Core Principles of Equine Assisted Services

Find your professional path
in Equine Assisted Services

74 hours · 5 modules · 7 live sessions · 4 bonuses
Online foundation programme

Understand the field, discover where your background fits and choose your next step towards a recognised qualification.

This 74-hour online foundation programme helps you understand professional roles, safety, and equine welfare; recognise the boundaries of your current skills; and plan your further education. Study at your own pace, with live guidance from Vera Lantelme-Faisan.

Study in your language

English, Czech, Spanish and Portuguese are fully supported. For other languages, automatic subtitles, translation and audio options depend on the platform and your device. Try our sample lesson before enrolling to check the options available in your language.

Start studying now. Join the Guided Start on 9 November.

Enrol today for immediate access to the programme, then join Vera live
on Monday, 9 November 2026 at 20:00 CET for your welcome and study planning session.

€370 until 9 November at 19:00 CET.
The programme fee will then increase to €420.

Want to explore the course before enrolling?
Try a free sample lesson and check the videos, audio and language options on your device.

Explore the free sample lesson

Quality assurance and professional recognition

Core Principles of Equine Assisted Services is the foundation of Svítání Academy’s educational pathway, preparing learners for further study towards OCN London qualifications. As an education provider, SVÍTÁNÍ ACADEMY® holds the following approvals and professional recognition.

OCN London Approved Centre

SVÍTÁNÍ ACADEMY® is an OCN London Approved Centre. OCN London supports its provision through internal and external quality assurance.

PATH International Registered Therapist Approved Education Provider

SVÍTÁNÍ ACADEMY® holds Registered Therapist Approved Education Provider status with PATH International.

ACPEA recognition

SVÍTÁNÍ ACADEMY®’s educational provision is recognised by the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Equine Activities, UK.

These statuses relate to SVÍTÁNÍ ACADEMY® and its relevant educational provision. Core Principles is a foundation programme that awards a certificate of completion, not an OCN London qualification.

Is Core Principles of EAS right for you?

You are interested in working with people and horses, but you need a clearer understanding of where to begin or how to build on what you already know.

Core Principles of EAS is for you if:

  • You are exploring a new professional direction
    You want to understand the different areas of Equine Assisted Services and the education you would need to work in them.
  • You want to connect EAS with your existing profession
    You come from healthcare, education, psychology, social care or coaching and want to explore where your background fits.
  • You bring experience with horses
    You work with horses, support an EAS team or volunteer at a centre and want to understand participants’ needs, team responsibilities and professional boundaries.
  • You already have some experience in EAS
    You want to consolidate your knowledge, identify gaps and make an informed choice about further education.
Core Principles in Equine Assisted Services – online course

You can join from age 16, with no prior qualifications or equine experience required. You do not need your own horse or centre.

What will you gain from Core Principles of EAS?

By the end of the programme, you will have a structured understanding of Equine Assisted Services and a clearer direction for your further education.

  • Understand the different areas of EAS
    Distinguish between Equine Assisted Therapy, Equine Assisted Learning and Therapeutic or Adaptive Riding, and understand how their aims and professional requirements differ.
  • Recognise where your background fits
    Identify how your existing education, skills and equine experience could contribute to an EAS team, and where you need further training.
  • Know what safe, ethical services involve
    Recognise key principles of participant safety, equine welfare, teamwork and professional responsibility, and understand why they matter.
  • Understand your professional boundaries
    Distinguish between what you know, what you are qualified to do and what requires further education, supervised experience or assessment.
  • Choose your next educational step
    Explore the Level 3, Level 4 and Level 5 pathways and identify which may suit your background and goals.

On successful completion, you receive a certificate for the 74-hour programme. This recognises your learning and forms the foundation for further study. It is not a professional qualification and does not authorise independent EAS practice.

Enrol for €370 and join the Guided Start

What will you study?

The programme comprises five modules. Each module includes learning materials, lesson tasks and a quiz to help you review your understanding.

Looking for hippotherapy training? Core Principles introduces the broader field of Equine Assisted Services and helps you understand where your interests fit before you progress to specialised education, including Equine Assisted Therapy.

Lektorka popisuje stavbu koně v hiporehabilitaci - Svítání

Module 1

Understanding Equine Assisted Services
Explore the scope of EAS and build a foundation for understanding the different services, their aims and the people involved.

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Core Principles of EAS

Module 2

Team Roles, Safety, Emergencies, First Aid and Ethics
Understand how team members contribute to sessions. Explore safety principles, emergency procedures, first aid and the ethical responsibilities shared by an EAS team.

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core principles of EAS

Module 3

Equine Selection, Training, Anatomy and Welfare
Learn about equine anatomy, selection and preparation for EAS. Understand how training and attention to welfare support the equine’s participation.

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core principles of EAS

Module 4

EAS Fields, Equine Movement, Records, Funding and Research
Explore different areas of EAS and the relevance of equine movement. Learn why documentation, funding and research matter in developing and maintaining professional services.

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core principles of EAS

Module 5

Treatment Principles, Indications, Safety and Client Handling
Gain an introductory understanding of treatment principles, indications, safety considerations and client handling. Learn how these topics relate to professional responsibilities and the need for further supervised training.

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Study at your own pace, in your language

Fit your learning around work, family and other commitments. The programme is fully online, combining video, audio and written materials with lesson tasks and module quizzes.

Start when you enrol

Access your course after payment and begin studying. You can start before the Guided Start session and bring your first questions to the live meeting.

Choose how you learn

Watch the videos, listen to the audio or read the materials. Pause, revisit a topic and take time to complete the tasks before moving on.

Being able to learn at my own pace has been vital to me, fitting in learning with my business demands.
Sarah McDonald Group Coach, RDA York, UK

Explore your language options

English, Czech, Spanish and Portuguese are fully supported. Other languages may be available through automatic subtitles, translation and audio options, depending on the platform and your device. Try the sample lesson below to check what works in your language before enrolling.

Six months to complete, lifetime access afterwards
You have six months from enrolment to complete all five modules. Complete the programme within that time and retain lifetime access to the course materials. If you do not complete it within six months, your access will close. There is no automatic extension.

Try a lesson before you enrol

Explore a sample lesson on the assistant’s role in Equine Assisted Services. Check the teaching format, subtitles and audio options on your own device.

Explore the free sample lesson

Support to help you start, keep going and choose your next step

Your enrolment includes four resources and support options to help you navigate the course, organise your study and connect what you learn with your professional goals.

E-learning and Language Quick Start

Find your way around the learning platform, open your first lesson and set up the language options available to you. Clear instructions help you access videos, audio, subtitles and browser translation, with a contact for technical help.
Included · Value €39

Your Five-Week Study Roadmap

Follow a suggested study plan with milestones and reminders to help you work through the five modules. The roadmap spreads the 74 hours across five weeks—around 15 hours per week. You can follow a slower pace within your six-month completion window.
Included · Value €49

Professional Pathway Toolkit

Reflect on your background, explore EAS team roles and identify where further education is needed. Your toolkit includes a self-assessment, a Role Map, international terminology and an overview of the Level 3, Level 4 and Level 5 pathways.
Included · Value €99

Live Learning Support with Vera

Meet Vera and bring your questions to seven hours of live group support: One 60-minute Guided Start: a welcome and study planning session to help you get started. Six monthly 60-minute Live Learning Rooms: opportunities to discuss course topics, clarify your understanding and explore your next educational step. Next Guided Start: 9 November 2026 at 20:00 CET (UTC+1).
Included · Value €560

Total additional value: €747 — All four support resources are included in your programme fee.

Your Clear Next Step Guarantee

Complete all five modules and the Professional Pathway Toolkit within six months of enrolment.

If you still cannot identify a professionally responsible next step that fits your background, you will receive a private 30-minute live Pathway Review with Vera at no additional cost.

Enrol for €370 and join the Guided Start

Meet your course creator and tutor

Věra Lantelme-Faisan - předsedkyně Svítání

Vera Lantelme-Faisan

Physiotherapist · International EAS educator · HETI President

I created Core Principles of Equine Assisted Services to give you a structured understanding of the field and help you decide where to go next.

