Due to the physical nature of this course, all delegates who apply, do so in the knowledge that they will be asked to stand for long periods and also 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, if you do not have good bodily tone, which is why we inform you now. Such activities can also take place over prolonged practice periods during the practicum, which means that a good degree of fitness and tone is highly recommended. As such, 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 for several hours per day, during the practicums; and that you can do so without concern for your health. AOI informs you of these demands in advance of purchasing, because we hate to see students frustrated or upset when they can’t compete the course as required. We will always do our best to help you adapt, but ultimately, for the purpose of this course, you will need to be fit enough to manage the taught assessments and techniques that need to be examined. And we need to know that in the event a horse spooks or gets upset, you can get out of the way, safely and quickly without injury. For that, we hope you appreciate our candour.
Please note: If you purchase the course in light of a health condition, or a recommendation by AOI that the course may not be suitable, 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. This is because we will not place any student at risk, nor risk any adjoining student or horse handler. As such, if you purchase this course on the above grounds and you are unable to participate in all or any part of the practicum (or asked to sit out), you will still be wholly liable for the cost of the practicum event. This is because equine practicums especially are extremely expensive to run and costs need to be covered. We hope you understand.