An Exploratory Study into the Backgrounds and Perspectives of Equine-Assisted Service Practitioners.
Authors: Seery Rita, Wells Deborah
Journal: Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
Summary
# Editorial Summary Equine-Assisted Services (EAS) have become widespread across multiple sectors, yet the profession remains poorly characterised in terms of practitioner training, qualifications and working practices. Seery and Wells surveyed EAS practitioners using an online questionnaire to establish their professional backgrounds, education levels, service delivery models and perceived knowledge gaps, alongside the key challenges they face in practice. Results revealed marked variation in preparation for EAS work: whilst the median training duration was 20 days of block release annually, nearly half the respondents (42.4%) had received less than this, and concerningly, 41.5% held no equine-specific qualifications whatsoever. The study identified significant associations between practitioners' original professional backgrounds (such as psychology, social work or equestrian disciplines) and both the type of EAS offered and their perceived competence. Primary concerns amongst practitioners centred on client and horse welfare, financial viability, and the need to raise public and professional awareness of EAS as a legitimate intervention. These findings highlight substantial inconsistency in standards across the EAS sector and underscore the urgent need for formalised credentialing frameworks, standardised training curricula and clearer pathways to professional recognition—particularly regarding equine knowledge—to ensure quality service delivery and protect both participant and animal welfare.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •EAS practitioners operate with highly variable training backgrounds and qualifications; standardized training and certification frameworks may improve service quality and professional legitimacy
- •Significant gaps exist in equine-specific education among EAS practitioners; consider developing accessible training pathways to strengthen equine knowledge and welfare competencies
- •Client welfare, equine welfare, and sustainable business models are critical concerns for practitioners; addressing these through professional development resources could strengthen the field
Key Findings
- •Significant association exists between practitioners' professional backgrounds and the nature of EAS services offered, as well as perceived knowledge levels
- •Median EAS training received before first practice was 20 days of block release over one year, with 42.4% of practitioners reporting less training than this threshold
- •41.5% of practitioners had no horse-relevant qualifications despite working in equine-assisted services
- •Primary challenges reported by practitioners were client and equine welfare concerns, financial sustainability, and the need to raise awareness of EAS services