Svitani Academy – International Education in Equine Assisted Services
Svitani Academy is the international education initiative of Svítání, z.s., a Czech nonprofit organisation dedicated to education, professional standards, safety and equine welfare in Equine Assisted Services.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to contribute to the safe, ethical and professional development of Equine Assisted Services through high-quality education, international knowledge exchange and accessible professional resources.
We support practitioners, students, organisations and professionals in understanding their roles, responsibilities and scope of practice, while promoting evidence-informed approaches, equine welfare and respect for both people and equines.
Through free educational activities, professional development opportunities and structured learning pathways, we aim to strengthen practice across countries and disciplines and to make reliable education in Equine Assisted Services more accessible internationally.
HOW WE PUT OUR MISSION IN PRACTICE
We combine open access to professional knowledge with structured education and international collaboration to support the responsible development of Equine Assisted Services.
Free Professional Education
We regularly share free educational content for the international Equine Assisted Services community, including professional articles, practice-based videos, open Q&A sessions and downloadable resources.
Our aim is to make reliable professional knowledge accessible to people regardless of where they live or whether they are ready to enrol in formal education.
Structured Educational Pathways
For those wishing to develop their knowledge and professional competence further, Svitani Academy provides structured learning pathways ranging from foundation education to regulated OCN London qualifications and continuing professional development.
Each programme has a clearly defined level, scope, entry requirements and expected learning outcomes, helping learners choose education appropriate to their professional role.
International Knowledge Exchange
Equine Assisted Services bring together professionals from different disciplines, countries and professional traditions.
Through international teaching, collaboration and professional exchange, we connect experience from across the field and encourage thoughtful discussion of practice, terminology, safety, professional responsibility and equine welfare.
FREE LEARNING & PROFESSIONAL RESOURCES
Professional education should not begin only when someone enrols in a course. We believe that reliable knowledge, professional discussion and opportunities to reflect on practice should also be openly accessible.
Svitani Academy therefore provides regular free learning opportunities for the international Equine Assisted Services community.
Vera’s EAS Lens
A growing collection of short professional articles exploring clinical reasoning, professional roles, terminology, education, safety, equine welfare and the development of Equine Assisted Services internationally.
Wednesday Practice
Weekly practice-focused series sharing real examples, professional reflections and inspiration from Equine Assisted Therapy and related professional practice.
Join the discussion, explore different approaches and reflect on how professional knowledge translates into practice.
Friday Q&A
A regular space for questions from professionals, students and people exploring Equine Assisted Services.
We discuss professional pathways, education, terminology, scope of practice and practical questions arising across the international EAS community.
Free E-books & Professional Guides
We also provide downloadable guides, educational materials and other resources designed to support professional reflection, orientation within the field and continued learning.
FIND YOUR PATH IN EQUINE ASSISTED SERVICES
There is no single route into Equine Assisted Services.
The education you need depends on your professional background, the role you want to have, the people you intend to work with and the type of Equine Assisted Services you want to provide.
That is why Svitani Academy does not offer one qualification for everyone.
Our educational pathways help you build the knowledge and competence appropriate to your role — from understanding the foundations of Equine Assisted Services to developing practical, educational or clinical professional competence.
Not sure where to start?
Core Principles of Equine Assisted Services is our 74-hour foundation programme and the starting point for understanding the field, professional roles, safety, equine welfare and possible educational pathways.
From there, your next step depends on where you want to go professionally.
Explore Your Educational Pathway
Start with the Foundations
Core Principles of Equine Assisted Services is our 74-hour foundation programme designed for people who want to understand how Equine Assisted Services work before deciding where their own professional pathway should lead.
DISCOVER BENEFITS OF EQUINE ASSISTED SERVICES
CORE PRINCIPLES OF EQUINE ASSISTED SERVICES
Designed for International Learners
Learn in your language
Multilingual learning support helps make professional education accessible across countries and language backgrounds.
Connect theory with practice
Learning includes practical application, observation and assignments with individual feedback — not theory alone.
Understand where you fit
Explore professional roles, responsibilities, and educational pathways before deciding on your next step.
Learn with professional support
You are not left alone with course materials. Guidance and feedback are part of the learning process.
A foundation for your next step
Core Principles is a foundation programme. It does not, by itself, qualify or authorise a graduate to provide Equine Assisted Services independently.
Its purpose is to provide you with the knowledge and guidance needed to make informed decisions about your professional role and further education.
Choose the Path That Fits Your Professional Role
There is no single qualification pathway for everyone working in Equine Assisted Services. Your next step depends on your professional background, the role you want to develop and the type of service you intend to provide.
After the foundation stage, Svitani Academy offers three distinct professional pathways.
