Overview
Discussing equine welfare can be challenging. We bring different perspectives, and responses to welfare issues are often emotional. This program challenges you to view welfare from the horse’s perspective. An evidence-based approach is applied to evaluate equine management issues and support well-reasoned positions. The curriculum builds an in-depth understanding of the Five Freedoms—a core framework in animal welfare—and explores the science that underpins sound management and welfare practices for horses in Canada and around the world.
Across four courses, this certificate equips you to identify and address behavioural and health challenges horses may experience as a result of management practices.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, you will be able to:
- Examine equine welfare from a global perspective by comparing international practices, management standards, and the roles of horses across different cultures
- Apply scientific approaches to assess animal welfare, interpret equine emotional states using behavioural and physiological indicators, and evaluate the impact of specific practices on well-being
- Critically analyze literature, case studies, and research to assess equine welfare and summarize advancements in the field
- Evaluate management and nutritional practices using an evidence-based approach, considering sustainability, health, and the influence of social and international pressures
- Identify common health issues in horses and explore strategies for their prevention and management
- Reflect on the ethical treatment of horses in various roles and discuss the future of equine welfare in Canada, the US, and globally
- Communicate professionally and compassionately about contentious industry issues, demonstrating the ability to engage with diverse perspectives and extract relevant information from academic and industry sources
Careers
This certificate is well-suited for anyone interested in the health and welfare of equids in their care and around the world, and will compliment careers and work in the following areas:
- Association management
- Rescue facilities and operations
- Facility owners and managers
- Veterinary practices
- Barn management and support workers
- Equine welfare specialist
- Equine health specialist
- Animal protection and welfare assessment
Details
This program requires the completion of one required course and three electives. Courses may be taken in any order.
non-degree
Enrolment is on a course-by-course basis and there is no application required. This program is intended for adult learners who are at least 18 years of age or have completed Grade 12 or equivalent. Course availability changes each semester. It is recommended you submit notification requests for each course in the program to be informed when registration opens. Course registration closes five days after the start of the semester. The courses are facilitated by an instructor and all students registered in the course progress through the course content at the same time.
Complete four required courses and two elective courses. Request your parchment through the SCS Student Portal once all requirements are met.
You can take up to 5 years from the start of your first course to complete and receive the certificate.
The price per course is currently $625. Course prices are subject to change and are not guaranteed. The total cost of the program may vary depending on available discounts* and the length of time to completion.
*There are early bird and alumni tuition discounts available for this program.
Additional Information
If you would like additional information about this program, please contact our main office.
Sponsoring Partners
Note: Certificate and Diploma requirements have changed. Please refer to program transition page for more details.