AAHEP - Association for Animals, Horticultural & Equine Practitioners

What is Equine Assisted Occupational Therapy? (EAOT)

Equine Assisted Occupational Therapy (EAOT) involves the delivery of Occupational Therapies (OT) by qualified Allied Health Professionals.

EAOT incorporates interactions with horses to help individuals improve their physical, emotional, cognitive, and social functioning.

EAOT is a versatile treatment modality that can be tailored to meet the individual's specific needs, making it a valuable addition to the therapeutic toolbox for those seeking to improve their quality of life.

EAOT sessions are often ridden activities directed by a qualified OT. They are often referred to as Hippotherapy whereby the mechanics of equine movement (ridden) are engaged by an OT as part of a clinical session. It is often a component of therapy, not a standalone treatment.

There is a clear distinction with therapeutic riding which is often taught by a riding instructor; that focuses on riding skills, not therapy goals. As often delivered in the UK by organisations such as Riding for the Disabled (RDA). A definition of the provision of Therapeutic Riding is covered under the Equine Assisted or Facilitated Practitioner role.

Those who apply for EAOT registration must first be appropriately qualified in that field and a confirmed member of HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council) and continue to be such.

EAOT is recognised to:

1. be founded in recognised Occupational Therapy practice. EAOT is based on the principles and goals of traditional occupational therapy (OT), which aims to help people participate in daily life activities (e.g., dressing, eating, working, socializing). The therapy is individualized, focusing on each person’s needs and goals.
    
2. engage horses in that process. The horse's movement, behaviour, and the environment in which those activities are undertaken are intentionally engaged to support therapeutic objectives, which may include:
   1. riding the horse (to engage core strength, balance, posture)
   2. brushing, physical care and feeding (to improve motor planning, sensory processing, and sequencing)
   3. leading the horse (to build confidence, coordination, and attention)
       
3. provide Therapeutic Benefits, for example:
   1. Physical: Improves balance, coordination, strength, and postural control.
   2. Sensory: Helps with sensory integration and regulation.
   3. Cognitive: Enhances focus, problem-solving, and sequencing.
   4. Emotional & Social: Builds confidence, trust, empathy, and communication skills.

Register Membership and the Practice of Equine Assisted/Facilitated Occupational Therapy

Registration demands that therapists first be appropriately qualified in the OT field and be a confirmed member of HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council), and continue to be such. Practice under these roles are strictly limited to practitioners who have applied for, and been confirmed, in this/these practice(s).

Existing membership of the Register under another role (Equine, other Animal(s) or Horticulture) does not automatically provide registration under the Register of the EFOT related practice(s).