Selecting a certification program in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) or Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) is an important professional decision. Consider the following:
- Alignment with Your Specialty
Ensure the program aligns with your focus area, population, and professional goals. - Insurance & Licensing Compatibility
Confirm you can obtain equine liability insurance and that your licensing board recognizes the certification as equine assisted therapy and not just equine assisted learning. - Program Longevity & Foundation
Look for programs with an established history and a solid, reputable foundation. - Training Structure & Continued Learning
Request a detailed training outline and ask about advanced or follow-up training opportunities. - Referrals & Testimonials
Ask to speak with individuals who have completed the program to gain firsthand insight. - Trainer Qualifications
Verify the trainers’ backgrounds. Strong programs should demonstrate expertise in both equine education, long standing clinical practice and trauma-informed care. - Ability to Train Diverse Learners
The program should support different learning styles and emphasize skill mastery—especially important when working with vulnerable populations. - Equine Welfare & Agency
Ensure the model prioritizes horses as equal partners and supports equine agency within the work. - Entrance Requirements
Be cautious of programs with no prerequisites. A lack of required equine experience can be a significant red flag. - Theoretical Foundation
Ask what theory or framework the model is based on to ensure it aligns with your professional orientation ex) attachment, CBT, polyvagal - Post-Certification Support
Ongoing consultation or supervision is essential for practicing within your scope of competence. If not included, ensure you have access to qualified local support. The Icarus Model ® covers follow up for 1 year in the program built into the price. - Professional Presence
Review the program’s online presence to better understand its offerings, philosophy, and reputation (while recognizing this alone is not a guarantee of quality). - Transparency
Reputable programs should willingly provide their training background, methodology, and referrals. Make sure there is a benefactor if something should happen to the creator so your certification doesn’t dissolve.
Sponsored by the The Icarus Model
Offering one-on-one training opportunities in equine assisted therapy and learning for 20 hours and consultation for a year in addition to the international consultation group!
Recommended Programs to Explore
- Equid Nexus
- Equusoma
- The Herd Institute
All of the above programs offer post-certification consultation and supervision for an additional fee.