AAHEP - Association for Animals, Horticultural & Equine Practitioners

What is Equine Assisted/Facilitated Therapy/Psychotherapy?

Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy (also called Equine Assisted Psychotherapy or “EAP”) is a form of mental health therapy that involves interactions between clients and horses, guided by a licensed mental health professional and often an equine specialist. It is a somatic experiential process that places the client’s needs or challenges, at the heart of all activity, and any insight, solutions or strategies that arise.

It’s typically used to support conditions such as: PTSD, CPTSD Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Grief and loss, Behavioural issues, Substance abuse and various neurodiverse conditions. EAP sessions are generally ground-based (non-ridden) interactions which engage various actitives ranging from basic caretaking activities, such as:

• feeding, brushing or other general husbandry
• observation of horses in a “natural” environment
• reflective time or activities in the presence of horses
• structured activities in an open or indoor arena

These activities will be facilitated by the EAP professional who will then lead an open discussion around what occurred, what was learned, and what behaviours or emotions arose. As well as where appropriate helping to frame meaningful actions or transferable strategies that might be engaged in real life situations.

The Register recognises work with other Equids such as Donkeys under the Register the Animal Assisted/Facilitated definition.

The foundation of EAP is the safe, non-judgemental and embodied relationship that can arise between people and horses. In so doing facilitating feelings of calmness and personal safety, which enables people to access often otherwise accessible states of being. In this way, activities can foster of strengthen communication, connection, self-confidence and self-efficacy.

Register Membership and the Practice of Equine Assisted/Facilitated Therapy

Registration with the Equine Assisted Therapist/Psychotherapist is subject to the defined general conditions of application and the practices outlined above (see Registration Policy).

Practice under these roles are strictly limited to practitioners who have applied for, and been confirmed, in this/these practice(s).
Where appropriate, and for dogs without exception, additional proof must be provided to support the training of all animals who are to be engaged in the service.

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

Those wishing to practice Occupational Therapy (and any other Allied Health Care related services) under an Equine Assisted/Facilitated registration must be appropriately qualified in that field and confirm current and ongoing membership of HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council).