Finnegan – preparing a horse for EFW takes time
What makes for a good EFW horse? What sort of training is required?
These are questions we explore at training workshops and this article provides an example of how a horse who initially did not seem suited to the work can – with time, support and choice – become a wonderful partner in this work.
Keep your Equine Therapists, and Practice, Thriving in Winter Weather
Keeping an equine therapy practice running year round can be quite an endeavor when you live in Canada, but it is possible. Learn what you need to think about to keep your animals – and your practice – healthy during cold weather.
Clarifying the Experiential Requirements for Equine Therapy Certification in Canada
A common area of confusion for certification requirements is what hours are needed and where various hours of experience and training are recognised. This article aims to clarify some key questions in this area.
The Certification Conundrum – Equine and Animal Assisted Therapy
How do you find an equine or animal assisted therapy program that is physically and emotionally safe for all involved – two and four legged? In a largely unregulated field there are many different options and lots to think about – whether you are looking for a training or a treatment program. This article explores these questions including a case study and a list of key questions to ask potential service providers.
Getting Started in Equine and Animal Assisted Therapy: FAQs
Do you have questions about equine or animal assisted therapy? Wondering if it is the career for you? Not sure where to start, who to train with, or how to get certified? We have the answers to these and many other frequently asked questions within this series!
Q1: What are Equine and Animal Assisted Therapy?
Our first post in this series explains what we mean by equine and animal assisted therapy and some of the many other terms and acronyms used in these fields. We also provide links to some helpful organisations and professional bodies.
Q2: Do I Need to be a Counsellor to work in Equine or Animal Assisted Therapy?
The Quick Answer Only if you plan to offer counselling services! If you plan to work as a Learning Professional (LP) in the Equine Facilitated/ Assisted Learning field, or as an Equine Professional (EP) who partners with a Mental Health Professional (MHP), there is no...
Q3: Do I Need My Own Horses or Facility to Work in Equine Therapy?
Let’s face it, horses and all that come with them are expensive! So do you have to have everything in place to get started in this work? Absolutely not! This article explains the pros and cons of different ways of working in the Equine Therapy field (and barn).
Q4: What is the Role of the Horse in Equine Therapy?
This is quite possibly the most important question for all involved in the equine and animal assisted therapy fields. How we view our animal partners and their role in this work impacts how we treat and work with them, with significant consequences for the well being and safety of ALL involved, and for the potential benefits of this work.
Q5: Who Should I Certify With in Equine and Animal Assisted Therapy?
The Quick Answer There are many certification options in the Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) and Equine Facilitated Wellness (EFW) fields, meaning this can be an overwhelming and confusing topic at first. For reasons I discuss in more depth below, the Canadian...
Q6: Equine Therapy – What’s the Typical Cost and Time to Certify?
An overview of the current cost and time commitments of training and certifying under the EFW Canada model, as well as some examples from non EFW Canada options in North America.
Q7: Do Clients Always Ride Horses in Equine Therapy?
To ride or not to ride? The answer to this question will depend upon your training, equine credentials, client base, facility and horses. As always there are options, flexibility and lots of different things to consider!