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For adults & kids, ages 14 and above.
Designed for current and prospective horse and pony owners, RSPCA Victoria's Equine Excellence course will empower you with the knowledge and skills to provide the best possible care for your horse or pony.
This hands-on course will be delivered by our in-house experts, and includes working safely around horses, caring for your horse (including hoof care, nutrition, parasite protection, housing, and shelter), first aid, plus much more.
The course is designed for:
- New horse & pony owners
- Adults & kids considering purchasing a horse or pony
- Hobby farmers new to horse ownership
- Anyone looking to increase their knowledge of equine management and equine first aid
- Individuals looking to enter the equine industry, or are new to the industry
- Individuals interested in caring for higher needs horses, rehabilitation and fostering.
You will learn:
- The importance of natural behaviours in horses and how promote these behaviours in the way that we keep and care for horses.
- How to work safely around horses, considering their field of vision and the area you are in.
- Preventative health and management measures in areas such as hoof care, internal parasites, nutrition, housing and shelter.
- Pre-purchasing considerations when looking for a horse or pony.
- How to identify signs of good health and welfare, and what to do if there is a movement away from you horse's 'normal'.
- Basic first aid for horses, including what to include in a basic first aid kit for horses and how these items can be used in emergency situations.
Who runs the course?
The course is run by three in-house experts, as well as our course facilitator. Their experience includes:
- An RSPCA Victoria’s Education Liaison Officer who holds Certificate II Animal Studies, Certificate 1 & 2 Equine Industry, Certificate III in Racing (Advanced Stable hand),and Horse Safety Australia Accreditation.
- An experienced veterinary nurse who is a long-term horse owner and competitor.
- A Horse And Livestock Animal Attendant who has recently graduated from a Bachelor of Science majoring in Animal Biology, and is an experienced horse owner and handler.
Details
You will learn
- Learn how promote natural behaviours in horses
- Learn about different equipment and grooming tools for horses
- Learn about basic wound care for horses and other common care tips
You will get
- Certificate of attendance
Appropriate for
Suitable for 14 years and above
Preparation
What to wear
Closed in shoes for admittance into the barn. Weather appropriate clothing for outdoors
Cancellations & Refunds
If the organiser cancels the class:
You are entitled to a full refund.
If you can't attend the class:
- A refund can be requested 7 days before class starts. Free of charge.
- A transfer can be requested 7 days before the class starts. Free of charge.
- A credit note can be requested 7 days before the class starts. Free of charge.
No changes will be allowed after these times.
Terms & Conditions
Face to Face courses
- Program activities are conducted by RSPCA Victoria Education Officers and staff. RSPCA Victoria reserves the right to alter activities or cease programs should staff and participant safety be compromised.
- For safety reasons, participants must wear appropriate clothing and closed-in shoes.
- RSPCA Victoria reserves the right to cancel the class should minimum numbers not be met. A full refund will apply in these circumstances.
Online On Demand Courses
The above does not apply. Please contact education@rspcavic.org.au for assistance.
DISCLAIMER
Participants may be involved in a range of hands-on activities during training. While the RSPCA takes all reasonable precautions to ensure the safety of participants, all participants engage with these activities at their own risk. By enrolling in these programs you acknowledge that you understand this disclaimer and release RSPCA (Victoria) and its employees, agents, volunteers and contractors from any liability whatsoever, to the extent permitted by law.
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Equine Excellence
Coming Soon: More classes in the works!
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