I began my work in paediatric rehabilitation in 1999 and have taught internationally since 2004. My specialism is Equine Assisted Physiotherapy, including early intervention for infants and children with neurological conditions. Having worked with clients, equines and multidisciplinary teams, I bring that experience into the programme: safety, equine welfare, professional responsibilities and the decisions behind each session.

Alongside my teaching at SVÍTÁNÍ ACADEMY®, I serve as President of HETI, the Federation of Horses in Education and Therapy International. Working with colleagues across countries and professions has shaped the international perspective you will find throughout this course.

During our live sessions, you can ask me about the course content and discuss how your background connects with further education in EAS.

What our learners say

Finding the right direction “I would recommend this course to anyone considering working with horses and people, as it provides the basic information needed to see whether this field resonates with you and, if so, to continue your education in that direction.”
JosipaPhysiotherapist, Croatia
Building on existing experience “As an OT and special educator, I have been working with horses and children with ASD for several years. Always eager to learn more, this course helped me fill in some gaps in my knowledge.”
Vanya Therapist and Special Educator, Bulgaria
Motivation to continue learning “The course was very motivating, well-organized, and featured a suitable selection of introductory content, which encourages further exploration of the topic.”
Valeria EspinaSpeech and Language Therapist, Chile

4.7/5 for course content and delivery. Based on 74 learner responses collected between January 2024 and August 2026.

Your foundation opens the door to further qualifications

Core Principles is the shared foundation for our Level 3, Level 4 and Level 5 pathways. Your next step depends on your existing qualifications, experience and the role you want to pursue.

You do not need to complete all three levels in sequence.

Level 3 — Principles to Practice in EAS

For support, facilitation and centre-based roles
Build practical competence through guided tasks, video submissions, portfolio work and tutor feedback. This pathway leads to the OCN London Level 3 Diploma in Equine Assisted Services. Open to suitable applicants aged 16 and above. No qualification is required.
Explore the Level 3 pathway

Level 4 — Equine Assisted Learning Practitioner

For facilitating structured learning programmes
Develop your skills in planning and facilitating Equine Assisted Learning, with practical assignments, reflection and assessment. This pathway leads to the OCN London Level 4 Certificate in Facilitating Equine Assisted Learning. For applicants aged 20 and above who hold an accepted professional qualification and meet the equine handling requirements.
Explore the Level 4 pathway

Level 5 — Equine Assisted Therapy Clinical Specialist

For qualified healthcare professionals
Develop Equine Assisted Therapy within your clinical profession through specialist education, practical submissions and individual feedback. Gain the OCN London Level 5 Certificate for Equine Assisted Therapy Clinical Specialists, recognised by PATH International and ACPEA UK. For qualified physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists and psychomotor therapists who meet the entry requirements.
Explore the Level 5 pathway

Your completed foundation counts.
When you progress within our pathways, you do not repeat Core Principles or pay for it again. Each qualification has its own entry requirements and assessment process.

You can begin with Core Principles and use your learning, the Professional Pathway Toolkit and live discussions to decide which direction fits you.

Start your Core Principles programme

€370 — including live guided support

Your enrolment includes

  • The complete 74-hour programme across five modules
  • Video, audio and written learning materials
  • Lesson tasks and module quizzes
  • E-learning and Language Quick Start
  • Your Five-Week Study Roadmap
  • Professional Pathway Toolkit
  • One 60-minute Live Guided Start with Vera
  • Six monthly 60-minute Live Learning Rooms with Vera
  • A certificate of completion
  • Lifetime access to course materials when you complete within six months

Start studying as soon as your payment is confirmed. Join Vera for the next Live Guided Start on Monday, 9 November 2026 at 20:00 CET (UTC+1).

Your enrolment includes all six monthly Live Learning Rooms, even if your course completion deadline falls before the final session.

