EATCS Course
Entry Requirements and Course Guidelines
2026
We are delighted that you have chosen to join the OCNLR Level 5 Certificate for Equine Assisted Therapy Clinical Specialist (EATCS) course. This programme is founded on European and North American treatment standards and equine welfare principles.
It is delivered by a team of highly educated and experienced lecturers who are committed to guiding you through this journey. In return, we ask for your passion, dedication, and full compliance with course requirements and deadlines.
Our communication and support systems are designed to help you succeed, but the responsibility for meeting requirements always rests with you. Please take the time to read the following carefully.
Entry requirements submitted before the course begins
This online course is exclusively available to Physical, Occupational, Speech, and Psychomotor Therapists and Physicians. Please submit a copy of your professional diploma.
Before beginning, you must complete the online entry self-evaluation quiz. If your knowledge doesn't meet the expected level, it is your responsibility to obtain the missing knowledge and experience at your own expense and on your own time.
In addition, you need to submit a video showing the following tasks performed independently, with your face visible and no assistance from another person:
- Putting a halter on an equine
- Tying a safety knot
- Brushing the equine over the whole body
- Cleaning the hooves
- Putting on the bridle and saddle
- Leading the equine independently in an arena or paddock for at least one full round with a minimum diameter of 50 metres, including two halts and walking on again
Any signs of equine discomfort or abuse will result in disqualification. If these requirements are not met by the deadline, your course fee will be refunded, less a €200 administration fee, and you will not be admitted to the course.
The video should be recorded and shared via a dedicated Google Drive folder. Then the notification is sent to vera@hipoterapie-kurzy.com.
Submitting Your Work for the EATCS Course
Throughout the course, you’ll upload your videos, files, and assignments, and we’ll use Google Drive to keep them all tidy and accessible.
Here is how to set it up:
- Please create a Google Drive folder as soon as possible, name it 2026-EATCS course – Your Full Name, and share it with me at vera@hipoterapie-kurzy.com. Make sure the access is open so that all lecturers can view your work.
- Upload all your materials to this folder. Each time you add something new, please share the link to your document with me at vera@hipoterapie-kurzy.com so I know it’s there.
- When naming your folders and documents, please always use this format: 2026-EATCS course – Your Full Name – Document Title
- All submissions must go through your Google Drive folder only. Any work submitted via email or social media may be lost, so we cannot accept submissions in this manner.
As university graduates, we trust you are familiar with the academic standards expected in your submissions for a L5 qualification.
Course structure and deadlines
The course runs for 12 months. Several tasks must be submitted throughout the year; please refer to the schedule below for deadlines.
Failure to meet three deadlines will result in the interruption of your studies without financial reimbursement, and you will be unable to continue.
Extension options are available; the rules and fees are attached for your review. Requests for an extension must be submitted before missing three deadlines and clearly communicated to the team via email.
Course requirements
During the course, you will be required to:
- Submit two case studies and two assessment videos demonstrating your practical skills.
- Submit a video of a dressage test. If you are not already an active rider, you must begin your training immediately at your own time and expense.
- Complete 40 hours of hands-on practice in a centre of your choice. Practice begins in February 2026, and you are responsible for securing your placement in advance.
- Submit a Virtual EAS centre project.
- Attend two live online webinars. Attendance is mandatory; missing a live event will result in an interruption to your studies without financial reimbursement.
Please note that photos and videos may be taken during live course events for educational and promotional purposes.
Non-negotiable standards
We expect every student to uphold the highest standards of professional conduct and equine welfare, in line with the ethical guidelines of HETI. Any breach of the five domains of equine welfare observed in your submitted materials will prevent you from continuing until the issue is resolved.
If you face genuine difficulties, you may apply for an extension in accordance with the extension rules.
Withdrawal option
If you do not agree with these standards or feel unable to comply with the requirements, you may request withdrawal from the course. Please submit your request by email by 20 September 2025 to receive a full refund of your course fee.
Once you have submitted the equine preparation video, please note that a €200 administration fee will be retained in the event of withdrawal.
We look forward to welcoming motivated, hard-working therapists committed to advancing their skills and knowledge in this exceptional course. Together, we will establish a solid foundation for your future work in Equine-Assisted Therapy.
What You Will Need
To succeed in this programme, learners should feel comfortable with online learning and basic digital tasks, as much of the course is delivered through e-learning, written submissions, online forms and video evidence.
Learners are expected to have basic computer skills, including the ability to:
* use email confidently
* create, edit and save documents
* complete project assignments using Word or PowerPoint
* convert documents into PDF format for submission
* complete Google Forms used for quizzes, tasks and assessments
* record videos using a phone or camera
* download, save and organise files
* upload documents and videos to Google Drive
* access and use shared folders and links
* participate in live online sessions using Zoom or similar platforms
* learners should be comfortable using a browser and YouTube translation tools if needed
As the programme includes practical tasks with equines and session-based activities, learners should be physically able and personally prepared to participate safely and to manage the demands of a 1-year qualification pathway.
This course requires commitment, organisation and regular engagement.
Learners should be prepared to meet deadlines, complete practical evidence and remain motivated throughout the programme.