Equine-Assisted Therapy Course

Lesson 1 • History and Evolution of EAT

Traces EAT from ancient therapeutic riding to modern credentialed practice. Provides historical context that grounds all subsequent modality distinctions.

Lesson 2 • Theoretical Frameworks Supporting EAT

Examines sensorimotor, attachment, and biophilia theories underpinning EAT efficacy. Links theory to observable client outcomes.

Lesson 3 • Core Terminology and Modality Definitions

Defines hippotherapy, therapeutic riding, equine-facilitated psychotherapy, and learning. Precise vocabulary prevents misapplication throughout the course.

Lesson 1 • Stress, Fear, and Calming Signals

Identifies escalating stress indicators and de-escalation cues in horses. Recognizing these signals allows practitioners to intervene before unsafe situations develop.

Lesson 2 • Reading Equine Body Language

Teaches systematic observation of ear position, tail carriage, muscle tension, and posture. Accurate reading is prerequisite to safe client-horse interaction.

Lesson 3 • Herd Dynamics and Social Behavior

Covers dominance hierarchies, bonding, and spatial relationships within horse herds. Herd knowledge informs horse selection and turnout management for therapy programs.

Lesson 4 • Applying Equine Behavior in Sessions

Integrates behavioral knowledge into real-time session observation and decision-making. Bridges animal science content to therapeutic practice.

Lesson 1 • Client Contraindications and Precautions

Identifies medical, psychological, and physical contraindications for EAT participation. Practitioners apply precaution frameworks to protect vulnerable populations.

Lesson 2 • Horse Suitability and Screening

Defines criteria for selecting therapy horses based on temperament, training, and health. Proper screening reduces incident risk before clients ever enter the arena.

Lesson 3 • Risk Management Planning

Guides creation of written risk management plans covering liability, insurance, and waivers. Systematic planning protects programs legally and operationally.

Lesson 4 • Facility Safety Standards

Covers arena footing, fencing, lighting, and equipment inspection requirements. Facility safety forms the physical foundation for all therapeutic activities.

Lesson 1 • Functional Assessment Methods

Teaches physical, cognitive, emotional, and social functional assessments relevant to EAT. Baseline data from assessments drives measurable goal creation.

Lesson 2 • Writing SMART Therapeutic Goals

Applies SMART criteria to translate assessment findings into actionable EAT goals. Well-written goals enable objective progress tracking across sessions.

Lesson 3 • Intake and Screening Processes

Covers referral review, intake interviews, and initial screening tools for EAT candidates. Thorough intake ensures appropriate client placement and safety.

Lesson 4 • Interdisciplinary Team Collaboration

Defines roles of therapists, instructors, and equine specialists in goal-setting meetings. Collaborative planning ensures cohesive, client-centered care.

Lesson 1 • Biomechanics of the Horse's Movement

Analyzes the three-dimensional gait of the horse and its effect on the rider's pelvis and trunk. Movement analysis is the clinical foundation of hippotherapy intervention.

Lesson 2 • Designing Hippotherapy Activities

Teaches activity grading, task sequencing, and environmental modification for hippotherapy. Structured activity design links horse movement to specific clinical goals.

Lesson 3 • Client Positioning and Mounting Techniques

Covers therapeutic positioning options, mounting ramps, and adaptive equipment use. Correct positioning determines the quality of sensorimotor input received.

Lesson 4 • Populations and Diagnostic Applications

Applies hippotherapy techniques to cerebral palsy, autism, TBI, and sensory disorders. Diagnosis-specific knowledge enables targeted, evidence-informed intervention.

Lesson 1 • EFP Theoretical Grounding

Connects psychotherapy theories—CBT, somatic, and relational—to equine-facilitated methods. Theory selection guides activity design and therapeutic framing.

Lesson 2 • Facilitation Skills and Therapeutic Presence

Builds reflective questioning, active listening, and non-directive facilitation skills. Therapeutic presence determines the depth of client insight during equine activities.

Lesson 3 • Group EFP Facilitation

Adapts EFP methods for group formats, addressing group dynamics and shared horse interactions. Group facilitation skills expand practitioner capacity and program reach.

Lesson 4 • Designing Ground-Based EFP Activities

Provides frameworks for creating metaphor-rich, goal-aligned ground activities with horses. Intentional design ensures activities generate therapeutically meaningful client experiences.

Lesson 1 • Principles of Adaptive Riding Instruction

Distinguishes adaptive riding from recreational riding and establishes instructional principles. Foundational principles guide all subsequent lesson planning and delivery.

Lesson 2 • Lesson Planning for Diverse Riders

Teaches structured lesson plan formats incorporating warm-up, skill work, and cool-down. Plans are differentiated by rider diagnosis, goal, and functional level.

Lesson 3 • Evaluating Rider Progress

Applies riding-specific assessment tools to measure skill acquisition and goal attainment. Progress evaluation informs lesson adjustments and program reporting.

Lesson 4 • Adaptive Equipment and Tack Modifications

Covers specialized saddles, reins, stirrups, and positioning aids for adaptive riders. Equipment knowledge enables safe, effective customization for individual needs.

Lesson 1 • Program Evaluation and Quality Improvement

Teaches outcome data collection, program evaluation design, and continuous improvement cycles. Evaluation evidence supports funding, accreditation, and clinical refinement.

Lesson 2 • Program Design and Operational Planning

Covers mission development, service model selection, staffing, and scheduling for EAT programs. Operational planning translates clinical vision into sustainable program structure.

Lesson 3 • Funding, Advocacy, and Community Partnerships

Covers grant writing, community partnership development, and EAT advocacy strategies. Sustainable funding and advocacy ensure long-term program viability.

Lesson 4 • Ethics and Professional Boundaries

Applies ethical codes to dual relationships, confidentiality, and scope of practice in EAT. Ethical clarity protects clients, horses, and practitioners.