A range of Equine Facilitated Learning (EFL) practitioner training courses are available from 1 hour CPD sessions to a year long Professional Diploma quality assured by the Scottish Qualifications Authority. All courses are endorsed or validated by ACCPH and some count as CPD points for British Horse Society Accredited Professional Coaches.
The online Introduction to Equine Facilitated Learning is the recommended starting point for anyone interested in finding out more about this field of work. It's the ideal way to find out about the Equi-Scotia approach before commiting to a longer programme of study.
Find out more about our Leadership & Workforce courses and trainings
Equi-Scotia CIC is open to developing new partnerships with existing equestrian centres to help them create new income which does not cause physical wear and tear on their horses. The work lends itself to centres where horses live as natural a life as possible, preferably in a herd, and indoor facilities are required. Establishments that keep horses stabled but create maximum opportunities for horses to socialise might also provide suitable venues. Please contact us to explore potential opportunities for your centre which can support mental health of individuals and groups in your local community.
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is a developing treatment in which humans interact with horses in their natural environment as a tool for emotional growth and learning. It is a collaborative effort between a mental health professional / therapist, a horse professional and the patient.
EAP is experiential in nature; this means that participants learn about themselves and others by participating in activities with the horses, then discussing and processing feelings, behaviours and patterns.
The focus of EAP is not riding or horsemanship, it takes place purely on the ground. The therapy involves activities with the horses which will require the client or group to apply skills such as assertiveness, problem-solving, taking responsibility, relationship building and leadership.
This alternative but highly successful treatment method rapidly breaks down defence barriers, providing immediate cause and effect situations and promoting change from dysfunctional patterns to successful ones.
EAP is a powerful and effective therapeutic approach that uses the dynamic nature of horses to address addiction and a variety of mental health and human development needs including challenging behaviour, attention deficit disorder, depression, abuse issues, eating disorders and relationship problems.
Equine Facilitated Learning lends itself well to developing confidence and transferrable skills in young people experiencing disadvantage. Programmes can be designed to meet the needs of each client, and typically can expect to improve:
