The Quick Answer
Riding is not always a part Equine Therapy, and is rarely the primary focus. However, provided a certified equine professional is a part of the team, and you have safe horse to work with, within a safe environment conducive to riding, it can be incorporated for some clients.
The Longer Answer
There are EFW (Equine Facilitated Wellness) programs that do not have any riding component, others that incorporate a little riding and some that have a larger focus on riding. As we have noted in many of our earlier posts in this series there is lots of flexibility in this field.
There is certainly much that can be done in an EFW session without a client ever getting on a horse. This may include observing horses in the pasture, grooming horses, relaxation exercise with the horses, sharing stories with and about the horses, leading horses, and practicing groundwork exercises.
Simply ‘being with’ a horse in the present moment is often the most powerful and healing aspect of our work … and the greatest gift we can offer a client
Rushing too quickly into encouraging or allowing a client to ride could get in the way of these healing opportunities.
When EFW programs do incorporate riding the primary focus is not usually on learning riding skills. While basic skills should be taught for safety reasons, the riding component of an EFW session is usually one strategy utilised towards achieving the EFW goals for that client, rather than being the goal itself.
For more information on some of the benefits of NOT riding within an EFW program, there is a great article in a past newsletter from EFW Canada.
Sometimes whether your clients ride depends on your certification choice. For example, EAGALA does not allow any of their practitioners to include a riding component while a CanTRA or PATH program is likely to include quite a bit of ridden work.
The decision whether or not to have clients ride may also depend on your client population. For example, children are often very keen to ride your horses, while this aspect of the work may be less important for adult clients.
The ‘to ride or not to ride’ decision will also depend on your equine credentials, education and experience, particularly regarding your ability to keep novice and nervous riders safe. EFW Canada require a certified Equine Professional (EP), with experience specifically with novice riders, to be present whenever clients get on a horse. At Healing Hooves we add an extra training component covering riding considerations for those participants who are pursuing EP certification and plan to invite some of their clients to ride. EFW Canada currently have a committee looking into further defining the training requirements in this area.
At Healing Hooves less than half of our clients get on horses and nobody goes out of a walk. But some clients do ride. When a client would like to ride and we agree that it would be both safe and in the client’s interests to do this, we follow a process which includes the following steps:
The main focus remains upon the relationship between the client and horse rather than on teaching riding skills beyond the basic required for safety and comfort (for client and horse). Before a client ever gets on a horse we focus on developing this relationship, meaning a client may not ride until the fourth or fifth session. This can provide some great metaphors for human relationships.
We discuss, explore and practice relaxation, breathing and balance before getting on a horse. Before the client sits on a horse they practice mounting, dismounting and finding a balanced position on a specially designed barrel. We practice the ‘emergency dismount’ (on the barrel first and then from a horse) so that we know a client could safely and quickly get off a horse and move to safety if this was needed. Again this process can provide for transfers to discussions about human relationships and situations with many clients.
Clients ride in an enclosed riding arena and unless they have significant prior riding experience we will not use a bit in the horses’ mouth. We use either halters, or if we feel we require a little more control we use Lindels (side pulls) which do not have a bit. In early sessions, and perhaps for all with some clients, we will lead the horse.
- Clients wear approved riding helmets and ride in saddles with safety (peacock) stirrups.
- Clients only ride horses who have lots of training and experience with novice and nervous riders. We take a lot of time to get our horses ready for this type of work. We also make sure that these horses also get lots of riding time time with experienced riders.
- Once the client is on a horse the focus is still upon the relationship. But riding can open up new possibilities for body awareness, relaxation and learning new skills. It is also a lot of fun!
- If a client wants to learn more advanced riding skills we will refer them to a suitable riding program.
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Next Question in this Series: Can I Incorporate Other Animals into an Equine Therapy Program?
What about you? If you have any questions you’d like us to answer in this series, or questions on any of the above material, please use the comments section below!
