Acceptance

Once your application form has been reviewed, a member of the team will be in touch. This typically takes 2-3 working days. 

Refunds

Our professional workshops are held in very small groups, to ensure high quality, but this means refunds are not permitted.

Cancellation policy

On very rare occasions, situations arise that mean we have to change a date, or cancel a practical event for reasons outside our control. Consequently, if for any reason, AOI has to change a date, postpone (or move the location) of an event, students will be informed as quickly as possible. As such, please ensure that the email address you give us remains up to date and checked regularly. AOI will not be held responsible for emails not read or seen by students. This is the student’s responsibility.

In line with the above, AOI strongly recommends that ANY hotel, flights or travel arrangements offer a full cancellation/refund option. AOI will not be held responsible for any costs incurred as a result of pre-booking decisions, because we cannot control exceptional circumstances that may arise. Such as issues with external facilities, team sickness, adverse weather conditions, or changes in government regulations etc. We also strongly recommend that you hold suitable travel/medical insurance in case the need arises.

Outdoor activity during practicums

Depending on the type of course (canine or equine) and its date, the weather may impact the workshop one way or another. Such is the nature of UK weather. Consequently, students must bring sensible, appropriate (layered) clothing (and footwear) with them to the event to ensure comfort and suitability. 

Equine students are also asked not to wear clothing that is too baggy or has a loose hood, as this can present a risk to safety and may not be deemed acceptable. Students who arrive at the practicum without proper attire, will not be allowed to participate in practical sessions if it is deemed unsafe to do so. Such a decision can be made by the Director of Education, Lead Lecturer or Programme Director – and their word is final.

Physical nature of the course

(Canine)

Our canine courses/workshops can be physically demanding. This may include prolonged sitting on a mat (with a dog model) and getting up and down from the floor. We do not use therapy plinths or dog tables. 

(Equine) 

Due to the physical nature of our equine courses and workshops, all delegates who apply, do so in the knowledge that they will be asked to stand for prolonged periods and be expected to lift and hold the limbs of horses during the practicums, to assessments and practice techniques.

This can be extremely demanding on one’s back, hips and knees. Which is why we warn students in advance. Such activities can also take place over prolonged periods of time, which means a good degree of fitness and tone is highly recommended.

Note for all courses

When you complete the application form, you will be asked to confirm that you deem yourself physically fit enough to study, practice and work with horses (or dogs—as relevant) for several hours per day; and that you can do so without concern for your health.

AOI informs students of these demands in advance of purchasing, because we hate to see people frustrated or upset when they cannot complete the course as required.

We will always do our best to help students adapt, but ultimately, for the purpose of most workshops, students need to be fit enough to manage the taught assessments and techniques.

Furthermore, in the case of equine delegates we need to know that if a horse spooks, students can get out of the way, safely and quickly without injury. The same applies to working with dogs. We hope you appreciate our candour.

Please note: If you purchase a workshop or course in the knowledge of a pre-existing health condition, you do so at your own risk and expense; and if the Programme Director, Director of Education or lead lecturer deems it unsafe for you to participate in a practical class, you will be asked to sit out, without argument or exception.

Your Privacy Matters

Your data will only ever be used for the intention of course application or course communications. Your information will never be shared outside the AOI, with the exception of any legal requests made by the Police (or Government), where appropriate legal paperwork has first been issued. Once the course ends and you are no longer a student of the AOI, all personal data will be destroyed in line with GDPR and data protection regulations, unless we are required by law to hold information on file for a set period of time—such is the case for financial information. 

AOI (via Herdwick & Goose Limited) follows strict guidelines in terms of data protection and management and is also covered by cybersecurity insurance and follows clear guidelines regarding the management of customer data. This is to ensure that our student’s data is as safe and secure as possible.