A Groundwork Guide to Careers in Equine Therapy

If you’re reading this you might be just out of school, concluding a degree at university, or considering a job that gives back, you might already be a registered mental health professional thinking about expanding your skillset to include something more  ‘outdoorsy’ or ‘working with animals’?  Wherever you’re at, if you’re looking for a career with horses, a career that helps people, then equine therapy could be the perfect choice for you. A career in equine therapy offers a unique blend of working out in nature, with horses, and providing mental health support to the community; it's a fulfilling and impactful profession. 

This guide will explore the various aspects of a career in equine therapy, including the different roles available, educational requirements, and job satisfaction in what is a steadily growing field. If you are passionate about helping others and have a love for horses, read on!

What is Equine Therapy?

Equine Therapy involves working with horses in therapeutic settings to promote physical, emotional, and mental well-being. This form of therapy can benefit a wide range of client groups, from individuals with mental health issues, developmental disorders, and physical disabilities to people pursuing more general personal and professional development like team building or leadership.

Equine facilitated therapy sessions typically involve activities interacting with horses such as close interactions, grooming and leading, while using the expanded awareness for self-growth. These interactions help clients develop trust, improve communication skills, and enhance emotional regulation. The non-judgmental and intuitive nature of horses makes them excellent partners in therapy, providing immediate feedback and fostering a safe environment for clients to explore their emotions.

Educational Requirements and Important Distinctions

The educational paths for equine therapy careers vary depending on the specific role. All positions require certifications and specialisations, some of which can be obtained through accredited programs like ours.

In order to legally and legitimately call yourself an Equine Therapist you must be a registered mental health professional with: 

• A degree in psychology, social work, or a related field (already considered a “Therapist”)
• Plus, certification in equine therapy and specialised training in equine behaviour and care. 

The Groundwork Equine Therapy Practitioner Training Program is a perfect example of the latter. Once you’ve completed our program you’ll be able to use your newfound knowledge and skills to conduct equine facilitated workshops and identify as an Equine Facilitated Learning Practitioner. If you’re already a mental health professional or therapist you can incorporate the Groundwork models into your existing practice as an equine therapist.

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Job Satisfaction

Many professionals in equine facilitated therapy report high levels of job satisfaction due to the meaningful nature of the work. Helping clients overcome emotional and behavioural challenges through interactions with horses provides a sense of accomplishment and fulfilment for all parties. At Groundwork, we’ve found that once our graduates and clients complete their training with us they’re empowered and ready to run workshops. You can check out our graduate accredited practitioners here. 

Getting Started

To begin a career in equine facilitated therapy, consider the following steps:

• Research different careers within the field as think about where you’d like to go
• Pursue relevant educational programs and certifications (check out our courses here)
• Reach out/network with professionals in the industry! Review our FAQs and feel free to contact us with any questions you might have

Career Paths in Equine Therapy

There are various career paths within the field of equine therapy, each offering unique opportunities to work with clients and horses.

• Equine Facilitated Therapist: Provides personal sessions with horses to help clients with everything from team building, leadership to communication, respect, and emotional and behavioural challenges. Therapists who bring about meaningful change for clients by working with horses.
• Equine Facilitated Learning Practitioner: Educators who bring about meaningful change for clients by working with horses. 
• Corporate Leadership Facilitator: Administering leadership and professional development workshops. Addressing key issues like team building, conflict resolution, communication styles, and effective collaboration.
• Program Director: Manages equine therapy programs, overseeing operations, staff, and client services.

Conclusion

A career in equine therapy offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on your human lives while working with horses. The blend of therapeutic practice and horse-human connection provides a fulfilling and dynamic work environment. With growing demand, diverse career paths, and high job satisfaction, equine therapy is a great career choice for those passionate about helping others and working with horses. If this aligns with your interests and goals, consider taking the first steps towards or contact Groundwork Therapy for more information.

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