Why Shawna Karrasch Equine- Certified Professional?

The Shawna Karrasch Equine- Certified Professional (SKE-CP) program in positive reinforcement training is designed for individuals passionate about equine behavior and welfare, aiming to become skilled professionals in the equestrian industry. This comprehensive curriculum encompasses theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and ethical practices, equipping participants with the tools needed to effectively utilize positive reinforcement methods in horse care and training. 

 

Who is this for?

This certification is geared toward the aspiring equine professional or R+ enthusiast who is dedicated to furthering their expertise. Our goal is not just proficiency and understanding of R+ training, but mastery so that it can be taken to any discipline or facet of equine training. 

 

Curriculum Components:

What Can You Expect By Completing This Certification:

1)  Course Learning- Begin by mastering the fundamentals of positive reinforcement through the required coursework via the SKE membership. You must maintain membership during the 12 month certification period as this is where all video access, coursework, and communication via the CP Community will be located. 

This will provide you with a solid understanding of the principles of operant conditioning and the impact of positive reinforcement on equine behavior. Further, enhance your knowledge in the scientific study of animal learning, behavior modification, the emotional state, and the importance of neuroscience in these contexts.

2)  Monthly Meetups- Participate in exclusive monthly online meetings that will cover various topics and provide opportunity for questions and answers. 

3)  Private Coaching- Participate in one on one meetings with Shawna and Jessie upon request and whenever needed. These consultations will help you to strengthen your desired area of focus. 

4)  Marketing Assistance- We will help you to formulate a strategic plan for achieving your goals. A thriving career necessitates a comprehensive grasp of marketing competencies.  We will offer guidance tailored to your unique niche and area of focus, ensuring your path to success is both informed and targeted if your goals are utilizing this training as a career.

5)  Case Studies- Case studies provide an excellent opportunity to assess your progress. Throughout the year-long certification program, we will assist you in enhancing your R+ skills through four case studies of your choice. Three of these will focus on the improvement of the equine through teaching a single behavior, while one will emphasize teaching people how to effectively work with horses using R+. 

6)  Developing Online Materials- We will provide guidance in developing your own course/ curriculum in a subject area of your choice through a group project. This will be made available to SKE members, allowing for valuable feedback and increasing your visibility within a growing and supportive R+ community. 

7)  Attending SKE Clinics- Clinics and demos are an outstanding source of education and exposure. During the certification process, we would like to invite you as part of our team, to any of our scheduled events. You will have the ability to attend as many clinics as an auditor for free during the 12-month certification period.  

8)  In-Person Evaluation- In June of 2026 (6 months into the certification process), we will be holding an in-person week-long gathering for all participants. This is an important opportunity for camaraderie and team development, as well as a chance to practice teaching and problem solving with a variety of equids. In-person evaluation location to be announced. 

9)  Support and Collaboration- It will be our pleasure to endorse you as a professional certified Shawna Karrasch Equine instructor. We will feature you on our website and social media platforms as part of our team and as a vital resource to help grow solid R+ education. Our focus is to collaborate with you on a long-term basis so that you have the support needed to further this movement. This means you will be featured by us as frequently as possible to help grow your own audience. 

10)  Continuing Education Units- Various CEU's will be available upon completion of this certification-- to be announced. 

11)  Private Access Group/Community- You will have access to a private group in the SKE membership for certification professional participants only to share ideas with each and to support one other. 

12) Optional Excursion/Learning Opportunity- During various clinics and events throughout the year, we do our best to invite our CP's to as many different learning opportunities that we are involved in as possible. The more you are involved, the more you set yourself up for success in your pursuit of achieving SKE-CP status. 

 

Equine Psychology and Behavior:

We will delve into the study of equine behavior, communication, and social structures and how this will apply to your learners. 

We will discuss techniques to help assess individual equine traits and learning styles (such as addressing complex issues associated with the shut-down horse, over-exuberant horse or horses who have dealt with trauma. 

Many horses come with traumatic experiences as part of their history. Sometimes humans may not perceive it as traumatic as the horse, so we have to properly asses their body language, facial expressions, as well as their resulting behavior. 

 

Training Techniques:

Develop hands-on training techniques in various positive reinforcement scenarios. This will include how to assess an individual horse's behavior in order to address ongoing challenges and to shape behavior accordingly.

