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Train for a Career Working with Horses

Why Students Choose Us

All of our courses are 100% online 

Complete your classes from anywhere through our interactive programs, designed to fit around work, school, or other commitments.

Small classes taught by professionals

Courses are limited to small class sizes so you can learn directly from instructors with real-world experience training, managing, and caring for horses.

Field experience with real animals
 
Apply what you learn by completing a hands-on field experience at a stable, training facility, or equine organization in your area.

Request Additional Program Information

Tell us where to send your program brochure, and we’ll email you the full details including courses, career paths, and how to get started.
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This Program May Be a Good Fit If You:

  • Want to work professionally with horses as a trainer or behavioral consultant
  • Are passionate about equine welfare and low-stress training methods
  • Are considering starting or growing your own equine business
  • Want structured training from professionals already working in the field

Many of our students are:

  • Horse owners and enthusiasts
  • Riding instructors and barn managers
  • Career changers
  • Equine professionals looking to deepen their expertise
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Inside our Equine Training Programs

Working with horses professionally requires a deep understanding of equine behavior, training science, and care. ABI's Equine Training Programs are designed to help students build the knowledge and practical skills used by professional trainers and behavior consultants; going far beyond basic training to develop, implement, and evaluate complete training programs. 

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Equine Minds & Emotions

Explore how horses think, feel, and process the world around them. Students develop a detailed understanding of equine cognition, sensory systems, and emotions — the foundation for effective communication and humane training.
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Equine Behavior

Study equine social behavior, including herd structure, dominance, reproductive and parental behavior, and courtship. Learn to interpret equine sounds and body language to strengthen human-equine communication and identify signs of anxiety and boredom.

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Equine Training

Learn to apply principles of behavioral science to identify training goals and to develop and evaluate training programs. Students write behavioral modification plans, work through real training challenges, and learn to select equipment and techniques that minimize stress.
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Equine Health & Nutrition

Understand the fundamentals of equine care, including creating effective diets based on a horse's age, sex, reproductive condition, and activity level, and recognizing common ailments and their symptoms.

Hands-On Learning Through Field Experience

In addition to online coursework, students complete 40 hours of hands-on field experience as an employee, intern, or volunteer at an equine facility of their choice. This allows students to apply what they've learned while gaining valuable real-world experience working with horses.

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All courses are taught by instructors with professional experience in fields such as:

  • Horse training and competition
  • Barn and farm management
  • Equine health, husbandry, and nutrition
  • Animal behavior and welfare
  • Equine-assisted activities

Their real-world insights help students understand both the science behind equine behavior and the practical realities of working with horses professionally.

  • Structured 10-week courses
  • Fully online classroom environment
  • Small class sizes (maximum of 12 students) with personal attention
  • Field experience completed with a local equine facility of your choice
  • Accredited by the International Association of Continuing Education & Training

Students from across the U.S. and internationally complete the program while balancing work and personal commitments.

 

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Horse Trainer

Horse trainers work with horses to teach new behaviors, prepare them for riding or showing, and address unwanted behaviors. Their responsibilities may include developing individualized training plans, working with owners, and preparing horses for professional showing — including transportation, behavior, and physical appearance. Many trainers specialize in areas such as dressage, driving, or racehorse training.



Equine Behavioral Consultant

Behavioral consultants help owners and facilities understand and resolve equine behavior problems. Their responsibilities may include assessing behavior, writing behavioral modification plans, coaching owners on low-stress handling techniques, and improving overall equine welfare. Many consultants are self-employed, building their own client base.

Barn Manager

Barn managers oversee the daily operations of riding stables, training facilities, and equestrian centers. Their responsibilities may include managing feeding and care schedules, supervising staff, coordinating veterinary and farrier visits, and ensuring the health and safety of every horse in the facility.

Riding Instructor

Riding instructors teach students of all ages and skill levels how to ride and handle horses safely. Their responsibilities may include planning lessons, matching riders with suitable horses, and educating students on horsemanship, equine behavior, and care. Instructors often work at stables, camps, and equestrian centers.

Building Experience for Competitive Careers

Careers working with horses are rewarding, and employment in animal care and service is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations. Many positions (and successful independent businesses) require both formal education and hands-on experience. 
 
ABI's program is designed to help students build that foundation by combining structured academic training with practical field experience. Upon graduating, students may begin using the designation Certified Advanced Equine Training Professional (CAETP) or Certified Equine Behavior & Management Specialist (CEBMS), depending on their program. This is a credential that sets you apart whether you're launching your own training business or pursuing work at stables, training facilities, or equestrian centers. 
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Meet Carrie Iacobucci-Grimm

Advanced Equine Training & Equine Behavior & Management

Carrie's love for horses began on her grandparents' dairy farm in upstate New York, where she learned to ride her first pony. She went on to compete in barrel racing for over 16 years — but after witnessing challenging horse behaviors, injuries, and the way horses get labeled, she knew she needed a deeper understanding of equine behavior.

Carrie earned her certificates in Equine Behavior & Management and Advanced Equine Training from ABI, and launched her own business, AGE is JUST a NUMBER RANCH, LLC — where she now helps equine lovers understand behavior, safe handling, groundwork, and horse welfare.

Tell us about your goals and we'll help you determine if the Equine Training Programs at Animal Behavior Institute are the right fit for you.

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