Courses
Training & Registration
Miniature Therapy Horses are a popular topic these days. Lots of horse owners, just like you, want to make a difference in their community with these wonderful pint-size horses. But where do you begin? We want to help you navigate this wonderful world of training both your horse and yourself to be the best therapy horse and handler you can be. We don’t expect you to come perfect, rather - we want to help you from the ground up. We guide you through all you need to know about how to train and work with your horse, how to work on your own personal training and handling, and most importantly - autonomy in all of what we do.
One of the most frequent questions we’ve been asked is if our course will be recognized in your state, your facility or school. It is important to know that right now in the US, there is no legal requirement for any certification or registration for miniature therapy horses and/or their handlers. What we offer is the same training and methods we use in our own program; our handlers and horses complete the exact same training. We have also included all the information you need to create and implement your own program. We believe the training courses we offer are the best for both horse and handler because we cover everything you need to know in an all encompassing course. We offer you the keys to training your horse and yourself as a handler. You will work at your own pace through the same materials and training that we have in place here at our farm. You will be completing the same required training as those who work on our team, however, you can work in the comfort of your own home.
We WANT to help you. We believe there are no trade secrets in this industry. When one of us is successful it reflects well on everyone, our desire is to raise the standard of care and help others achieve that goal too. How you handle your horse will be different than how we handle, your personality and horses reflect who you are. The material will all be the same, but each group will be different. Whether you decide to focus on children’s’ visits or assisted living homes, each person, horse and program will be unique in their own way. We are different, but all hold the highest standard for miniature therapy horse work. We are here to help you achieve your dreams of using your miniature horse as a therapy animal.
Below you will find educational material created specifically for miniature therapy horses and their handlers. Whether you are just looking into the field or have been doing this for years, our course is for you. We hope you feel you have found the information you have been looking for, we think you have. Having the right information is key to success. As we mentioned before, we are here to help, whether you take a course from us or not, you are always welcome to ask questions. We will do our best to answer them for you.
Individual Training & Study
The Complete Guide
The Complete Guide to Miniature Therapy Horses is ideal for the Do-It-Yourself person. The ideal candidate would be someone who just needs a bit of guidance and information specific to therapy horse training so they can put together their own world-class therapy program. It is perfect for someone who would like to work at their own pace, is independent, and just needs a road map to follow. This course will cover the same topics as the Master Handler Certification. This course does not include a Handlers Certification or Horse Registration thru Seven Oaks Farm.
COST: $250
Guided Training Opportunities
JUNIOR HANDLER CERTIFICATION Course
Jr High and High school age handlers have a course designed for them. This course includes all the same information, great lectures and interesting video but has a selected requirement to become a Jr Handler. This is for handlers who are willing to go through the same extensive training course as the Master, but are not 18 years old - we offer the Junior Handlers Course. These handlers are also welcome to register one horse while they complete their certification. Certification is lifetime, as long as the required documents are sent in each year. Jr Handlers can change their certification to Master Handler when they turn 18 and pay a fee of $250.
COST: $250
MASTER HANDLER CERTIFICATION course
This all-encompassing Master Handlers Certification Course is the most extensive and demanding course we have available. This is for the person who wants to have a personalized training and handling experience. This course also requires exams to show mastery of the coursework. You’ll be required to complete test, record videos, and complete written work to show competence in all areas of handling and training. The Master Handler will receive individualized feedback and comments from our team of trainers at Seven Oaks Farm, with minimal renewal requirements each year. Certification is lifelong, as long as the required documents are sent in each year.