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.
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. Pro-EFW 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. Pro-EFW 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.
Its great to know there are so many options. For myself if a client wanted the riding aspect I like how you explore safety with this. Until I gained more experience in the EP portion I would most likely keep the riding aspect out of it.
I think for some clients it would be beneficial for them to be mounted on a horse. Being mindful of the movement of the human body grow it moves with the horse body. However, this will depend on the client and the ability to stay or remain mounted and calm during the ride. This also adds more levels of liability and horse experience from the professional.
I appreciate your sharing the guidelines you apply when allowing a client on a horse. As many of your readers have shared, that will be a ways off for me and when, if the time comes, I’ll refer to your protocol! These articles are opening my eyes not only with the answers to so many good questions but to what the questions are that I had yet to formulate. Thank you.
Safety first!!! Do you recommend a certain waiver, or use the AEF one? That’s what I currently use. AS for putting people on horses, I would think that could be discussed as a long term goal and start on lead. Lots to do on the ground prior to ever putting a foot in a stirrup 🙂
What waiver you use depends on your client base, scope of practice, personal working situation and where you are working. The Capri one is great but may not extend to EFW. May be good to ask them as they do cover some EFW programs so likely have a recommendation on what to use. I share my waiver at training for people to draw from if it would be helpful.
My program right now is no riding and I have people asking ALL the time if they (or their kids) can ride. I am looking forward to discussing this more in the training to hear your experiences as I haven’t decided if I will offer that or not yet. I was thinking if I build an indoor arena I would find a riding instructor to work out of the arena that I can send them to instead and keep my program all ground-work.
I definitely think that riding can have its benefits, but the groundwork is just so powerful. I work in an EAL program and there is no riding. The kids still receive a huge benefit from it!
When I first started considering looking into EFW I definitely mostly pictured clients riding horses. I have learned a lot about the power of just being near horses, observing them and interacting with them from the ground.
Clients can feel connections with horses without having to ride them. From the very few times I’ve been around equines, I can feel their energy which is a powerful healing tool. I suppose if clients had safe access to riding them, they could be inclined to do so.
Currently I have no interest in riding, and am quite happy to be involved with/run programs where there is no riding component. I do agree with the statement about kids being more interested than adults in having riding being involved, through programs/learnings that I have been a part of/observed. While there is a possibility that it may encourage children to participate more if there is the “reward” of riding, if that is what they’re looking for, it may also be somewhat detrimental – and there are many more things to think about.
Personally I am more interested in body language, physiology, and behaviour… and seeing the differences that just being around a horse can make.
I do like the idea of having clients ride the horses – it has always been therapeutic to myself, but I also feel like in general we don’t spend enough time with our horses doing groundwork! I think it would definitely depend on each circumstance and of course ensuring we have the necessary qualifications.
Sounds good Andrea! Just remember that to have clients ride Pro EFW require you to certify as an EP, or to partner with an EP for that part of the work.
I love this article! I think the answer surrounding the ‘to ride or not ride’ question heavily weighs on the circumstances of each client and that the relationship between the client and horse is definitely the most important point of focus.
The first time I was invited as a therapist to attend a group equine therapy session I immediately assumed there would be horse riding. When we arrived at the place and I quickly realized there was no horse riding, I was initially surprised and couldn’t figure out exactly what we would be doing. This turned out to be one of the most incredible experiences that I have had and the growth that I saw in some of the clients I was working with in only a single session was absolutely amazing. I learned very quickly about how strong the relationships between people and animals can be and how much of an impact this can have in therapy. Actually getting on the horse was absolutely not required!
Being in the presence of horses definitely has benefits off and on the horse. I have a lot of experience with horses, but not coaching experience. I will have to give some thought to whether I pursue the coaching training and certification as an EP, or just partner with my daughter who is currently attaining her competitive coaching certification. Once I go through some of the EFW training that decision may become clear.
I started riding when I was very young, and have always found it to be “my happy place”. With my own children, I let them decide when they wanted to move from just grooming and leading the horses to actually riding, and they were closer to 6 or 7 before they truly became interested. I feel that once each EFW client has developed a relationship with a horse from a groundwork perspective, they will be better able to determine if riding is want to do. I am interested in taking more training as a riding instructor, and may incorporate that into my program at some time.
