Equine Behaviour
| Course Code | BAG216 |
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| Fee Code | S3 |
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| Duration (approx) | 100 hours |
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| Qualification | Statement of Attainment |
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Study Horse Psychology
Training without tears
Understand and recognise what constitutes normal behaviour in your horse and learn to respond appropriately to abnormal behaviour. The study of equine behaviour provides a foundation for more sensitive and informed care and training of horses. Lessons cover genetics, perception and behaviour, communication and social behaviour, sexual and reproductive behaviour, learning and training and behavioural problems.
“This is a fascinating topic. Anyone who works with horses will get value from completing the course. Horses are large animals in relation to their human trainers and they cannot be trained safely or effectively using brute force. Having a deeper understanding of equine behaviour and intelligence will allow you to minimise the frustration you may often feel when trying to handle your horse.” J. Pollock - B. Sc. (Biology), Dip. Prof. Ed.
Lesson Structure
There are 7 lessons in this course:
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Introduction: Influences and motivation
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Why study equine behaviour?
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What motivates behaviour?
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Reactive behaviour
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Active behaviour
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Cognitive behaviour
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Species behavioural differences
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Learned behaviour
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Classical conditioning
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Stimulus conditioning
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Trace conditioning
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Delayed conditioning
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Operant conditioning
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Terminology
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Genetics and Behaviour
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Understanding the basics
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Heritability
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Epigenesis
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Innate behaviour
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Selective pressures
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Social behaviour
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Rank
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Conflict
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Equine Perception and Behaviour
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Imprinting
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Negative imprinting
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Sensory reception
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Mechanoreceptors
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Thermoreceptors
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Chemoreceptors
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Photoreceptors
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Stimulus filtering
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Communication and Social Behaviour
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Social Constraints
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Herd Membership
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Auditory signals
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Chemical signals
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Communication
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Co-ordination
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Cohesion
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Sexual and Reproductive Behaviour
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Sexual encounter
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Isolating mechanisms
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Birthing behaviour
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Foal imprinting
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Maternal behaviour
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Abnormal behaviour
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Learning and Training
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Conditioning and learning
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Shaping
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Extinction
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Habituation
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Instrumental Learning
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Thorndike’s Law of Effect (1913)
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Operant and Respondent Behaviour
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Pseudo-conditioning
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Intero-ceptive Conditioning
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Temporal Conditioning
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Biological Aspects of Learning
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Associative Learning
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Obedience
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Reinforcement
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Punishment
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Systematic desensitisation
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Counter conditioning
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Behavioural Problems
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Types of Abnormal Behaviour in Horses
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Diagnosing Behavioural Problems
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Indicators of Pain
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Indicators of Mild Fear
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Indicators of Extreme Fear
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Stress
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Stereotypes
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Stable Vices
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Prevention
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Ridden Vices
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Handling Vices
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Problems during loading
Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is submitted to the school, marked by the school's tutors and returned to you with any relevant suggestions, comments, and if necessary, extra reading.
Aims
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Identify factors affecting equine behaviour
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Describe the influence of genes on equine behaviour.
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Explain how horses perceive and how they respond to various stimuli
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Explain how horses communicate and the nature of their social organisation.
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Explain the sexual and reproductive behaviour of the horse.
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Describe the different ways that horses learn and how this can be applied to the training environment
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Explain how and why behavioural problems occur and how they can be prevented
Flexible Study with ACS Distance Education
ACS Distance Education is unique. We allow you to choose how you study, where you study, what you study, how much you study, and when you study.
- Work fast or slow –you choose the intensity of study
- Start, pause or restart according to changing demands of work, family or lifestyle.
- Study this course by itself; or combine with others for a qualification
- Mix and match modules so you only study what you want or need to learn -We allow you to construct your own “tailor made” certificates or diplomas
- Options in assignments allow you to focus on things with greater interest to you.
- Study electronically (online or using a CD); or using printed notes.
- Use (or don’t use) supplementary services for extra learning want –unlimited access to tutors, an online student room, social media, bookstore, etc
- Orientation video and student Manual at the start of your course will provide a clear guide to how you can study and get all sorts of support no matter where you live
