answered questions from the audience.

This presentation is for horse owners, students, equine professionals interested in horse behaviour and physiology.

Once enrolled, you have 60 days to watch this recording.

Who is this course for?

  • HORSE OWNERS

  • EQUINE STUDENTS

  • EQUINE PROFESSIONALS

Continuing Professional Development (CPD/CEU)

  • Course Contents

    1 x webinar recording and 1 x CPD/CEU quiz

  • Course Duration

    1.5 Hours

  • Certificate of Completion

    You can download a personalised CPD/CEU certificate after watching the webinar and completing the quiz.

  • BHS

    This course has been approved for 2 CPD points for BHS Accredited Professional Coaches by the British Horse Society. Upon course completion APCs can log their points by completing the CPD Feedback form on the BHS website.

  • IAABC

    This course has been approved for 1.5 Continuing Education Units (CEU) by the International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants (IAABC). You will need to request an IAABC CEU certificate directly from us, so please get in touch once you have completed the course and quiz.

  • IAAT

    Understand Horses is a trusted partner of the International Association of Animal Therapists, offering external CPD courses for its members.

  • KPA

    This course has been approved for 1.5 Continuing Education Units (CEU) by the Karen Pryor Association (KPA). Once you have completed the course you can contact us for an event code, then email both code and CEU certificate to the KPA.

Equine Behaviourist or Trainer?

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Your Instructors

JUSTINE HARRISON

Justine is passionate about improving horse welfare and founded Understand Horses to provide practical, evidence-based education for the equine community. She has worked as an equine behaviour consultant since 2007 and is an IAABC Certified Equine Behaviour Consultant, member of the IAABC Application Review Team, ABTC Accredited Animal Behaviourist, and Fear Free Certified Equine Professional. She is also a visiting lecturer in equine behavioural science at several UK universities, a welfare consultant for equestrian organisations, and an expert consultant in court cases involving equine behaviour. In addition to consulting on equine behaviour and welfare internationally, she mentors students and professionals, delivers lectures and workshops, presents at conferences, and regularly contributes articles and expert commentary to international publications.

TRUDI DEMPSEY

Trudi is a Certified Equine Behaviour Consultant with the IAABC and an Accredited Animal Behaviourist with the Animal Behaviour and Training Council. With over 30 years' experience combining classical dressage with clicker training, Trudi's focus is now training within a behaviour context, with particular emphasis on cooperative care and scentwork. Trudi sits on the IAABC Board of Directors and mentors trainers, behaviourists, and students working toward professional roles. She teaches accredited professional equine training and equine scentwork certificates. She has presented at the IAABC Foundation Conference and Understand Horses Live and writes for professional publications.

COURSE PRICE

On-demand webinar

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