Equine Assisted Services Professional Training for Saudi Arabia
The former Riyadh Equine Facilitated Therapy course has developed into internationally recognised professional qualification pathways
The Equine Assisted Therapy training previously delivered in Riyadh has evolved into the Equine Assisted Therapy Clinical Specialist (EATCS) programme – an advanced professional pathway for qualified therapists who wish to integrate Equine Assisted Therapy into their clinical practice.
Today, the programme is delivered as an OCN London Level 5 Certificate in Equine Assisted Therapy Clinical Specialist, with international professional recognition through PATH International and ACPEA – Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Equine Activities, UK.
Professional education you can complete from Saudi Arabia
The programmes are now delivered internationally and fully online, allowing professionals in Saudi Arabia and across the Middle East to complete their qualification without travelling abroad for long periods.
However, online delivery does not mean theory only.
Both Level 4 and Level 5 are professional qualifications designed to develop competence for practice. Learners demonstrate practical skills through structured assignments, practical video submissions, case-based work, and assessment, allowing them to develop and demonstrate competence within their own professional and equine environment.
Level 4 prepares graduates for professional practice in Equine Assisted Learning. Level 5 supports qualified healthcare professionals in developing Equine Assisted Therapy practice within their existing professional scope.
Our professional qualifications are structured around the realities of practice. Depending on the qualification, learners complete practical tasks, portfolio work, case-based assignments, practical video submissions, tutor feedback and assessed evidence of competence.
The purpose is to help learners develop the knowledge, professional judgement and practical competence required for their future role in Equine Assisted Services.
Studying in Arabic
The programmes are taught primarily in English, but current translation technology makes them increasingly accessible to Arabic-speaking learners. Learners can use browser translation, translated written content, and automatic subtitle and translation tools throughout the learning process.
This means that learners can study much of the course content with Arabic language support while also becoming familiar with the original English professional terminology used internationally in Equine Assisted Services.
Which professional pathway is right for you?
I am a qualified healthcare professional
For physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists and psychomotor therapists who want to develop clinical Equine Assisted Therapy practice:
- Equine Assisted Therapy Clinical Specialist – EATCS
- OCN London Level 5 Certificate
- 300 qualification hours
- Recognition by PATH International and ACPEA – Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Equine Activities, UK
- International professional pathway
- Online learning combined with practical evidence and assessed competence
The current programme is specifically designed for qualified therapists.
I am a psychologist, educator or social professional interested in Equine Assisted Learning
For people who wish to facilitate structured learning, development, communication, confidence-building and related Equine Assisted Learning programmes:
- Equine Assisted Learning Practitioner
- OCN London Level 4 Certificate
- 260 qualification hours
- Online learning combined with practical tasks, portfolio work and video submissions
Successful learners develop the competence to plan and facilitate purposeful Equine Assisted Learning sessions within their professional scope.
I am not yet sure which professional direction is right for me
Core Principles of Equine Assisted Services
A 74-hour foundation programme introducing the essential principles of safe, ethical and professional Equine Assisted Services.
It helps you understand the field, professional roles, client safety, equine welfare and the different pathways available before committing to a professional qualification. The course is fully online and self-paced.
Core Principles is also the required foundation programme for learners progressing to our Level 4 and Level 5 professional qualifications.
A long-standing connection with Equine Assisted Therapy in Saudi Arabia
Svítání Academy's relationship with Equine Assisted Therapy education in Saudi Arabia goes back more than twenty years.
Vera Lantelme-Faisan worked in Riyadh between 2004 and 2009, contributing to the development of Equine Assisted Therapy practice and professional education at Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Humanitarian City. The previous Riyadh training programme grew from this direct clinical and educational experience.
Today, that work continues through internationally accessible professional qualifications that allow Saudi professionals to develop their practice while remaining in their own clinical and professional environments.
Not sure which course fits your professional background?
If you are based in Saudi Arabia or elsewhere in the Middle East and are unsure whether Core Principles, Level 4 or Level 5 is the appropriate pathway for you, contact us and tell us about your professional background and your plans for working in Equine Assisted Services.
We will help you identify the appropriate pathway before you enrol.