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Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association

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Equine Facilitated Wellness - Canada
(EFW - Canada)

The CanTRA Board of Directors is in the process of completing some strategic planning for all areas of the organization. As part of this process, the Equine Facilitated Wellness training format is under review. If you are an EFW certification candidate, please be assured that any steps you have taken to date toward this process will be honoured.

Should there be any changes to the requirements or processes related to EFW certification, certification candidates will be contacted directly with this information.

The CanTRA Board of Directors would like to thank the Equine Facilitated Wellness – Canada Committee for their dedication and work in developing these processes to date and for assisting to establish high standards for this field in Canada.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the CanTRA office.

EFW – Canada Committee
Core Committee: Chair(s): TBA
Eileen Bona
Kate Burns
Kathleen Pryde
Margaret Schneider

Background / Introduction | Equine Practitioner Certification | Mental Health / Education Practitioner Certification | Training | Administration | Training Schedule| Membership Application | Certification Application | EFW Certification Program Table | Steps to EFW Certification |

History and Background

Equine Facilitated Wellness – Canada (EFW-Canada) was established as a committee of the CanTRA Board in October, 2005. The need for this committee came about as a result of the growing number of individuals and groups working with horses to provide a range of counselling, personal growth and educational services to individuals with mental health, personal growth, educational and/or emotional needs and goals. CanTRA has a long history of experience with horses in therapeutic settings and it seems a logical and natural fit that EFW fall under the CanTRA umbrella. There are no national standards in Canada to regulate such services. The EFW-Canada committee has developed standards to respond to the need for a Canadian EFW certification process along with recommended independent training.

In March 2009, the CanTRA Board of Directors approved the EFW certification and training program detailed below. Participants from the 2007 and 2008 Explorations in Equine Facilitated Mental Health (now called Equine Facilitated Wellness) will receive credit for the workshop taken while the program was under development.
Part One - Introduction


What is Equine Facilitated Wellness?

Equine Facilitated Wellness (EFW) incorporates a range of counselling, education and personal development approaches, strategies and techniques which bring humans and equines together in healing and learning environments. In EFW, clients will typically work towards therapeutic healing, self awareness and personal growth. This will be facilitated by Certified Equine Facilitated Wellness Practitioners in carefully planned interactions with specially selected horses.

Terms which are currently used in this area of practice include, amongst others: Equine Facilitated Counselling, Equine Experiential Learning, Equine Assisted/Facilitated Psychotherapy, Equine Assisted Professional Development, Equine Guided Education and Equine Assisted Personal Development.

The term Equine Facilitated Wellness (shortened to EFW) is intended to encompass all of the above terms. The Mental Health/Educational Practitioner (MH/EDP) is a term encompassing all of the human services professions included within the EFW program. The Equine Practitioner (EP) refers to the horse professional member of the team.

Underlying Principles of EFW - Canada

The CanTRA EFW program will prepare practitioners to specialize in Equine Facilitated Wellness as a profession that expands their existing equine and mental health/education skills.

The certification and training process to become an Equine Facilitated Wellness Practitioner is a journey of deep experience rather than a series of goal focused achievements. In addition to taking core CanTRA approved courses, candidates create their own learning program with mentoring support from experienced EFW Practitioners.

The training program supports participants in gaining the skills to begin working in the field while they are continuing their learning. By the time the EFW practitioner completes the certification process, they will have experience working in the field. They will have a wide range of training and will have explored a number of approaches. CanTRA Certified EFW Practitioners should be able to become leaders and mentors in the profession of Equine Facilitated Wellness in Canada.

The Role of the Horse

The horse is a sentient being, partner and co-counsellor in the EFW relationship and process, who both experiences his/her own emotions and perceives the inner emotional state of others. Horses working in EFW must be treated respectfully and ethically. Awareness needs to be given to the impact emotional work has on horses. Horses have a need and a right to respond spontaneously and safely when expressing their feelings and opinions, and their physical, mental and emotional needs must be met.

The Role of the Equine Facilitated Wellness Team

An Equine Practitioner will work in partnership with a Mental Health/Education Practitioner who shares the same ethics, morals and understanding of Equine Facilitated Wellness. The horse is an equal partner in the therapy team. The team creates the opportunity for people and horses to come together in ways that are mutually beneficial. The EFW partnership, of Equine Practitioner and Mental Health/Education Practitioner, is sensitive to and aware of the physical, emotional and spiritual safety of people and horses in their care, as well as maintaining their own state of grounded awareness.

