EquuSpecialist™

EquuSpecialist™ is Equuvation’s exclusive training program for those interested in pursuing certification as an Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL).

The EquuSpecialist™ Training Program was born from a need to find qualified equine specialists in our region and a dedication to continuing education in our field. By way of this program, we aim to provide training at our center, help individuals achieve further credentialing in the field, and grow our programs by partnering with thoughtful emerging equine specialists. Additionally, this program was designed to support candidates for the PATH Intl. ESMHL program so they may receive the mentoring and education necessary to be successful through certification.

Equuvation was developed to be the catalyst for big ideas in any field of activity leveraging the horse-human connection, and we are dedicated to providing innovative and effective equine-facilitated and nature-based services. By doing our part in mentoring those who are interested in this field of work–alongside our clients and our animals–we will get several steps closer to our goal of positively affecting the lives of many within our communities, and in turn, our society as a whole.

Learn more about the elements included in this program by downloading the syllabus (pdf) and reviewing the information below. For specific questions or to inquire about enrollment, contact us!

The EquuSpecialist Program is comprised of the following elements:

Self-paced Curriculum

A Google Classroom with virtual self-paced learning modules aligned with the syllabus.

Observation Hours

Opportunities to observe client sessions, practice session design to reach client goals and process outcomes with the team.

Experiential Workshops

A calendar of hands-on experiential workshops that align with the topics within each learning module.

Exclusive ES Guides

A library of exclusive ES guides to help navigate work topics like session design, language, disability education and more.

Reading Lists

Comprehensive reading and resource lists aligned with each virtual learning module.

Stable Resources

A library of beautiful equine management resources for use in your barn for staff, volunteers, clients and more!

Reflection Activities

Activities to guide creativity, self-care and mindfulness through the equine specialist training process.

Community

Access to a network of other EAAT professionals to learn from, including mental health professionals, ESMHLs and CTRIs.

WHAT IS AN EQUINE SPECIALIST?

By definition, an Equine Specialist (ES) ensures the safety and well-being of the equine(s) participating in equine-facilitated mental health (EFP) and learning sessions (EAL). She/he/they serve(s) as the equine expert during all equine/human interactions, and plays a unique and crucial role in co-facilitating sessions.

An Equine Specialist works closely with qualified clinicians, facilitators and educators to develop equine-centric activities that allow clients to explore pathways to healing, personal development and education.

An ES is not a mental health professional, and is not qualified to facilitate psychotherapy sessions alone without the presence of a licensed clinician. In some instances, a licensed clinician may also be certified as an ES, and it is at the discretion of any specific program to decide if they may be the sole practitioner in an EFP session.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

We encourage everyone to do as much research as possible, and to gain as much experience in the EAAT field as possible. We do not have all the answers, nor will we claim to. We can only share our own collective experience, credentials, and philosophies in this work. Every center, and every individual, may have a different approach based on their mission, the populations they serve, the region they exist in, and their own previous education in other fields.

Learn as much as you can, take what works for you, and leave behind what doesn’t feel right. Ask questions, volunteer in other modalities and with other programs, and find the philosophy that fills your cup.

And please, ALWAYS seek formal continuing education, competency and credentialing in this field to balance the ultimate responsibility we have to the mental and physical health of our clients, who trust us implicitly.