Equine therapy is a growing field that uses the connection between humans and horses to promote healing, personal growth, and rehabilitation. This unique approach can help individuals improve their mental, emotional, and physical well-being through hands-on therapy sessions. But how long does it take to become an Equine Therapist?
Becoming an equine therapist requires specialized training in areas like mental health, physical rehabilitation, or horsemanship. Whether you’re interested in equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP), therapeutic riding, hippotherapy, or therapeutic horsemanship, the path to certification varies based on your background and goals.
What Is an Equine Therapist?
An equine therapist is a professional who helps individuals improve their well-being through interactions with horses. These therapists use equine-assisted activities to address a variety of challenges, from mental health conditions to physical disabilities. They work with people of all ages and backgrounds, tailoring therapy programs to meet the unique needs of their clients.
Equine therapists often specialize in one or more areas: equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP) focuses on mental health treatment; therapeutic riding emphasizes teaching riding skills to improve motor coordination; hippotherapy involves using a horse’s movement as a tool for physical rehabilitation; and therapeutic horsemanship teaches horsemanship skills to build discipline and confidence.
To succeed in the equine-assisted therapy field, equine therapists must have a strong foundation in their area of specialization, certification from a recognized organization, and hands-on experience working with horses.
Education and Training Requirements
Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP)
To become an equine-assisted psychotherapist, you must first obtain a mental health license in counseling, social work, or psychology. After earning your license, you can pursue certification programs like Eagala, which offer specialized training in incorporating horses into mental health treatment.
This training typically takes a few months and includes coursework, hands-on experience, and mentorship. Working with horses requires practical knowledge of equine behavior and care, so gaining experience in a barn setting is essential. EAP is ideal for those who want to focus on emotional regulation, trauma recovery, and mental health support.
Eagala-certified professionals must meet specific educational and professional standards. Practitioners are required to have a college-level degree and formal training in a mental health field, or their scope of practice must explicitly include mental health services. It is essential to operate within your professional scope and adhere to the laws and regulations governing mental health practice in your region, state, or country.
Additionally, EAP practitioners must meet at least one of the following criteria: They must either be under the oversight of a governing board or regulatory body, be held accountable as a member of a professional association, or work under the supervision of a qualified supervisor who is accountable to a governing board or professional association.
Therapeutic Riding Instructor
Therapeutic riding instructors teach individuals with disabilities how to ride a horse. Training programs for this role often include coursework in adaptive riding techniques, equestrian skills, and safety procedures. Hands-on experience is a crucial component, with instructors typically completing mentorship hours and first aid training.
Becoming a therapeutic riding instructor can take several months, depending on the certification program and the individual’s prior horse experience. This role is perfect for those who enjoy teaching and want to help individuals with physical, cognitive, or emotional challenges gain confidence and improve motor skills.
Hippotherapy
Hippotherapy professionals are licensed physical, occupational, or speech therapists who use a horse’s movement as a therapeutic tool. The horse’s rhythmic gait helps clients develop balance, coordination, and core strength, making this approach effective for individuals with cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injuries, or developmental delays.
To practice hippotherapy, you must first earn a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in your therapy field and obtain licensure. Additional training in hippotherapy typically takes 3-6 months and involves both classroom instruction and hands-on practice. This specialized career path combines traditional therapy with the unique benefits of equine-assisted activities.
Therapeutic Horsemanship Facilitator
Therapeutic horsemanship focuses on teaching horsemanship skills like grooming, leading, and saddling to promote personal growth and responsibility. Facilitators work with individuals who may have behavioral challenges or emotional difficulties, using horse care to build discipline and self-awareness.
While this role may require fewer formal certifications, facilitators must gain experience working with horses and develop strong teaching skills. Mentorship and continued education are key to becoming effective in this role, as facilitators must tailor their approach to meet the needs of each participant.
Factors That Affect the Timeline
Several factors can influence how long it takes to become an equine therapist:
- Background and Prior Education: Those with degrees in social work, physical therapy, or related fields may have a shorter path to certification.
- Certification Programs: Programs like Eagala’s equine-assisted psychotherapy certification vary in length but typically take several months to complete.
- Horse Experience: Familiarity with horse care and behavior is essential. Individuals with little prior equine-assisted learning experience may need additional time to gain confidence.
- Training Schedule: Full-time candidates can often complete their training faster than part-time students balancing other commitments.
- Specialization: Some types of equine therapy, like hippotherapy, require more in-depth training due to the technical nature of the therapy.
The time it takes to become an equine therapist depends on your chosen specialization, prior experience, and training requirements. Whether you’re pursuing equine-assisted psychotherapy, therapeutic riding, hippotherapy, or therapeutic horsemanship, the path requires dedication, hands-on experience, and continued education.
FAQs
What is equine therapy?
Equine therapy uses interactions with horses to support mental, emotional, and physical well-being. It includes approaches like equine-assisted psychotherapy, therapeutic riding, hippotherapy, and therapeutic horsemanship.
How long does it take to become an equine therapist?
The timeline varies depending on the type of therapy and your background. It can take several months to a few years, depending on the certifications and hands-on experience required.
Do I need a degree to become an equine therapist?
Certain roles, like equine-assisted psychotherapy or hippotherapy, require a bachelor’s or master’s degree in fields like social work or physical therapy. Other roles, like therapeutic riding, may not require a degree but do need programs that offer certifications and experience.
What are the career prospects for equine therapists?
A career in equine therapy offers diverse opportunities in mental health, physical rehabilitation, and education. With continued education and certification, you can build a rewarding career helping others through equine-assisted activities.
The reward of helping others through equine therapy is well worth the effort. If you’re a mental health professional interested in starting your career in equine therapy, explore equine therapy certification programs like those offered by Eagala and take the first step toward a fulfilling and impactful profession.