Since there are no specific recipes and every horse is unique, we will help you learn to create personalized training plans tailored to each horse and their specific needs. The case studies will be an invaluable tool as you progress through this certification and beyond. 

 

Ethics and Welfare:

We will focus on recognizing the importance of humane training practices and the welfare of the horse by implementing LIMA ethical training practices (Least Intrusive Minimally Aversive).

LIMA emphasizes the importance of trainers and behavior consultants being educated and skilled to ensure the least intrusive techniques are employed. LIMA advocates for the exclusive use of positive reinforcement as the primary method for teaching and behavior change, as it is linked to lower levels of aggression and fear in learners. Consultants must systematically identify target behaviors and their underlying motivations while continually assessing the learner's experience to avoid bias. Additionally, LIMA aims to prevent the abuses associated with improper punishment and restrictive management, which can lead to negative outcomes for both animals and their handlers.

As we raise the awareness of the efficacy of positive reinforcement, we understand this is a process that takes time for people to embrace this relatively new way of thinking. 

 

Practical Application:

Case studies will provide opportunities to work directly with horses, applying learned techniques in real-world scenarios in addition to assessing current management practices. 

Case studies and problem-solving sessions help to address common behavioral challenges using positive reinforcement. Our goal is for participants to be able to refine their R+ skills both in terms of teaching horses as well as teaching people. The goal is to create confidence while learning to apply these principles in a variety of real life situations. 

 

Career Development and Marketing:

Since the transition from marine mammals to equids, we have been working to raise the awareness of positive reinforcement with horses. We feel strongly that we should not be in competition with one another, but to support and embrace each other in order for it to effectively grow. We will be guiding you as you build a successful career in the R+ equine industry, including networking, marketing and social media. 

We will be offering you the use of our platforms to raise participant profile through affiliation and standing apart as having the highest standards in the positive reinforcement training space. 

Teaching horses with R+ proficiently is a vital part of this certification, but we also feel it is imperative to develop skills to get the word out to prospective clients. This includes learning how to address skeptics or those beginning to dabble in R+ in a constructive, non-confrontational way. Having quality marketing support is imperative to your professional success. 

 

Value of the Certification:

 

Professional Recognition:

Our reputation and body of work are highly regarded within the equine industry, reflecting our expertise and unwavering commitment to ethical training practices. You will find this certification to be of the highest caliber and distinguisher of excellence available on the market today. Graduates will be considered exemplary professionals in a rapidly evolving sector of the equine field. 

We are recognized for our innovative application of positive reinforcement, fostering a transformative mindset among our trainees. Our approach prioritizes education over judgment or criticism, extending the same principles to our interactions with horses.

 

Our Credentials:

Shawna Karrasch-

Ten years working as trainer with marine mammals at Sea World San Diego

Articles for: Practical Horseman, Dressage Today, Chronicle of the Horse, Horse and Rider

Appearances for: Bud Sports and ESPN

Numerous guest appearances on podcasts and news broadcasts

Recurring guest speaker for Equine Behavior and Advanced Equine Behavior Courses for University of Guelph 

Taught lectures for University of North Carolina, Colorado State University, and University Nevada Reno. 

Taught short course for Cazenovia College

Demo for Pony Club at their millennial event in Toronto

Demo for USET for their Festival of Champions

Speaker at KWPN USA Conference

Speaker at Hanoverian Society Conference

Keynote speaker for Certified Horsemanship Association

Animal Planet Feature Piece

Speaker/demo at Dressage at Devon

Speaker at Intercollegiate Horse Show Association Finals

Appearances at multiple equine expos

Speaker at Clicker Expo, American Riding Instructor Association, and presenter at IAABC Conference

Have worked with top athletes such as Beezie Madden, Richard Spooner, Sue Blinks, Robert Ridland, Jane Savoie, Ashley Holzer, Keady and Randy Cadwell, and more

Jessie Hillegas-

Multiple championships earned at local and rated hunter/jumper shows

Vast training experience with hunters, jumpers, and dressage horses, having personally started hundreds of horses under saddle. 

Taught clinics in the US and abroad in the practical application of positive reinforcement.

Taught multiple traditional training clinics (before her start with R+).

Employed as barn manager, trainer, and coach for multiple show barns. 

Trainer/coach for Bucknell University and Susquehanna University Intercollegiate riding teams.

Trainer/Coach for local Interscholastic Equestrian Association team.

Breeder of top Warmbloods having successfully earned Championships on the line at major venues such as The Devon Horse, Young Horse Show Finals, Upperville, Warrenton, World Equestrian Center, Tryon, and others. 

Vast experience working with hundreds of horses both on the ground and under saddle using positive reinforcement while working with Shawna Karrasch Equine at clinics, expos, demos and other events.  

 

Please keep these considerations in mind when deciding the best fit for your professional equine training and behavior goals:

Considering the reputation and integrity of Shawna Karrasch Equine, we believe that our certification program will provide unmatched value to our future professionals. This is a solid investment in your future.

We aim not only to develop your skills as an exemplary positive reinforcement trainer/consultant/professional, but to also equip you with the expertise to excel. 

Consider the quality of personalized coaching, feedback, and support you receive, both in live webinars, in-person evaluation, and on your case studies throughout the entire process. We believe our standards are second to none. 

You will also have access and support of a dedicated community. We look forward to standing arm in arm with you as together, we make a difference in the horse world. 

 

Skill Enhancement:

Throughout SKE's year-long certification program, participants will cultivate a comprehensive skill set designed to enhance their proficiency in training horses and effectively teaching others with compassion and understanding. 

The curriculum will encompass a range of practical applications, equipping individuals with the knowledge and confidence to implement positive reinforcement techniques across diverse environments. This training will empower participants to foster meaningful connections with both horses and people, ultimately promoting a more humane and effective approach to animal training and education.

 

Career Opportunities:

This certification opens doors to create your own niche in this market, including equine training, behavior consulting, and education in both private and public sectors. The sky is the limit. Graduates can specialize in their own personalized areas of interest or to stay generalized if they so choose. 

 

Contribution to Equine Welfare:

By advocating for and utilizing positive reinforcement, certified individuals contribute to the overall welfare and happiness of horses.

Participants will be equipped to educate others, spreading knowledge about humane training methods and improving horse handling practices globally. You will be offering contemporary solutions to age-old traditional challenges.

 

Required of Me During This 12-Month Certification:

Post weekly video of you working with horses to accept feedback from CP peers

Give thoughtful feedback on other CP videos 

Weekly group meetings with other CP's 

Provide four case studies

Provide final assessment video of the seven foundational behaviors

Provide on group marketing project

Attend gathering in Salem , CT in June

Watch six required courses (must watch one per month starting Jan 1 and completed by June meetup)

Maintain excellent standards in terms of kindness, cooperation, and being a team player. 

 

Optional things that can increase my success in this certification:

Attend SKE clinics around the country (free to audit)

Request one on one meetings with Shawna & Jessie where you can use additional assistance

 

Networking and Community:

We are here to support each student in their learning, as well as helping to implement a planned path forward for goal and career success.

SKE-CP's in positive reinforcement training with equids is not just an educational program; it is a stepping stone to a fulfilling career in the equine industry. Participants will emerge as knowledgeable, skilled, and ethical professionals, ready to make a significant impact in the lives of horses and their human partners. Embrace this opportunity to elevate your career and advocate for a compassionate approach to training.

 

Payment:

In order to make tuition as affordable as possible, we would like offer you payment options to cover the total year-long tuition cost of $4850. Your $50 non-refundable application fee will go toward your tuition. 

Once the application process is complete, you will be notified whether we can accept you for this enrollment year. If you've been selected, you will be notified via email and the payment process will begin. 

 

PLEASE BE SURE TO CHECK THAT YOUR EMAIL WILL ACCEPT FROM [email protected]. It's best to set it up as a favorite if possible. That we you don't miss any correspondence. For payment, please choose from one of the following:

1. Pay in full at time of certification acceptance.
2. Option for four payments accepted at six week intervals. We will bill you in a timely manner and all payments must be paid on the date due.

*PLEASE NOTE – Once you make your first payment, you must complete all payments for SKE-CP. There are no exceptions. You will want to evaluate in-depth your ability to commit to this certification before beginning. You will want to be fully committed to give you the best chance at finishing. 

Those CP's who have been dedicated, have completed the requirements, and maintain great communication/attitude will most likely become certified. This certification promises to set you up for success as a positive reinforcement equine trainer so long as you are willing to fulfill all the criterion laid out.