What is the Purpose of Animal Behaviour?

It is assumed that all animal behaviour is an adaptation designed to support survival, either directly or indirectly. However, this is not always the case. Animals can behave self-destructively, out of habit, or out of boredom, just as humans can. To better understand the behaviour, we should also consider what motivates it.

The study of equine behaviour provides a foundation for more sensitive and informed care and training of horses, and can help you understand your horse's behaviour, and work more effectively with its inherent nature.  

There are 7 lessons in this course:

1. Introduction: Influences and motivation
2. Genetics and Behaviour
3. Equine Perception and Behaviour
4. Communication and Social Behaviour
5. Sexual and Reproductive Behaviour
6. Learning and Training
7. Behavioural Problems

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.

• Identify factors affecting equine behaviour.
• Describe the influence of genes on equine behaviour.
• Explain how horses perceive and how they respond to various stimuli
• Explain how horses communicate and the nature of their social organisation.
• Explain the sexual and reproductive behaviour of the horse.
• Describe the different ways that horses learn and how this can be applied to the training environment
• Explain how and why behavioural problems occur and how they can be prevented