Animal-assisted services
with horses
Our courses have high quality and expertise and are based on the latest research in ethology, anthrozoology (human-animal interaction), pedagogy, and public health. The courses are also individually adapted to suit each student's ambitions and skills.
​
Emphasis on animal welfare
We use positive training methods and the personality and welfare assessment - APWA-ICofA - to determine if animals are suitable for work in animal-assisted services.
Certification as a therapy horse
Work together with your horse to help people who have challenges in their lives.
You can work as a Visiting team regardless of your professional background but you have to collaborate with trained professionals, in institutions or for private individuals.
As a therapy horse in education or public health, you use your horse as an aid in your profession.
The horse is evaluated by an ethologist, to see if it is suitable for use in horse assisted services
Horses are unique
"Horses are social, intelligent, and curious. They communicate primarily through body language and often mirror the person they interact with. This silent communication with such a large animal provides a unique sensation that is not experienced to the same extent with other animals."
Applications with horses
The horse is incredibly versatile in animal-assisted services. Here are some forms of horse-assisted services:
​
​
-
Equine-facilitated or horse assisted therapy
-
Horse assisted psychotherapy
-
Horse assisted services in mental health
-
Horse assisted group therapy
-
Facilitated riding
-
Equestrian physiotherapy
-
Therapy driving
-
Therapeutic vaultige
-
Horse-facilitated or horse-assisted learning
-
Equine-assisted activities
​
​
APWA-ICofA
Animal Personality aand Wwelfare Assessment
Before starting your education, your horse must undergo a APWA-ICofA assessment.
​
This is done to determine whether your horse possesses the right qualities to engage in equine-assisted services. Working closely with people in unpredictable environments can be demanding for the horse, and not all horses enjoy being social. The test also evaluates how the horse reacts or does not react in stressful situations.
​
The APWA-ICofA assessment is an important tool to better ensure the welfare of the horse. In the course, you will learn how to create an environment where your horse thrives and how to minimize stress.
Definitions and guidelines
In the book Handbook of animal-assisted therapy professional basis and guidelines, the following definitions are used:
Facilitated riding
Today, it is considered an equine-assisted activity that includes both activities on horseback and other horse-related activities. Interaction activities with horses are aimed at physical, cognitive, emotional, and social well-being.
Equestrian physiotherapy
It has a medical or therapy-based focus and is performed by a certified physiotherapist, and in some countries, an occupational therapist or speech and language therapist. In hippotherapy, the horse's natural rhythm is utilized for therapeutic purposes, and the treatment method can be prescribed by a doctor and, in some countries, by a physiotherapist.
Therapy driving
​It provides clients with physical, mental, emotional, or sensory challenges. As a client, you have the opportunity to establish a relationship with the horse and to control a horse or pony while sitting in a horse-drawn carriage or an adapted wheelchair carriage. Driving with a horse and carriage is an alternative to riding.
Horse-assisted therapy
are treatments approved by a medical professional and involve horses and/or the horse's environment. The rehabilitation goals align with the patient's needs.
​
​
Equine-facilitated or horse-assisted psychotherapy
Equine-assisted psychotherapy is conducted by an approved professional in mental health work, such as a clinical psychologist, a certified social worker, or a licensed professional counselor. The emphasis is on the psychosocial or behavioral aspect of interacting with a horse, and an experiential therapy-based treatment plan is employed, which may align with the therapist's theoretical orientation.
Horse assistance with mental health issues
Horses can assist people of all ages and backgrounds with anxiety, depression, ADHD, behavioral disorders, low self-esteem, addiction, trauma, eating disorders, dissociative disorders, Alzheimer's disease, PTSD, dementia, and many other mental health issues.
Horse-assisted group therapy
Equine-assisted services can take place individually, as well as in groups. Horses exhibit interpersonal behavior in a unique way that provides excellent opportunities for team-building exercises in family or group therapy.
This type of equine therapy is targeted and allows the group to collaborate toward achieving a common goal.
Therapeutic vaultige
is an exercise where participants perform movements on and around the horse. The movements can range from simply sitting on the horse without holding onto the reins to more demanding gymnastic movements, such as kneeling or standing upright on the horse's back. Through the horse's movements, participants develop balance and motor skills.
Horse-facilitated or horse-assisted learning
is an experimental approach that involves the participant interacting with the horse in the animal's environment. This targeted approach can help the client experience personal development and trust, better concentration, clearer boundaries, and a sense of order.
Horse-assisted activities
are specific activities at equestrian centers where participants, clients, volunteers, instructors, and horses participate. Activities include equestrian therapy, activities on horseback and on the ground, horsemanship, stable work, horse care, and shows. The treatment plan can be aimed at social, emotional, physical, or cognitive health.