There is a need for specialized training and certification in Equine Facilitated Wellness for both Mental Health/Education and Equine Practitioners, beyond what they bring from their professional backgrounds.

Everyone has an individual approach to how they work in their profession. Their professional code of ethics, philosophies, background, education, experience and interests will determine how they deliver their work. In choosing a professional partner in Equine Facilitated Wellness these aspects need to be considered, to create a team that is working towards the same goals in harmony, trust and groundedness. These same considerations will be given when selecting and working with the horses. The Equine Practitioner must understand the approach the Mental Health/Education Practitioner takes in their work and the MH/EDP must observe and understand how the EP works with horses. The Equine Practitioner will bring selected horses with them to join the EFW Team and each horse will have their own personality, strengths, weaknesses and gifts to offer to the process. A team that works seamlessly together with a coordinated approach will be able to offer their clients a wonderful opportunity to experience the healing and wisdom that horses have to offer. Whenever possible it is suggested that a potential EFW Team take trainings and workshops together to develop this relationship and learn how to develop their working partnership. Part of the Internship and training will be spending time together; Equine Practitioner, Mental Health/Education Practitioner and their herd, to understand and experience the dynamics of their unique therapy team.

There is an option for a Dually Trained Practitioner, having the background to certify as both an Equine Practitioner and Mental Health/Education Practitioner, to work alone in suitable situations such as working with individuals or small groups in safe controlled situations.

Certification

Completion of the CanTRA EFW certification program will result in a candidate achieving the designation of Certified Equine Facilitated Wellness Practitioner.

There will also be the designations of Certified Equine Facilitated Wellness Mentor for those who have met the certification requirements and also have additional skills and an EFW philosophy compatible for mentoring others. Certified Equine Facilitated Wellness Trainer will be granted to those who have met the above requirements, also possess the necessary additional skills to become a trainer/educator and have been approved to act as a CanTRA EFW trainer.
Part Two - Equine Practitioner

Certification Process for the Equine Practitioner

The Role of the Equine Practitioner in Equine Facilitated Wellness

Training and certification in an appropriate equine field is essential for a horse professional to work in the area of EFW, but it is not by itself sufficient. The horse person needs to enter this process with strong skills and training in working with horses (including ground work and horse psychology) and also needs basic skills in communication.

The majority of EFW is done on the ground so riding skills are not the main focus of the EP’s experience. The Equine Practitioner needs an extensive background with horses, herd behavior, horse psychology, non-verbal communication and ground work. Then those skills have to be integrated in to the field of Equine Facilitated Wellness.

Horse people with traditional experience in the field such as Hunter/Jumper, Dressage, Western Riding, showing, driving, and various levels of teaching certifications all come with a wealth of knowledge which will be recognized and beneficial as a base in the field of EFW. However, some of that traditional knowledge will have to make way for a whole new set of skills that is required to be an Equine Practitioner in EFW. These may include:
  • Horse psychology
  • Equine behaviour
  • Herd dynamics
  • Ground work
  • Non-verbal communication
  • Equine wellness
  • Choosing appropriate horses considering the goals that you have set with your MH/EDP for the client(s) for individual, group and team sessions
  • Designing safe and appropriate exercises
  • Recognizing when your horses are overwhelmed, burnt out, over-faced, mismatched with clients and how to avoid these situations and keep them healthy and safe with this type of work
Communication skills which would include:
  • Understanding the nature of the therapeutic relationship
  • How to create safe space
  • Active listening
  • Expressing empathy, genuineness and respect
  • Asking open-ended questions and how they are useful
  • Immediacy-dealing with issues in the moment
  • Maintaining healthy boundaries
  • Roles, limits & self-awareness
  • Note keeping and confidentiality
  • Privacy legislation
  • Understanding emotional, mental, physical safety
  • Reviewing treatment plans for clients with your MH/EDP
  • Understanding solution focussed support and treatments
  • Understanding body awareness, breathing and energy psychotherapy
  • Knowing what kind of setting is conducive to EFW - what are the necessary requirements in terms of setting, privacy, horses, safety, work space, special equipment, safe environments considering the population you are serving
Scope of Practice

Experience from a broad spectrum of equine professions will be recognized and included in the EFW-Canada Certification process. The type of work a person will be able to do in the EFW field will be determined by the scope of practice in their own field, as determined, assessed and regulated by their pre-existing certifying professional organization. The EFW-Canada training process will focus upon the EFW specialty area for both mental health/education practitioner and equine practitioner. The partnership that the Equine Practitioner develops with their Mental Health/Education Practitioner and their horses will determine the population of people they will work with and what their approach will be, depending on the education, training, experience and interests of “The Team” including the horses.

