Training and more training
I am frequently asked about our training program for our therapy horses. Mostly people want to know how long it takes for a horse to become a therapy horse. Others ask if there is a governing body for The answer is not a short, easy one. I'll go thru a little bit of our process to answer the question.
I choose a horse based on a color or looks, sometimes size, (smaller for kids events and taller if they will do bedside visits) or if a horse is looking for a new home. Once they arrive I look for several things:
are they approachable,
are they inquisitive, and
are they of a sound horse mind.
It is easy to forget that under all that cuteness is still a horse that thinks like a horse and has to be trained like a horse. We begin by going thru an evaluation that shows me how they react to stress, or pressure. They are usually a bit nervous since they are in a new place, away from their old herd and I am new to them as well. I want to know that the horse has not established as its first line of defense: to kick or bite.
Once we make this first assessment, we move to characteristics. I like to see a horse that is a bit curious. Our training is built on rewarding curiosity in the horse. We try to reward the horses and let them understand new things are good because a reward is associated with it. Steps for introducing new things are very slow and each horse goes at their own pace. After the initial “getting to know you” phase, we work on:
basic good horse manners,
basic lead work, and
basic commands.
The time to master these skills usually varies a bit from horse to horse. Some come with a bit of training and some we start from scratch. Our training never stops, horses need constant refreshing once a skill is learned. We are always going over the basics and then adding in a new skill. Just like people, some of the horses are quick learners and some need more time.
Horse Levels
Horses advance thru our levels as they acquire visit hours, training hours and advance in the level of difficulty. We have four levels of registration, ranging from Level I to Level IV. The average time for a horse to start making soft visits is 4-8 months. The time required to become a Level IV horse is at least 12 months of very consistent training. Of course, all the time is affected by how much you are able to get your horse out to do all that has to be done.
One level is not deemed better than another; rather - the levels indicate the type of atmosphere the horse thrives in. Some horses will always stay a Level II horse, because the horse prefers singular interaction. Other horses will be placed in the Level III registration because the horse enjoys parades and lots of commotion. Evaluation during training will help determine registration and placement for each therapy horse.
A Level I horse has completed all the necessary training to be able to make their first visit. They worked thru obstacles, mock-visit training, loud noises and other experiences that are not normal for the average horse. The trainer/handler believes they have prepared this horse, to the best of their ability, to make a safe first visit.
A Level II horse is ready to make a “soft visit”. This kind of visit is usually to a Lowe’s or Home Depot (home improvement) or Walmart stores. The interactions at these events can be controlled, generally meeting one person at a time. The handler notes during the visit any new encounters, and takes these evaluations back to train further.
A Level III horse is able to make “hard visits”. These visits are in a less controlled atmosphere, with more people. The interactions at these events are generally with a group of people, more energy, and more going on. The handler is the advocate for the horse, and relies on the training they have done with the horse.
A Level IV horse has been consistently making a high level of visits and training for over 12 months. The select horses in the level have been exposed to all types of visits, and can easily do a visit in any atmosphere. These type of visits require extensive advanced training because of the surroundings, and the activity of visitors is unknown.
We are blessed in our therapy program to have trainers with many years of knowledge and also have a true love of our horses. Our main goal is always to have a well trained therapy horse. And, more importantly, having that well-trained therapy horse placed in our program correctly.
All miniature horses can be trained BUT not all miniature horses will make a great therapy horse. Its our goal to pick horses we feel will love their job as much as we do.
Autonomous Training Opportunities
Over the years we have developed courses to help with people who wanted to train their miniature horse for therapy work. When we first started our program years ago, we were calling other well known programs and no one would get back to us. So we decided we wanted to pave the way for a standard of excellence within the field of equine assisted activities. We now offer various levels of training for you! Here are some overviews of each option.
Miniature Therapy Horses DVD
This DVD set consists of 6 informational DVDs from one of our first seminars presented. It has a lot of information, but as a general overview. If you are just starting in your search and would like general information about the world of miniature therapy horses, this series is for you! Learn More →
The Complete Guide to Miniature Therapy Horses
This training option is available entirely online. We take the information from the DVD and discuss it in much more detail. Our guide is ideal for anyone who is independent but needs a bit of guidance or information about training or putting a program together from the beginning steps to the end. We even talk through setting up a 501(c)(3) and protocol for making visits. This option is great if you would like lots of details, and information for training your miniature therapy horse. The Complete Guide does not offer a Handlers Certification or Horse Registration thru Seven Oaks Farm. You are creating your own program. Learn More →
Certification & Registration Opportunities
Master Handler Certification
I want to start by saying: Right now there is no legal requirement for any certification or registration for miniature therapy horses and/or their handlers. The Master Handler Certification Course (103) is a course designed for anyone wanting to do miniature therapy horse handling and training. We want to come alongside you and help you with everything you need with training your mini for therapy work and starting your program. We truly believe this course is the best for both horse and handler because we cover everything you need to know in an all encompassing course, while still also allowing you to be autonomous. You will complete our 60 hour certification course then be your own program. Many other registration groups do not provide training material, they just require a test of pass or fail to register a therapy animal. Our goal is to evaluate you and your horse over a period of time, and always be available for you if you have questions about training or visit with your miniature therapy horse. We are here for you! Learn More →
Therapy Horse Registration
We created a registration program from our years of registration of horses within our program. We wanted to keep the horse in an environment they truly enjoyed. Instead of focusing on the number of visits as the sole factor for a level of registration, we want the handler to honestly evaluate their horse and determine what environment they believe their horse thrives in. We do have requirements for training logs and visit logs, and we discuss all that when you sign up for the registration. Just like the Master Handler Course, we want to help you with the whole training process. Learn More →
Have questions?
Please know, we are happy to answer questions or steer you in the right direction. You don’t need to purchase a course to ask a question, we are always happy to help. We believe there are no trade secrets in this industry, and we want to establish the same standard of excellency in every miniature therapy horse program.
Warm regards,
Lisa Moad
