STRENGTHEN YOUR EAS PRACTICE WITH OT INSIGHTS

Explore Occupational Therapy Perspectives in Equine Assisted Services

EQUINE ASSISTED
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

OCN London L5 Micro-Credentials | Occupational Therapy | 15 GLH / CPD Hours | Enrol Anytime

This professional development course provides an introduction to Occupational Therapy-informed approaches within Equine Assisted Services. Drawing on contemporary Occupational Therapy principles, the course explores sensory processing, participation, functional skill development, environmental adaptation, and client-centred practice within the equine environment.

Course fee: 370 EUR

OCN London Micro-Credential

Successful completion of this course leads to the award of an OCN London digital L5 micro-credential recognising focused professional learning in Equine Assisted Occupational Therapy (EAOT).

The micro-credential provides verifiable evidence of learning outcomes achieved and supports continuing professional development in health, education, and Equine Assisted Services.

Issued as a secure digital credential, the micro-credential can be shared with employers, educational institutions, and professional networks.

This course forms part of a wider educational pathway developed by Svítání Academy in collaboration with OCN London and aligns with contemporary approaches to modular and lifelong learning.

What This Course Offers

  • Self-Paced Professional Learning
  • Expert-Led Teaching
  • Multilingual Learning Accessibility
  • Applied Clinical Perspectives
  • Lifelong Access to Learning Materials
  • Professional Community and Peer Networking

The course encourages evidence-informed thinking and supports participants in connecting Occupational Therapy theory with practical application within Equine Assisted Services.

Meet Your Lecturer

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Audrey Darby, BSc

Occupational Therapist, Equine Assisted Therapy Clinical Specialist, Lecturer

Ireland

Audrey Darby has been practising as an Occupational Therapist since 1994 and specialises in paediatric rehabilitation, working with children who present with complex physical, sensory, and multiple needs. In 2010, she played a key role in establishing the Equine Assisted Occupational Therapy service at ChildVision in Ireland. She subsequently completed the Therapeutic Riding Coach qualification in Ireland and the American Hippotherapy Association (AHA) Hippotherapy Part I training in 2022.

An active member of the European Equine Assisted Therapy Network (EEATN), Audrey collaborated with colleagues and HETI to support the development of the HEIR Register of Equine Assisted Services Practitioners in Ireland. She also contributes to a professional network dedicated to education, support, and the advancement of Equine Assisted Services practice across Ireland.

Audrey is the co-founder of EquiSence – Integrated Equine Assisted Services, based in Dublin, Ireland.

Her particular areas of expertise include visual impairment, its impact on child development, and the application of Occupational Therapy within Equine Assisted Services. She regularly presents nationally and internationally on these topics.

In addition to her clinical and educational work, Audrey provides mentoring and professional support to therapists and coaches, helping practitioners strengthen their clinical reasoning, develop service quality, and address complex cases within Equine Assisted Services.

What Will You Learn

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Explain core Occupational Therapy principles relevant to Equine Assisted Services.
  • Recognise sensory, motor, cognitive, and functional factors influencing participation in EAS.
  • Apply OT-informed observation and clinical reasoning within EAS sessions.
  • Adapt activities to support functional engagement and participation.
  • Identify situations requiring referral to an Occupational Therapist or other healthcare professional.
  • Demonstrate increased awareness of safety considerations, precautions, and professional boundaries.
  • This single section would significantly increase academic credibility.

Chapters

Read a chapter here.

What our learners say

Very well-organized module and therapist with excellent technique, and personally, I loved every paragraph of this module!
Telma SilvaOccupational Therapist, Portugal
I especially liked the balance between theoretical knowledge and practical examples.
Marios AntonOccupational Therapist, Cyprus
I loved the structure of the session and I will definitely make some improvements to mine, of course, depending on the child's needs. Thank you, Audrey, for this well-structured and inspiring experience!
VanyaBulgaria
EAOT was an inspiring and creative course that helped me develop new skills and improve my practice. Audrey's teaching was clear, calm, and supportive. The course deepened my understanding of sensory processing, client-centred practice, and ways to engage and empower children within Equine Assisted Services.
Zijada KurtodzaSpeech Language Pathologist, Bosna&Herzegovina
Clear structure and organisation, accurate grasp of core EAT principles, use of key terminology, ability to connect case examples with theory, reflection on the therapist’s role.
Course participant

Academic and Professional Context

This course was developed from content originally delivered in the OCN London-accredited L5 Certificate for Equine Assisted Therapy Clinical Specialist (EATCS) programme and has been adapted into a focused professional learning module for learners seeking a deeper understanding of Occupational Therapy perspectives within Equine Assisted Services.

Assessment and Verification

Learning is supported through structured educational content, reflective activities, and knowledge review components designed to reinforce understanding of key concepts and their application within practice.

How does the course work?

  • No requirements or prerequisites needed.
  • E-learning: 10 lessons. You'll receive a username and password to access our online study platform, allowing you to study at your own pace.
  • Support: Continuous support is available via email.
  • Receive an OCN London L5 digital micro-credentials upon successful completion of the course, together with continued access to course materials and future updates.

Do you want to learn more? Look at our Core Principles of EAS, L5 Equine Assisted Therapy Clinical Specialist qualification or Equine Assisted Physiotherapy online courses.

Registration

OCN London L5 Micro-Credentials | 10 lessons | 15 GLH / CPD Hours | Enrol Anytime

NOTE: If issuing for your company and do not have a company ID, write in the line of "Company ID*" these numbers: 12345

GDPR Compliance:
The organizer will retain your personal data, including your name, email address, and telephone number, for communication purposes until you submit a written request for removal.

Recordings and Publication
By registering and paying for any of our educational events (including courses, webinars, or workshops), you acknowledge and consent that photos and video recordings may be taken during the event. These materials may be used for future reference, educational purposes, and promotional activities.

FAQ

What is the OCN London Micro-Credential?

Upon successful completion of the course, learners receive an OCN London digital micro-credential recognising focused professional learning in Occupational Therapy perspectives within Equine Assisted Services. The credential is issued as a secure digital badge that can be shared with employers, educational institutions, and professional networks.

Is this course suitable for Occupational Therapists who are new to Equine Assisted Services?

Yes. The course provides an introduction to Occupational Therapy-informed approaches within Equine Assisted Services and is suitable for Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapy students, and other professionals interested in understanding the contribution of Occupational Therapy to EAS practice.

Does this course qualify me to practise as an Occupational Therapist or Equine Assisted Occupational Therapist?

No. This course does not provide a professional qualification in Occupational Therapy, nor does it qualify participants to practise Occupational Therapy independently. It is designed as continuing professional development and focused learning for those wishing to expand their knowledge of Occupational Therapy perspectives within Equine Assisted Services.

How long do I have to complete the course?

The course is self-paced and available through open enrolment, allowing learners to start at any time and progress through the content at a pace that suits their professional and personal commitments.

How does the timeline and access work?

This OT course is designed to be completed within six (6) months from the start date. The six-month timeframe is there to help learners stay motivated and keep good study momentum — it is meant as guidance and support, not as a punishment. If the course is not completed within this period, access to the e-learning platform will be closed. However, once you complete the course, you will receive your certificate and continue to enjoy unlimited access to the learning materials and all future updates.

Svitani 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.

STRENGTHEN YOUR EAS PRACTICE WITH OT INSIGHTS