To Enter the Certification Process

The process of certification will vary in length depending on each person’s skills, experience and knowledge. Prior learning will be considered.

The certification process is administered by the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association (CanTRA). To enter the Certification Process you must:
  • Be a member of the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association with an additional CanTRA/EFW membership.
  • Have a current Standard First Aid Certificate.
  • Be a minimum of age 21 at the completion of the certification program.
To officially begin the EFW Certification Process candidates must first attend The Explorations Workshop. This 4 day workshop will give you an overview of the field and the tools to plan and accomplish your training for your certification in Equine Facilitated Wellness.

After CanTRA receives proof of the Explorations attendance and CanTRA/EFW Membership, CanTRA will send the official Equine Facilitated Wellness Certification Application Package to the candidate by email.

The candidate has five years from the time of application to complete the requirements of certification.

Please Click here to refer to the Administration document for further information regarding the certification process.

EFW Certification Components for the Equine Practitioner

When entering the certification program, candidates will be asked to prepare a statement describing how and why they want to be involved in the EFW Canada program.

The candidate is required to work towards obtaining the required hours of practical experience and education in the Equine Field and related fields below for the EFW Certification process. The following is a list of experience possibilities that the candidate may have in the Equine Field. Please note the minimum number of hours that are required in each section.

Section A

Experience in your field:
6000 hours of experience is required in the equine field including 5500 hours gaining certification and experience in your field, and 500 hours of ground work and equine behaviour study.

Certification attained:
This section will include hours that you took to train and obtain your certification and hours that you have worked in the field.
  • Equine Canada Rider 3 or higher
  • Centered Riding Levels
  • Pony Club Level C or higher
  • CanTRA Assistant Instructor
  • CanTRA Intermediate Instructor
  • CanTRA Instructor
  • CanTRA Coach
  • CHA Instructor Level or other related levels or certifications in the Equine Field
Experience in your field:
  • Employment in the Equine Field
  • Teaching experience/employment
  • Therapeutic Riding Experience
  • Horse Ownership
  • Breeding or Training
  • Showing
  • Driving
  • 4H experience
  • Other
Groundwork and Equine Behaviour:
500 hours minimum (included in 6000 hour total)

  • Horse psychology, Equine behaviour, Non verbal communication and body language of the horse, Herd dynamics, Equine wellness
  • Other certifications or workshops with such people as Parelli, Tellington-Jones, Chris Irwin, Grant Bell, Jonathon Field or other professionals in the field of ground work and horse behaviour
  • Certifications with other organizations such as Epona, EAGALA, NARHA/EFMHA and other related organizations
  • Related Conferences
  • Related Workshops or home studies
Section B

CanTRA Approved Trainings (105 hours)

Explorations in EFW Workshop (30 hours): To officially begin the EFW certification process candidates must first attend the Explorations workshops. This four day workshop by a CanTRA approved trainer will give you an overview of the field and the tools to plan and accomplish your training for certification in Equine Facilitated Wellness.

EFW Focus Training (75 hours) by a CanTRA approved trainer: A small group, intensive and interactive training opportunity for people who have already completed the Exploration Workshop. Generally offered as (two) one-week workshops. Participants will learn more about EFW practices and will have practical hands on experience with the horses and Mental Health partners.

Section C (100 hours)

Cross Training: The Equine Practitioner will have experience, training, workshops or qualifications in the field of Communications, Counselling, Leadership, Team Building, volunteering at a Crisis Centre etc. working towards: How to create safe space, active listening, expressing empathy, genuineness, and respect, confidentiality, asking open-ended questions and how they are useful, maintaining healthy boundaries, roles, limits & self-awareness.

Section D (35 hours)

Personal Development: This is an opportunity to explore the equine facilitated field as a participant, to sample other training approaches and to develop and build on skills identified in the Explorations workshop.

  • a minimum of 20 hours as a participant/client in individual or group EFW settings
  • 15 hours exploring approaches other than the CanTRA trainings, attending conferences, workshops, training in the EFW field. This additional training can be by others recognised in the larger Equine Facilitated field.
Click here for the above Training Categories in the Training Section.