Much to consider about clients riding, so many differing opinions on how to/ when to ride.
Riding definitely adds a different aspect to the work. We explore the impact of putting clients on horses at the second week of focus training.
It’s funny but I hadn’t really thought about the clients riding at all! I have always been thinking more about developing the relationship with the horse through being with the horse, grooming, groundwork, etc. I am curious about what is required to obtain the EP designation as I do ride and am interested in developing my own horse knowledge further. What is the component that you offer at HH with respect to the EP certification, Sue?
Hi Diane
The pre requisites for the EP are up on the EFW Canada website so I would recommend starting there. Broadly speaking you need to show 2500 hours of experience with horses. A portion of these (1000 hours) need to be with you in a leadership role (i.e. you teaching a riding or horsemanship lesson rather than you receiving one) and a portion of these (500 hours) need to be with you in a leadership role with novices. A minimum of 250 of the total hours need to be exploring non riding aspects such as equine psychology and groundwork.
Within the focus training we have two days (one each week) led by our equine professional exploring the horsemanship approaches we build into EFW. If these are a fit for you we often recommend you taking more training specifically in these approaches – TEAM, Centred Riding and Connected riding/ groundwork.
I never thought I’d say this as I worked with little bits (a CANTRA certified program) but I don’t think I’ll ever involve riding in my program… that may change… The power of the ground work I have experienced has been profound. The riding I worked with was theraputic and there was definitely growth in the riders but I think I healing not the same… The connection not as deep maybe???? Or maybe just my sight has shifted. It’s hard to compare the two as it was a different client base than I hope to work with.
As I would like riding to be an aspect of programing for some of my clients, I am really interested in further exploring the prerequisites for the EP and how I would go about showing hours of experiences with riding and teaching riding. A lot of my training and experience with horses has come from being a “farm girl” and while some of my “teachers” have trained under other professionals (i.e. Monty Roberts) I have not actually tracked my hours nor am I certain that people I have learned from have any form of professional certification. I have lots of questions in this area and looking forward to continuing to explore them in the upcoming Explorations in Equine Facilitated Wellness and Animal Assisted Therapy training this May.
These are good and timely questions as the EP requirements have undergone change recently. There is certainly flexibility (e.g. we don’t all have to be EC coaches, and ‘informal’ learning is valued and recognised) but there is a definite requirement to show solid leadership experience with horses and in supporting novices with horses.
I look forward to helping you navigate all of this further as you continue training. And I’m so glad that these posts are getting this process started for you!
Sue
I know from my past experiences that ground work helped create a relationship and through grooming I have read the benefits for people. In the past few years I have had the opportunity to learn from our coach and also a trainer the added benefits and trust for myself and my horse while on foot. Only recently have I learned about different aspects relationship building through riding. My wife and I recently took a Centered Riding (Sue Falkner-March)three day clinic teaching me new skills to promote physical and mental wellbeing not only in myself but my horse. This had opened my eyes to another aspect of continued relationship on horseback. It was like mindfulness on horseback. Again another option to potentially look at.
Riding during EFW is something that I would only attempt if I had a certified Equine Professional present, or was able to obtain dual certification myself. I agree that the relationship with a horse in the present moment has healing potential without any riding. I think that this kind of work (riding during EFW) can create a difference in select clients, although this will likely be the minority in my future EFW practice.
I was a strong no for putting clients on horses. This of course might change. However I feel the healing and growth comes from being the presence of the horse not particularly on the horse. I suppose with the right client and right horse I would consider it.
I don’t think at this point I would be comfortable (or have the experience) having my clients ride during sessions. While I can see it having some benefits, I think the majority of the bond between client/horse can be established on the ground.
With horses, riding, grooming, and ground work make sense. Do you know much about what type of activities might be completed with other animals during AAT? Do you have any animals that actively participate in your counselling sessions where horses are not present? What does this look like?
