The full EAL Practitioner certification process is a journey that will take approximately 2 years, with space in between training courses for consolidation and practice. It consists of three steps, each of which must be completed before registering for the next step.

Step 1: Introduction to EAAT (MUST BE COMPLETED BEFORE ATTENDING FOR STEP 2)

This online course is the first step for anyone who is interested in becoming an EAAT practitioner or wants to explore the possibility of adding a horse to their existing or developing practice. It can also be taken by anyone who wants to find out about the growth opportunities and therapeutic potential that horses share. It provides an introduction to the growing field of Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies and explores the definitions of Equine Facilitated Education, Equine Assisted Development / Equine Guided Development, Equine Facilitated Wellness, Equine Experiential Learning, and Equine Assisted Coaching.

Step 2: Five-day Specialisation Workshop

The Specialisation Training workshop introduces and explores an approach to EAAT that will be specific to each candidate while being consistent with WITH philosophies regarding safety, ethics and the role of the horse as sentient being. Candidates can choose to specialise as an Equine Assisted Coach, Equine Assisted Educator or Equine Specialist. Following specialisation training, it is important for trainees to complete the practice hours with a mentor and program that is a good fit for how, and with whom, they plan to work.

Step 3: Five-day Certification Workshop

At the certification workshop, candidates will review and consolidate of understanding of WITH principals and philosophies including those regarding role of the horse, safety, and ethics and their application to the participant’s professional work and practice in the field. They will deepen their understanding of the theoretical model of experiential learning and apply it to the work through discussion, practice and case studies with different populations. They will create, prepare, introduce, facilitate and debrief practice sessions and complete their Scope of Practice Statement and a Personal Progress Plan . The workshop will culminate in an assessed mock session for human services professionals, an assessed horsemanship task for horse specialists and a combination of both for dual or triple certification candidates.

Prerequisites for Step 3:

- Completion of Step 1 and Step 2 of the Practitioner Training course

- Completion of 25 hours of direct client contact practising Therapeutic Horsemanship either with individuals or groups under the mentorship of a WITH Mentor

- Completion of an online portfolio that includes the trainee’s Scope of Practice, Personal Progress Plan, Session Plans detailing 25 practice hours and practice-related online assignments.

- Current valid CPR and First Aid Certificate

- Evidence of safeguarding training and enhanced DBS check

- Evidence of membership in good standing with relevant professional body.