History of Svítání

Svítání, z.s., as a nonprofit organisation, has been active in the field of Equine Assisted Services and professional education for more than three decades.

Between 1991 and 2020, the organisation's main activity was the provision of equine-assisted rehabilitation services in the Liberec region of the Czech Republic for children and adults with disabilities. The centre specialised in hippotherapy within physiotherapy, with a strong focus on early intervention for infants and very young children, often starting at three months of age.

On average, around 1,500 therapy sessions were delivered each year to approximately 100 clients coming from different parts of the country. During this period, Svítání became one of the centres contributing to the professional development of equine-assisted therapy practice in the Czech Republic, emphasising safety, professional standards and equine welfare.

In 2003, Svítání was recognised as a Practical Training Centre by the Czech Equine Facilitated Therapy Association. The organisation hosted students, internships and professional placements, providing opportunities for practitioners to gain both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience in the field.

In 2011, three equines from the centre successfully passed the specialised certification for equines working in hippotherapy, confirming the high standard of training and preparation within the programme.

In 2013, Svítání introduced intensive therapeutic programmes, allowing children to participate in several therapy sessions within a single week. This format enabled more consistent stimulation and often led to stronger therapeutic progress than traditional weekly sessions.

In 2015, the organisation received the designation Recommended Hippotherapy Centre, reflecting the quality and professional level of its services.

Around 2020, after nearly thirty years of intensive clinical work, the organisation underwent a significant transition. Several factors contributed to this shift, including generational changes within the team, long-term financial challenges associated with therapeutic services, and the wider impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Today, Svítání continues its work primarily through education, professional training, consultations and international collaboration. The organisation shares knowledge gained through many years of clinical practice and contributes to the development of safe, ethical and high-quality Equine Assisted Services.