Big Cat Habitat Hosts Equine Workshop

Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary host an Equine Workshop: Level 1 on Saturday, Feb. 22, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with Emma Hills, an international expert on operant conditioning and positive reinforcement. The workshop is suitable for all experience levels and will include interactive classroom learning, demonstrations and hands-on lessons. Participants must be 16 years of age and older. The cost is $225 and includes the workshop, training goodie bag, light breakfast and lunch. Tickets may be purchased at https://www.facebook.com/events/495624327824599/, through Eventbrite or by calling 941-371-6377.

Emma Hills has 30 years of experience in animal training, veterinary care and animal welfare. After qualifying as an assistant instructor at the British Horse Society in 1998, Hills travelled to Hong Kong to re-school retired race horses and compete globally in show jumping and eventing. She relocated to Zambia and focused on improving zoos and educating keepers on animal welfare and care, and then later moved to South Africa taking part in conservation studies. Currently, Hills is the manager of small animals and birds and head of media training projects at Heythrop Zoological Gardens in the United Kingdom. Her in-depth knowledge and skills across more than 60 different species has enabled her to earn Distinction in Higher Diploma in Animal Behavior. Hills is an expert in operant conditioning and emphasizing positive reinforcement. She has successfully delivered more than 300 animal training projects and presents at international animal training conferences.

“We think this will be a great experience for participants to learn equine behavior, care and training from one of the U.K.’s most experienced trainers,” said Kay Rosaire, Big Cat Habitat founder and executive director. “Holding this workshop at Big Cat Habitat provides a unique location for learning and helps bring awareness to our cause.”

All admissions to Big Cat Habitat support its mission to provide a safe, loving and permanent home for exotic and domestic animals in need. Big Cat Habitat also aims to educate guests about the importance of species preservation to ensure the survival of these magnificent animals for future generations and to keep alive the human-animal connection. More information is available at www.BigCatHabitat.org, by calling 941-371-6377, or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BigCatHabitat.