Equido
Qualification Courses
ROSS DHU EQUESTRIAN Presents the opportunity to study a detailed and comprehensive training methodology and system designed and developed by Ross Dhu Equestrian.
This system gives the student the unique chance to qualify in an alternative training system based on Natural Horsemanship philosophy.
The Equido system is designed for all levels of students and each student can choose which level they would be happy to achieve. The highest level is Level 4 and this would qualify you as an Instructor and Trainer in the Equido system and enable you to operate your own facilities as a trainer and to train other students in the Equido system if you so wish.
Level 1
This level introduces you to the concepts and teachings of Equido whilst ensuring that you fully understand the basic requirements of horse care management. The level is split into ten modules and the student can choose the order in which to sit the modules (most do the simple ones first and get them under their belts). If there are any modules that the student is not too sure of then they can request a group lecture or private coaching session on that subject as part of their course fee. This can be arranged at a time to suit the student.
Level 2
This level is more in depth with regards to the horse care and management and begins to introduce the student to the concepts of Natural Horsemanship and the Equido system of work. It will introduce the student to the theories and concepts of energy and how they apply to the training of the horse. Again, everything is taken from the equine psychological point of view to allow the student to really begin to understand the equine mind and lay the foundations of good communications. This level is split into ten modules and again the student can choose which modules to sit and when. Any additional lectures or practical experience can be gained on site at Ross Dhu Equestrian at each student's request.
Level 3
Many students will be happy with the knowledge gained in Levels 1 and 2, but for those keen to learn more Level 3 offers concepts and teaching that can enable the student to fullyacquire the knowledge of a professional Yard Manager and Horse Trainer. It is at this level that the use of energy and Equido training ethos is applied and students may wish to begin to diversify into specific areas of expertise. For example, some students may prefer to specialize in work from the ground as opposed to ridden techniques. Again the level is split into modules, this time there are only 5 compulsory with 2 optional modules. This level is designed for those who wish to pursue a career in the equine industry and is geared to give the student the appropriate knowledge required for the training of horses in different disciplines using purely natural horsemanship techniques developed by Equido. A huge emphasis is put onto the psychology of the horse and meeting the training requirements whilst satisfying the needs of the horse. It will be a revelation for some students that you can produce top quality competition horses using totally alternative training methods without compromising on performance and ability.
Level 4
This is a requirement for those students wishing to be Instructors and Trainers in the Equido system. There are 7 modules one of which is optional. This level will also introduce the student to basic business management skills and booking keeping requirements when running your own business. This is the highest level an Equido student can attain and will qualify them as Professional Trainers and allow them to teach students of their own under the Equido umbrella. This level will also require the student to train and produce a minimum of four horses in their chosen discipline over a period of four months and keep all training records and client reports necessary.
STUDENT FEEDBACK
Don't just take our word for it, why not read some of the comments from current students:-
ALLISON McCULLOCH
How It Began For Me
I had previously been a student of the BHS and had intended to progress
through their exam stages. This, however, came to a premature, and somewhat
embarrassing halt at the failure of both sections of my Stage Two examination!
I had resolved to “try, try again”, but shortly after my
attempt I was proposed to by my, now, husband! As a result, planning
and paying for our forthcoming wedding and thereafter saving for and
buying our own property etc, etc, my exams got pushed further and further
to the background...now twelve years in the background!
So, when I had the opportunity to participate in the “Equido”
course I saw it as an opportunity to prove to myself that I could be
and, as I believed, was better than my Stage Two failure. I saw that
the structure of the course was in every way as comprhensive and thorough
as the BHS notes I had previously studied and, in areas, surpassed them.
Understanding Instead of Just Doing
The course notes, in fact, build upon solid foundations of common, safe and effective, methods of horsemanship and handling by looking at each area from the horse's point of view. I further found that, instead of approaching the first modules with a “know it all” attitude I had a lot of 'head slapping' moments when I re-looked at all the areas I thought I had “been there, done that”. By approaching the course with an open mind I found that, this time around, I really understood why I carried out certain procedures and techniques.
Learning and Exams
All lectures and practical learning sessions are carried out in an informal and friendly atmosphere, where your ideas are encouraged through discussion and humour is often present. Thereafter the exams are carried out in the same manner which makes for a stressless environment in which to progress through the modules.
What's To Come
I'm really looking forward to working my way through the “Equido” modules, in my time and at my pace. I've found a new thirst for knowledge and to learn which I didn't know I still had until beginning the course. I've stretched my “grey matter” for the first in a long time! But even the areas where, on first looking at the module and thinking “Can I really learn all that and pass an exam in it?” I found that any questions I had were answered, enabling me to fully understand the course material before I decided when I was ready to sit the exam.
A Note About Morag
I had 'found' Morag in 2004 when I was searching for help in overcoming
some training problems I had encountered with a young horse I had at
that time. I knew that the methods of horse handling I wanted to follow
were those which embraced co-operation as opposed to enforcement and
understanding as opposed to dominance. I knew of, and much admired,
the work of Monty Roberts and, on searching the internet, found the
“Intelligent Horsemanship” site which, in turn, led me to
Morag, as Scotland's sole Recommended Associate. I've since done all
my training at Rossdhu Equestrian.
My enthusiasm about her “Equido” course is shared by all
of Morag's students. We all believe in her and none of us were the least
skeptical when she shared her plans to make “Equido” a Nationally
recognised qualification. Morag has an inexhaustable enthusiasm for
her subject coupled with a deep depth of knowledge in every discipline
of horsemanship and in the areas of the Martial Arts, some of the principals
of which the course is interwoven with. All in all, she's a inspirational
person to be around!. She is funny and quick witted, honest and straightforward
with an integrity of character seldom met...But don't take my word for
it, come and meet her and the Rossdhu team for yourself.
MAUREEN MARTIN
Last year I was fortunate enough to be offered a place at Ross Dhu Equestrian, the home of Equido (well, my horse and I had been waiting for a long time!). It was here that I saw the Equido system in practice. I had always wanted to learn more about Natural Horsemanship. My first impression was the quiet calm manner with which each horse on the yard was handled. Anger and impatience had no place here. Morag and her husband Mark seemed to have a language that the horses understood. This is what Equido is all about, and so I began the course. Since then my confidence around horses has increased greatly (I had lost a lot of confidence after an accident). Studying the course is helping me to care for horses and respond to their needs in a way that is natural to them. Through Equido I am learning to understand and respect my mare Hannah as an equine, and I am looking forward to developing our partnership over many years to come.
