This year Equido will soon be part of the Argyll College curriculum and students on the West Coast will be able to study at both the College and a new Equitation Centre soon to be opening.
Latest news is that Equido will also be launched this year in Spain as an alternative qualification and we are looking forwards to working with our Spanish contacts to develop the system in their country. Recent press coverage includes the following:-
“The Courier, 4th August 2009″
Equine centre opening defies downturn
SCOTLAND’S LEADING natural horsemanship yard will be offering students yet another opportunity to study Equido on the West Coast of Scotland.
Industry-accredited Ross Dhu Equestrian, which has its original base in Larkhall, helps horses overcome their emotional and behavioural problems and is not letting the economic downturn affect its success as its waiting list of clients increases and staff recruitment is at an all time high.
Defying the recession, the company has increased from just one member of staff in 2004 to five today, and has worked alongside and trained major organisations such as Scotland’s animal welfare charity the Scottish SPCA on how to handle large animals.
Enjoying a reputation as the leading rehabilitation yard from the home of Super Vets, the veterinary centre in Liphook, Ross Dhu work to provide an environment for horses recovering from severe injuries, as well as training equestrian owners on how to communicate with their animals.
Built five years ago by best-selling author, Morag Higgins and her husband Mark, the centre offers an opportunity for horses to be housed and students to study a comprehensive training method and system that has been tailored by Ross Dhu Equestrian’s 30 years of experience to bridge the language barrier between horse and rider.
Catering for beginner and advanced levels, a fast track level one option has recently been set up due to high demand, which helps eager students qualify in a short space of time, particularly useful if they are in full-time employment and can only study during holiday periods.
The system teaches how to use control and balance to influence a horse’s movements and state of mind. Two of Ross Dhu’s students have recently fully qualified as Equido level fourtrainers. Fifty students are enrolled on the course and two colleges and universities have shown interest in taking on Equido as part of their curriculum.
Morag said, “The further opportunities to study Equido at different centres throughout Scotland is a response to the long waiting list we currently have and is definitely a good strategic step for the business. “Ross Dhu was built with the sole aim of meeting the needs of the horses and their owners and we have set the standards for natural horsemanship yardswe’re thrilled with the progress we’ve made from being a small business to getting to where we are today and just hope the students keep coming.”
Looking forward to the future, Ross Dhu will be carrying out training clinics around Scotland to demonstrate their methods and techniques. Morag has been recognized as top alternative professional trainer and has been involved in lecturing trainee vets from the Royal Dick Veterinary Hospital.