I believe in the importance of establishing a trusting relationship on the ground before considering the privilege of riding. To my own surprise, I have personally experienced more connection taking a walk with my horses than I ever have from riding.
Reading this post was intriguing for me as I had previously assumed EFW programs did not involve riding components. I have much experience riding horses myself, however minimal in providing coaching or riding instruction or facilitation to others. I appreciate the information regarding the components of the EP certification, and the reminder that this involves hours within a leadership role. This is certainly something I will need to consider. I also want to thank the other participants in this feed for their suggestions regarding some personal development trainings involving horsemanship and riding such as ‘Centered Riding’. I will be sure to look into this.
I really appreciate the variety of ways horses can be involved. I’ve volunteered at two different facilities, one that involved riding and one that didn’t. There is really so much that can be learned from both perspectives, but I really appreciate the progression that you offer at Healing Hooves. I think the emphasis on starting on the ground creates a much stronger foundation when, if ever, clients move to riding. There certainly is a lot that could be missed just by jumping straight to riding. I’m definitely interested in exploring this topic more deeply.
I appreciate the adjustments or modifications to ensure the safety of both horse and client, including the lack of bits and the priority of the horses to also be ridden by experienced riders outside of the therapy sessions. I also like that the emphasis remains on the relationship between the client and horse, i.e. on the human animal bond and its transfer to other relationships in the person’s life.
This was extremely interesting and helpful for me. Prior to me taking this course, I had a great hesitancy about signing up because I thought I would need to further develop my riding skills and abilities in order to be successful in EFW. This course and this excerpt really helped me understand the vastness in which animals/equines can be brought into the therapeutic process. However, I still would like to get to a point where I could incorporate therapeutic riding into my EFW practice!
Yes – there are lots of things you can do without ever riding!
Not riding a horse is what I find most attractive because its focus is on building and maintaining relation between the individual and horse. Its the same as human relationship building. Many similar parallels…building trust, empathy, connection, etc.
I agree!
I would also be hesitant to include any riding…really liked the analogies to human relationships that are expressed in the article. I think you can benefit from being around animals without actually riding them.
Thank you – it was helpful to hear different experiences and perspectives.
I didn’t know that riding was allowed by EFW-Canada.
You need to be certified as an EP for clients to ride and Pro EFW are currently considering increasing the pre requisites to requiring folks to be a coach. You have to show that it’s within your scope of practice to put clients on a horse and also to have the insurance to cover it. So lots of things to consider but in some scenarios is still a possibility.
I am all about learning to be with a horse and taking care of a horse before riding or doing any real “work” with the horse.
Thank you for sharing this perspective. It is encouraging to hear that the therapeutic benefit is often in the relationship between the client and the horse, and I am really amazed that you might wait 4 -5 sessions before even introducing riding. I have been on a horse only a handful of times in my life, but really feel the therapeutic benefit of being in their presence and I think many of the children at our facility do too.
You are welcome Jacqueline. We also have many clients who never get on a horse!
I wonder if the actual horse riding and focus then of the client to learning riding skills, isn’t in the way of the therapist supporting the client to heal through hurt…. or perhaps that’s the influence of an indirect approach
It could be either! This is where context is so important and recognising that it is so not a one size fits all approach and that the ‘best’ approach will greatly vary on the client, the horse, the professional and the day!
I like the idea of simply being with the horses and how therapeutic this can be. When I image working with clients, I imagine a lot of groundwork as opposed to riding. But I am eager to learn and start to see what different kinds of work there can be clients including riding
When doing private lessons, I too never allow mounted lessons for the first lessons. I felt encouraged and validated to see that you do the same:) Its important to me and my horses that no matter how much experience they may have its important that they have the opportunity to develop a relationship with their horse, understand and demonstrate safe handling and boundaries (for both horse and rider) and some beginning but solid horsemanship skills.
This is great to hear Jennifer. And a great way to bring a different perspective to folks who may be expecting to ride right away!
I plan to keep clients on the ground. I also know how wonderful it is to ride. I hate the thought of saying no to a client that has a real desire to get on. I will have to make a decision and game plan on this issue.
Hi Meghan – there are definitely pros and cons of each approach – we explore the riding aspect at Focus training
This has me curious about safety/peacock stirrups and the emergency barrel dismount! Lol
We explore these at a later training so this will come in time!
I really agree with how the biggest benefit can come from just being with the horse.
yes – we tend to underestimate this at times but this is often one of the most important pieces
Just being with horses in any way has so many benefits.
I liked the idea of practicing mounting and dismounting from the ground over an object. Also interesting ideas about the use of the bit and not using it but using a halter and lines instead. I think that not using reins and practicing mounting and dismounting makes it easier on the horse. Often new riders make mistakes with the reins and bit and with mounting and dismounting often accidentally hurting the horse. I agree that being with a horse is important and getting someone to ride is a process that should require some time, and step by step learning.
The being rather than doing focus is so good. I would capitalize on storytelling, being with, grounding, observing, being curious, grooming. I think so much can be useful with these ideas and would be helpful in my practice.
sounds wonderful Dana!
I always assumed that riding would be incorporated but it’s nice to know that there are other groundwork options rather than riding.
There is definitely a lot to consider before mounting the horse. One of the benefits is the change in identity that clients experience when they are up on the horse making statements such as “I feel like a king”, “I am a cowboy” as they start to see themselves as more than just somebody with a a mental illness.
I agree Amanda – definitely lots to consider! And the changes you name here are part of why we do incorporate mounted components – with some clients, in some scenarios, and always with or under the supervision of a licensed Equestrian Canada coach – into our EFW sessions at Healing Hooves. We touch on these considerations throughout training but specifically focus on them during integration training. During Foundation/ focus our students have the opportunity to practice some of the exercises on our stationary barrel.
Definitely not in my scope currently to allow mounted work with my horses. Primarily as they are not saddle broke but also mainly because the liability turns my stomach! Definitely would need to partner with a Equine professional and bomb proof horse for this if it was deemed beneficial for a client! Is there any research on the increased vulnerability of the horse when engaged in mounted versus ground work activities? I am just thinking it may be more detrimental for the horse if someone is panicking or not managing emotions well while on them versus next to them…
I haven’t seen any documented research on this Elicia but my experience certainly fits with what you share here. There’s also the added risk of needing to get the person safely off the horse which in some scenarios can be challenging.
Just “being present” with the horses – in the past has been very beneficial. Many options other than riding.
This was super helpful! My partner asked me a while ago whether the MHP was required to become proficient in riding and offer therapeutic riding when practicing EAT. At the time I wasn’t 100% sure, but now I know it’s an option that can be done with the person who has all the required training and experience.
I do recommend that all facilitators have EFW training but the MHP does not neccesarily need to have any riding experience.
I can see my youth clients really wanting to ride, but for me that will mean partnering with an EP or getting a lot more experience in that realm! In the meantime, I also see the lesson / benefit to not focusing on the riding and for these same clients to find satisfaction and even joy in just being with the horses.
I found this article very helpful, as I am a beginner in some area of EFW.
Great considerations when incorporating riding into sessions.
I was considering training in Hippotherapy as an OT but I really like the groundwork aspect (in my own work with horses as well) that inspired me to look further into EFW. I think so often people think of riding as the main thing but the relationship with animals is so special whether or not we ride them.
I look forward to learning more on this topic in further trainings because I have quite a few questions. Would this change the insurance required or does it still fall under EFW practices if clients are riding?
I think the relational focus is huge because like stated above the focus can become about the task of riding over the relationship.
Can clients at times get to focused on the riding and then not be as present for the groundwork? I am just thinking on children mostly. How can those situations be navigated?
Lots of great questions here Ashley and you’re right – we will be exploring all of it in more depth later on in training!
Re insurance, it will depend on your policy and insurance company but most require you to be a ‘riding instructor’ although some don’t define what they mean by that!
Re the focus – yes that can sometimes be the case and can apply to us too! With others it can be the most powerful time of the session. Part of the answer is to be very clear from the outset (with clients, parents of younger clients, and yourself) that riding is not the primary goal of the session. And while you’ll teach enough skills to keep everyone safe, learning riding skills is not the primary goal.
And yes – keeping the focus on the relationship and process rather than the task or goal is a great way to look at it!