Applied Foundations
of Equine-Assisted Services
Learn the principles online. Put them into practice and get recognised in Portugal.
18–21 March 2027 | AEPM - – Associação Equiterapeutica do Porto e Matosinhos, Portugal | 74 hours online + four days practical
Complete our established 74-hour online foundation programme, then bring your knowledge to life through four days of supervised practical training with Carlos Hernandez from Svítání Academy® at AEPM in Portugal.
Observe equine behaviour, practise introductory skills, experience multidisciplinary teamwork and discover how the principles you have studied guide real decisions.
Gain practical experience, individual feedback and a clearer direction for your future professional education in Equine Assisted Services.
A unique hands-on EAS learning experience with just 12 places available. Secure yours before they’re gone!
EARLY ENROLMENT OFFER — SAVE €50. Enrol by 30 November 2026 and enter the code PORTO-2027 at checkout. The code expires after 30 November 2026.
Why we have added four practical days in Portugal
Portuguese professionals have been asking for Core Principles of Equine Assisted Services with a route to recognition within the Portuguese professional training system. We have joined forces with AEPM – Associação Equiterapêutica do Porto e Matosinhos to make this opportunity happen.
For the Portuguese training recognition arrangements we are preparing with our partner, a supervised practical component is required as part of this blended programme. We have therefore added four days of practical training at AEPM to the established online course.
Those four days have a clear educational purpose. They create space to observe equines and their responses, practise safe introductory skills, work through team responsibilities and learn how experienced professionals approach decisions in a real equestrian environment. You will receive feedback and see where further training is needed for your intended role.
The online Core Principles programme remains the same. Porto adds the practical experience and the Portuguese training recognition pathway. Final certification arrangements will be confirmed before enrolment is completed.
One learning pathway. Two complementary parts.
Part 1 — Core Principles Online | 5 modules |74 hours
Start with the established five-module Core Principles of Equine Assisted Services course. Learn at your own pace through video, audio, written materials, tasks and quizzes. The course introduces the distinct areas of EAS, equine welfare, participant safety, team roles, ethics, documentation and professional boundaries.
The online programme is supported in English, Czech, Slovak, Spanish and Portuguese. Study resources include a Five-Week Study Roadmap, the Professional Pathway Toolkit and learning support available for your cohort.
Completion requirement: All five online modules must be completed successfully before the practical training begins on 18 March 2027.
Part 2 — Porto Practical Training | Four days | 32 hours
Join Carlos Hernandez and the AEPM team for supervised observation, practical activities, demonstrations, group discussion and individual feedback. You will connect the knowledge acquired online with the realities of horse welfare, client safety, team communication and appropriate professional decision-making.
A unique hands-on EAS learning experience with just 12 places available.
Already completed Core Principles? You may book the Porto practical component separately. There is no need to purchase the online course again.
What will happen during the four practical days?
1 - Equine Behaviour, Welfare and Safety
2 - People, Horses and the Multidisciplinary EAS Team
3 - From Objectives to Practical Activities
4 - Integrated Practice and Reflection
Activities will be adapted to participants’ experience, equine welfare requirements and the operational arrangements at AEPM. The final detailed timetable will be provided before the event.
What will you learn?
By the end of the combined programme, you should be better able to:
- Recognise and discuss key signs of equine comfort, discomfort and safety risks.
- Demonstrate selected introductory handling and preparation skills under supervision.
- Understand responsibilities and communication within a multidisciplinary EAS team.
- Contribute to the planning of introductory, supervised EAS activities within your present scope of competence.
- Recognise the boundaries between Equine Assisted Therapy, Equine Assisted Learning and Therapeutic/Adaptive Riding.
- Identify what further education, supervised practice and qualification you need for your chosen professional role.
During the practical programme, we also aim for every participant to complete a short practical activity plan, receive individual introductory skills feedback and identify a personal next-step learning pathway.
What will you take home?
- Supervised practical experience, individual feedback on your introductory skills, your own practical activity plan and a clearer understanding of your future professional pathway.
- You will know which competencies you have started to develop, where you need further training and how to progress towards the professional qualification appropriate to your background.
- Four days that will help you make more informed decisions about your future in Equine Assisted Services.
Who is this programme for?
Healthcare and therapy professionals: Physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, psychomotor therapists and other eligible professionals exploring their potential role in Equine Assisted Services.
Education and social care professionals: Teachers, educators, social workers and related practitioners who want a structured understanding of EAS and its professional boundaries.
Equestrian professionals: Riding instructors, equine trainers and handlers seeking to understand equine welfare and multidisciplinary collaboration in EAS settings.
Assistants and newcomers: People considering appropriate support roles or further education and looking for an informed practical introduction.
This course is open from age 18 and does not require previous equine or professional qualifications. Participation in the Porto activities will be subject to appropriate safety and practical entry arrangements.