We have dogs, cats and occasionally chickens who are active in our program. During the focus training you have the option to do some of your experiential sessions with a non equine if you prefer as much of what we teach can apply to several species. We can for sure explore the specifics of what this may look like at the trainings once we have some more of the theory in place.
Again, your focus on safety and ethical considerations is very evident in this article. After reading it, I feel relived that riding is not required and actually is not what happens with the majority of your clients. The experience I have had with Equine Therapy has been with clients who are not riding, and this article helps makes more sense of that. Thank you for the clarification.
Another great and informative article. As someone who is new to Equine Assisted Therapy experience, I am relieved and glad to know that much of the focus is with the horses on the ground. After reading this article, it makes sense that most of the experiential learning take place through connecting and building a relationship with the horse/s.
“Simply ‘being with’ a horse in the present moment is often the most powerful and healing aspect of our work … and the greatest gift we can offer a client” wow, this is exactly what I am looking for. because of my military related injuries, I dont ride often, but I share moments with my horses every day in the field, its so helpful and relaxing. Also, I did not know that riding were allowed with EFW, good to know.
I agree Martin – this is my favourite part of the work (and often my own horse time) too!
Many EFW approaches/ certifying bodies don’t allow riding. EFW-Can do allow it to be a part of the approach where this is helpful and safe for the client – provided there is a certified EP present at the time
Not riding the horse is actually what attracted me to Healing Hooves. Growing up on the farm. I always thought horses were for riding. Even when we got our horses i thought it was just going to give us something to focus on after the loss or our son. I have always loved horses and riding – and i was very attached to my horses growing up. But after getting horses some 20 years after not having one, it was different this time – I very soon realized the horses were a gift to us and quickly became part of our family and a very important part of our healing. Much of that healing was from the ground and not while riding. It wasn’t until i realized that EFW was done on the ground as well that i decided to look into it.
I also like the focus on the relationship aspect! Growing up I often considered my pets the “friends that would listen to me any time!” and I think there’s huge value in relating to an animal for their character. Riding is also a joy of mine, but I think it gives a different sense of freedom and provides different benefits.. therefore, super important to start with the relationship! 🙂
I love the flexibility and different options, they are so wonderful! I definitely agree about the power of groundwork and how simply being in the presence of an animal can have such therapeutic benefits. Also, starting with breathing and relaxation as well as establishing a relationship are critical first steps to establish a connection! Animals can definitely feel and sense everything around them.
I have attended a few workshops where we did groundwork with horses. It was powerful and inspiring. I appreciate the focus on creating relationship and connection before riding. There are such wonderful parallels to leadership and relationships in general.
I love the flexibility within the Equine Therapy world! Sessions can be creatively tailored to support the client and each professional will be able to have their own unique way of supporting their clients. There are so many things to learn from animals through observation alone, let alone interacting with, or riding them! I am interested in the EP training as well! I would like to have the option to incorporate some riding if the right situation arises.
To ride or not to ride = whatever works. With the goal being healing and health for all involved I believe just as each person is unique along with every animal and situation decision can and should be made on individual needs and assessments not as a rule of practice.
Hi Sher – yes it absolutely is a decision that should be made on an individual needs basis – not every client wants to or should ride and not every horse wants to or should be ridden! A key additional consideration though (where the rules of practice do need to come in) is safety and the training/ credentials of the facilitator. This is where EFW Canada require the facilitator to be a certified equine professional if riding is to be included for any clients. But even then, as you note, that does not mean everyone in their program would necessarily ride either!
As I am not an Equine Professional, riding could not be my focus. In order to build a strong relational foundation, I agree with other comments on the importance of the groundwork, but can appreciate that riding may be an important progression for some clients and therefore should be considered when appropriate.
I am not an equine professional (but hope to eventually be), and therefore wouldn’t at this time feel comfortable having my clients ride. However, I have personally experienced the mental, emotional and physical benefits of both the groundwork, and riding horses and would love to integrate this into my work once I am confident enough to add in into my scope of practice.