LEVEL 3 PRINCIPLES TO PRACTICE IN EQUINE ASSISTED SERVICES
LEVEL 4 EQUINE ASSISTED LEARNING PRACTITIONER
LEVEL 5 EQUINE ASSISTED THERAPY CLINICAL SPECIALIST
These are different professional pathways, not three consecutive steps. Choose the level that corresponds to your existing profession and the role you want to develop.
Continuing Professional Development / Microcredentials
Professional learning does not end with a qualification. Svitani Academy also offers focused programmes and practical learning opportunities for professionals who want to deepen specific areas of their practice.
EAPT – EQUINE ASSISTED PHYSIOTHERAPY COURSE
EAOT - EQUINE ASSISTED OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
EQUINE ASSISTED THERAPY PRACTICE DAYS
EQUINE ASSISTED EARLY INTERVENTION
WHY LEARN WITH SVITANI ACADEMY
Our programmes are designed to combine professional standards, practical relevance and international accessibility.
International Expertise
Learn from experienced professionals who understand Equine Assisted Services across different disciplines, professional systems and countries.
Practice Matters
High-quality online education is not just theory. Our programmes connect knowledge with practical assignments, observation, reflection and real professional application.
Individual Feedback
Learning is supported through individual feedback on assignments and practical work, helping learners understand not only what they are doing, but why.
Clear Professional Boundaries
We place strong emphasis on professional roles, scope of practice and responsibility. Learners are encouraged to develop competence appropriate to their existing profession and intended role.
Equine Welfare & Safety
Equine welfare, ethical practice and safety are integrated throughout our educational programmes rather than treated as separate topics.
Accessible International Learning
Our online learning environment makes education accessible across countries, while multilingual support helps learners engage with professional content regardless of language.
Our aim is not simply to provide courses, but to help professionals understand, develop and apply their competence responsibly within Equine Assisted Services.
MEET THE PEOPLE BEHIND SVITANI ACADEMY
High-quality education depends not only on what is taught, but also on the experience, professional judgement and perspective of the people who teach it.
Vera Lantelme-Faisan, MSc
Physiotherapist | HETI President | International Educator
Svitani Academy is led by Vera Lantelme-Faisan, whose work combines clinical practice, professional education and more than two decades of international experience in Equine Assisted Services.
Her approach to education is grounded in professional responsibility, clinical and practical experience, international collaboration and a strong commitment to equine welfare, safety and the continued development of the field.
An International Teaching Team
Our programmes also bring together experienced professionals from different disciplines and countries, allowing learners to encounter a range of professional perspectives, approaches and areas of expertise.
ACCREDITATION & PROFESSIONAL CONNECTIONS
OCN London
Svitani Academy is an accredited OCN London Centre delivering regulated qualifications and OCN London microcredentials.
PATH International
The OCN London Level 5 Certificate for Equine Assisted Therapy Clinical Specialist is recognised by PATH International as a Registered Therapist Approved Education Provider.
ACPEA – Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Equine Activities, UK
ACPEA recognises the Svitani Academy pathway as an established route into Equine Assisted Therapy training for allied health professionals.
International Professional Connections
Svitani is a Federation Member of HETI – The Federation of Horses in Education and Therapy International AISBL, connecting our work with an international network of organisations and professionals in Equine Assisted Services.
WHAT OUR LEARNERS SAY
Our learners come from different professions, countries and levels of experience, but they share a common goal: to develop their knowledge and practice responsibly within Equine Assisted Services.
Their experiences reflect what we aim to provide across Svitani Academy — clear and structured learning, practical relevance, professional support and an international perspective.
One of the biggest advantages was that it is online, which allowed me to follow it at my own pace and according to my schedule.
My clients have noticed significant improvements after applying the knowledge and techniques from this course.
The tutors were clearly very experienced and able to teach in an understandable and simple way.
Learners from around the world bring their professional experience to Svitani Academy — and take new knowledge, perspectives and practical competence back into their own work.
FAQ – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are Equine Assisted Services?
Where should I start if I am new to Equine Assisted Services?
Is Core Principles of Equine Assisted Services a professional qualification?
Which pathway should I choose – Level 3, Level 4 or Level 5?
Can I study Equine Assisted Services online?
Do I need to own a horse to study or work in Equine Assisted Services?
Do I need previous horse experience?
Are Svitani Academy programmes available internationally?
How do I know which course is right for me?
Who teaches at Svitani Academy?
STAY CONNECTED WITH SVITANI ACADEMY
Continue learning with our international Equine Assisted Services community. Receive new professional articles, free educational resources, learning opportunities and updates from Svitani Academy.
