WHAT ARE EQUINE ASSISTED SERVICES?
What Are Equine Assisted Services?
Equine Assisted Services (EAS) is an umbrella term used internationally to describe a broad range of structured activities involving horses, carried out for therapeutic, educational, developmental, social or supportive purposes.
EAS is not one single method and is not synonymous with therapy.
It includes different disciplines, levels of qualification and professional roles, all connected by ethical practice, safety and respect for equine welfare.
This page is designed as a first orientation for those who want to understand what EAS truly means — before deciding whether or how to continue.
What Equine Assisted Services Include
Equine Assisted Services may include, for example:
• clinical Equine Assisted Therapy delivered by qualified health professionals,
• educational and developmental programmes involving horses,
• psychosocial and support-based activities,
• structured programmes for children, adults or families,
• assistant-supported activities within clearly defined frameworks.
Each activity within EAS has its own scope, purpose and professional requirements, which must always be clearly stated.
Equine Assisted Services: the wider framework
Equine Assisted Services (EAS) is an umbrella term that covers a range of professionally guided activities involving equines. These services may take place in therapeutic, educational, social or community settings and always require clear professional boundaries, appropriate qualifications and strong attention to equine welfare.
At its core, EAS is about intentional, structured interaction between humans and equines, guided by trained professionals and grounded in evidence-informed practice.
EAS is not the same as Equine Assisted Therapy
Equine Assisted Therapy (EAT) is an important and respected part of the field — but it is only one part.
EAT refers specifically to clinical, goal-oriented interventions provided by qualified professionals (such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, or psychologists) within their scope of practice.
Not all EAS activities are therapeutic, and not all people working in EAS are therapists.
Education, Sport, Support and Other EAS Activities
Equine Assisted Services (EAS), on the other hand, is a broader umbrella.
EAS includes any structured activity in which a specially prepared equine, a trained professional and a client with specific needs work together toward clearly defined objectives.
Alongside therapy, EAS also includes:
• introductory and educational programmes,
• assistant roles and support functions,
• workshops, courses and webinars,
• family-focused and community activities,
• reflective or experiential programmes involving horses.
These activities play an important role in accessibility, prevention, learning and support — but they must not be presented as therapy unless they meet professional and legal criteria.
Why Clear Terminology Matters
Clear terminology protects:
• participants and families,
• professionals and assistants,
• organisations and centres,
• and, importantly, the equines themselves.
It provides transparency about what an activity is—and what it is not.
Education and Professional Pathways
Are you considering meaningful, ethical work with equines and people?
Education within EAS ranges from introductory learning to advanced professional qualifications.
Whether you are already a professional or simply exploring the field, it may be particularly relevant if you are:
• An allied health professional
• An educator or specialist working with children or adults
• Involved in social care or support services
• Considering professional education in Equine Assisted Services
• An equine professional interested in ethical collaboration within structured services
You do not need prior experience in Equine Assisted Services to start here — only curiosity and a willingness to learn.
Start with the essentials
Before choosing a course or professional pathway, it is important to understand the foundations of the field.
Download the free e-book “10 Essential Insights into Equine Assisted Services” and gain a clear, structured introduction to terminology, ethics, professional roles and pathways into practice.
What comes next?
Svítání Academy of Equine Assisted Services provides internationally informed education grounded in clinical reasoning, ethics, equine welfare and professional responsibility.
At Svitani Academy, we offer:
• Introductory courses explaining EAS and its structure,
• Core Principles in Equine Assisted Services as a foundation,
• assistant-level education and workshops,
• Advanced professional pathways such as an accredited qualification
EATCS – Equine Assisted Therapy Clinical Specialist (for eligible professionals).
Each course clearly states who it is for and what it qualifies participants to do – and does not.
About Svitani Academy
Svitani Academy provides international education, training and events within Equine Assisted Services.
Our approach is grounded in:
• clarity of roles and competencies,
• ethical practice,
• equine welfare,
• and respect for professional boundaries.
We work internationally and maintain professional links with
HETI – The Federation of Horses in Education and Therapy International AISBL.
Equine Assisted Services encompass a wide range of practices. Not all EAS activities are therapeutic, and not all professionals working with equines provide therapy. Clear terminology protects clients, professionals and equines alike.