How does one become an Equine Behaviorist?

Question

I'm really interested in studying animal behavior with a goal of becoming a professional, licensed equine behaviorist and trainer. I know what kind of school I need to become a trainer, but to be called a "equine behaviorist", how does one do that? They study a little of that in a program I was looking into, but I was wondering, are there ways I can study just that, or find someone to work with who trains horses by studying their behavior etc..

any info would be greatly appreciated :) thanks!

Answer 1

You need to move to either Louisville, KY or Lexington, KY. Its that simple. Go to either the University of Kentucky or the University of Louisville. Both of these colleges offer Equine programs and much of these cities' economies rely upon horses so while in these equine programs you will meet people who share your same interests. Best of luck, but seriously. KY.

Answer 2

Hello,

lol yup

Answer 3

i have no idea...but whatever eqquus says is normally spot on...

Answer 4

Look into school with behaviorism degrees and animal science or veterinary degrees. There are some interesting courses of study around.  Try Montana State University at Bozeman or Cornell in Ithaca, NY.  It think that Colorado State may be good, too.   I have heard of "Non Verbal Communication" Courses for medical school students using natural horsemanship to teach students to be able to read the body language of human patients better. That is in Arizona or New Mexico at a state university.  This is the best time to be looking for such a degree.  Also look in the classified of national horse magazines to find schools.  

Good luck!  This is just what I would want to study, too.  I know of several psychiatrists/therapists who use horses as therapy for their patients <unmounted>.

Answer 5

I'm sure you'd need to take college courses, probably get an Animal Science Degree and then specialize in Equine Behavior, but might be other pre-courses you'd need as well.

No idea where you are located at but have heard that University of Pennsylvania Vet School has a Equine Behaviorist Program. It's headed by a lady, Dr. Sue M. McDonnell, PhD

You can find info on how to contact her here.

http://www3.vet.upenn.edu/labs/equinebeh...

I'm sure if you contacted her she'd be very happy to point you in the direction you need to go to find the proper courses.

Also Auburn University in AL. Has Equine Behavior as part of it's Animal Science Course

Auburn University - Auburn, Alabama

Department of Animal Sciences - Dr. Cindy McCall

http://www.ag.auburn.edu/ansc/ResProgram...

You might also find some good info on how to get started here....

International Directory of Equine Behavior Researchers -

http://www.science.siu.edu/zoology/warin...

or here

Scientist Interested in Animal Cognition and Behavior -

http://www.pigeon.psy.tufts.edu/people.h...

Good luck! I think it's a great profession to go into. See so many "horse trainers" out there that have no idea why the horses do what they do and make no attempt to learn. The world needs more good trainers who use the horses natural instincts and intelligence instead of fighting against them and trying to oppress them

Answer 6

look up a guy called ryan gingrich, he claims to be a equine behaviorist. hes the only one I know of that uses this particular specialty name. He has a show on RFDTV. I think he has a website, just search him and find his qualifications, Im sure it entails an Equine degree along with a specialty in in behavior.