Enrol by 9 November at 19:00 CET to join this live start at the current fee of €370. After the deadline, the programme fee increases to €420, and registration for this Guided Start closes.

Your Clear Next Step Guarantee

Complete all five modules and the Professional Pathway Toolkit within six months of enrolment. If you still cannot identify a professionally responsible next step that fits your background, you will receive a private 30-minute live Pathway Review with Vera at no additional cost.

This guarantee supports your educational decision. It does not guarantee admission to a qualification, employment, income or authorisation to provide Equine Assisted Services independently.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need qualifications or experience with horses to enrol?

No. Core Principles is open to learners aged 16 and above, with no previous professional qualification or equine experience required. You do not need your own horse or centre.

Is this programme suitable if I already work in EAS?

Yes. It can help you consolidate your knowledge, identify gaps and review your understanding of safety, equine welfare and professional roles. It also provides the foundation for further study within our qualification pathways.

Is Core Principles a professional qualification?

Core Principles is a foundation programme. You receive a certificate of completion for 74 hours of learning. It does not qualify you to provide Equine Assisted Services independently or replace the professional qualifications required for a particular role.

Is this a hippotherapy course?

If you are looking for hippotherapy training, Core Principles can help you understand the wider field of Equine Assisted Services and plan your education. It covers more than clinical work, including learning, team roles, safety, equine welfare and programme organisation. Qualified healthcare professionals seeking clinical specialisation can explore the Level 5 Equine Assisted Therapy Clinical Specialist pathway after completing this foundation course and meeting its entry requirements.

Can I study if English is not my first language?

Yes. English, Czech, Spanish and Portuguese are fully supported. Other languages may be available through automatic subtitles, translation and audio options, depending on the platform and your device. Try the free sample lesson before enrolling to check the options available in your language.

How long does the programme take?

The programme includes 74 hours of learning. Our optional Five-Week Study Roadmap suggests around 15 hours per week, but you can study more slowly. You have six months from enrolment to complete the programme.

When can I start?

You can access the programme once your payment is confirmed. You do not need to wait for the Guided Start to begin studying.

What is the difference between the Guided Start and the Live Learning Rooms?

The Guided Start is a 60-minute group welcome and study planning session with Vera. The six monthly Live Learning Rooms are 60-minute group sessions where you can ask questions, discuss course topics and explore your next educational step. Your live support begins with the Guided Start and includes all six monthly Live Learning Rooms, even if your six-month course completion deadline falls before the final session.

Do I need to attend the live sessions, and what language are they in?

The live sessions and discussions take place in English. Attendance is optional, and recordings will be available afterwards, so you can catch up or revisit the discussion with subtitles in your language.

Does the programme include an in-person practical workshop?

If at least 20 participants from the same country enrol in the course within a single calendar year, we will organise a two-day practical workshop in that country. We will confirm the dates and location once this number is reached.

Will I keep access after completing the programme?

Yes. Complete the programme within six months of enrolment and retain lifetime access to the course materials. If you do not finish within six months, your access will close. There is no automatic extension.

Will I need to repeat Core Principles when I progress to another programme?

No. If you have completed Core Principles, you do not repeat it or pay for it again when progressing within our Level 3, Level 4 or Level 5 pathways. Each programme has its own entry requirements.

Do I have to complete Level 3 before Level 4 or Level 5?

No. These are different professional pathways. Your next programme depends on your existing qualifications, experience and intended role. Completing Core Principles does not automatically guarantee admission.

What if I complete the programme and still do not know my next step?

Your Clear Next Step Guarantee applies if you complete all five modules and the Professional Pathway Toolkit within six months but still cannot identify a professionally responsible next step that fits your background. You will receive a private 30-minute live Pathway Review with Vera at no additional cost.

Take your first step towards a professional future in EAS

Understand the field, build your foundations and choose the educational path that fits your background and goals. You can start studying now and join Vera for the Guided Start on 9 November 2026 at 20:00 CET.

Enrol for €370 and join the Guided Start

Not sure whether Core Principles is right for you? Email us at svitani@hipoterapie-kurzy.com with a little about your background and what you would like to do.