Certificates and Portuguese training recognition
This programme involves two separate learning records: completion of the 74-hour Core Principles online course and completion of the four-day Porto practical training.
Your Core Principles online certificate
Successful online learners receive the Core Principles of EAS Certificate of Completion from SVÍTÁNÍ ACADEMY®.
Portuguese accreditations
After completing both parts, the graduates will receive certification based on their profession or qualification:
- DGERT – Direção-Geral do Emprego e das Relações de Trabalho: DGERT certifies training providers within Portugal’s professional training system. It includes all professions related to health and education (including social workers). Absolvents will be registered on the DGERT online platform with a personalised number.
- FEP – Federação Equestre Portuguesa: The trainers and instructors will be registered with an individual number on the FEP platform.
- Other participants and assistants: Those without an eligible Portuguese professional registration route will receive a certificate of attendance from Svítání Academy and AEPM.
Important: A training certificate or registration number does not, in itself, award a regulated professional qualification or licence to practise. This is a foundation course to pursue further qualification.
Will this course qualify you as an EAS practitioner?
No. Core Principles of EAS, including the four-day Porto practical programme, are foundational education. It does not qualify participants to work independently as Equine Assisted Therapy or Equine Assisted Learning practitioners.
The practical programme develops understanding and introduces selected skills in a supervised setting. To progress towards a specialist professional role, learners must complete the relevant qualification programme and meet its specific entry requirements, assessments and any applicable professional regulations.
The four days at AEPM are an optional addition to Core Principles, not a compulsory prerequisite for qualifications Level 4 Equine Assisted Learning Practitioner or Level 5 Equine Assisted Therapy Clinical Specialist. Successful completion of the standard online Core Principles course remains the common entry foundation for both pathways.
Your next professional step: Qualifications Level 3, 4 or 5
Your professional pathway depends on your existing qualification, equine experience and intended role. Level 4 and Level 5 address different professional disciplines; they are not stages that everybody must complete in sequence.
Level 3 — Principle to Practice in EAS
Level 4 — Equine Assisted Learning Practitioner
Level 5 — Equine Assisted Therapy Clinical Specialist
The OCNLR Level 5 Certificate for Equine-Assisted Therapy Clinical Specialists program is now officially recognised by
PATH Intl. Approved Provider - Registered Therapist Education and ACPEA (Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Equine Activities, UK) Registered Therapist Approved Education Provider.
Your lecturers
Online course
Vera Lantelme-Faisan, MSc
Physiotherapist, Equine Assisted Therapy Clinical Specialist
Czech Republic, France
Practice in Porto
Carlos Hernandez, MA, MSc
Clinical Psychologist, Educator, Equine Assisted Learning specialist
Malta, Spain
Our partner in Portugal: AEPM
AEPM – Associação Equiterapêutica do Porto e Matosinhos is a Portuguese organisation active in equine-assisted activities, multidisciplinary services and professional training. Our cooperation brings SVÍTÁNÍ ACADEMY®’s international educational foundation together with practical learning at AEPM.
The programme will take place at AEPM premises in the Porto/Matosinhos area. The exact training-site address and arrival information will be provided to registered participants.
Choose your Porto enrolment option
Whether you are starting Core Principles or have already completed it, there is an enrolment option for you.
COMPLETE APPLIED FOUNDATION PROGRAMME
For new Core Principles of EAS learners
Standard fee €890 (With PORTO-2027 €840)
74-hour online programme + four days at AEPM
PRACTICAL TRAINING ONLY
For Core Principles of EAS graduates
Standard fee €490 (With PORTO-2027 €440)
Four days /32 hours at AEPM
Save €50 when you enrol by 30 November 2026. Enter the promotional code PORTO-2027 at checkout. This code is valid for either enrolment option and expires after 30 November 2026; standard prices then apply.
The programme fee does not include travel or accommodation.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to complete the online course first?
I have already completed Core Principles. Can I join?
Does this programme award a Level 4 or Level 5 qualification?
Will I receive Portuguese professional recognition?
Do I need previous experience with horses?
Which language will be used in Porto?
Are accommodation and travel included?
When does the €50 promotional code expire?
Ready to Put Your Knowledge into Practice?
Join us at AEPM in Portugal for four days of supervised learning, practical experience and professional exchange.
Whether you are beginning your EAS education or have already completed Core Principles, Porto offers an opportunity to develop your foundational skills and explore your next professional step.
A unique hands-on EAS learning experience with just 12 places available. Secure yours before they’re gone!
Save €50 when you enrol by 30 November 2026.
Use code PORTO-2027 at checkout. The code expires after 30 November 2026.
Join our worldwide community of EAS learners.
Svítání Academy® is an accredited OCN London Centre delivering professional qualifications.
We collaborate with international experts and maintain strong links with HETI – The Federation of Horses in Education and Therapy International AISBL, supporting quality and professional standards within the global EAS community.