Section E

Internship/Mentorship (450 hours)

Internship requirement: 150 hours of direct client time in a pre approved EFW setting where the Equine Practitioner is partnering with a Mental Health Practitioner and conducting EFW.

300 hours of indirect client time to accomplish as follows:
  • Research
  • Preparation and planning of sessions in consultation with MH/EDP
  • Building relationships with MH/EDP partner, horses and your facility
  • Debriefing
  • Debriefing horses, ground work
  • Practice sessions with horses with various games, tasks and environments
  • Record keeping related to horses
  • Mentoring your EFW work partner
  • Receiving Supervision and Mentoring
  • Practice sessions
  • Attending mentoring groups
Tracking Internship

The applicant will submit a plan to the EFW Certification Committee that outlines their personal internship program. The internship plan will outline:
  • where the candidate will be conducting their EFW work
  • the name and qualifications of their Mental Health/Education Practitioner partner
  • who their client population will be
  • the names of their mentor(s)
  • intended schedule of mentoring contact
  • what their preparation steps are before they see clients (e.g. practice sessions, mutual mentoring with Mental Health/Education partner, observing sessions, meeting horses etc)
  • when they intend to start seeing clients
  • their intended schedule
  • other information as applicable
Mentoring

While there must be at least one EFW Certified Mentor or EFW Certified Trainer overseeing the internship process, anyone certified by EFW - Canada as an EFW Practitioner will be qualified to act as a mentor with people in EFW training. Other experienced practitioners may act as mentors to EFW candidates with the prior approval of the EFW CanTRA Certification committee.

It is recommended that consultation sessions are conducted a minimum of once monthly for an internship that is part time, or more frequently in a full time internship. These mentoring sessions must support and challenge the candidate in their learning. Case consultation, ethical practice, preparing, selecting a horse(s) to work in EFW, care of the horse in EFW, learning and developing EFW activities and interventions, structuring a session with appropriate EFW activities with your EFW Mental Health/Education Practitioner, practitioner self care and more are consultation topics.

A candidate may engage more than one mentor during their internship and their responsibilities will differ depending on if they are an EFW Equine Practitioner, Mental Health/Education Practitioner or a Dually Certified EFW Practitioner. The mentor is responsible for supporting the EP candidate in their training and education in the field of EFW.

It is important for the Equine Practitioner to understand and follow guidelines that safeguard the confidentiality of Mental Health/Education clients. These guidelines may be different than what is normal in the equine profession. Confidentiality guidelines are also followed within the mentoring relationship. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure that any mentor they engage is willing to follow these guidelines.

The payment of professional fees to the mentor will be arranged between the candidate and their mentor. Generally a mentor will charge their regular hourly rate. Another mentoring option is for a mentor to charge the hourly rate that the candidate charges or earns, generally with a minimum charge.

An Equine Practitioner and Mental Health/Education Practitioner in training, working as a team, can mentor each other as part of their learning, sharing their respective knowledge areas so they can create their way of working together.

Continuing Education

In order to maintain your EFW Certification you will be required to:
  • maintain your annual CanTRA membership with additional EFW membership
  • take 20 hours of continued education related to EFW every three years and submit them to the CanTRA office
  • renew your Standard First Aid Certification
  • maintain pre-existing professional credentials and memberships
Tracking your Progress

Candidates will keep track of their hours and activities on an Internship Form provided by CanTRA as well as their Excel Application Form. This will include hours of group consultation or individual mentoring (or a combination) with a qualified EFW mentor.

The official application form is set up in Excel format which will help the candidate keep track of the hours that you will need in the different categories of training, experience, education and internship. The candidate will be required to update their application once a year from the date that the application was submitted. At this time photocopies of any documentation of courses, certifications, memberships etc. must be sent by mail to the CanTRA office. The CanTRA office will update your file and send a copy to the EFW Certification Committee for review.

Part Three - Mental Health/Education Practitioner


Certification Process for the Mental Health / Education Practitioner

Scope of Practice: Experience from a broad spectrum of human services professions will be recognized and included in the EFW-Canada Certification process. The type of work a person will be able to do in EFW will be determined by the scope of practice in their own field, as determined, assessed and regulated by their pre-existing certifying professional organization. Their standards of practice will apply in the EFW work. The EFW-Canada training process will focus upon the EFW specialty area for both Mental Health/Education Practitioner and Equine Practitioner.

Professions recognised by EFW-Canada: We will include a broad spectrum of mental health/education and equine professions in the EFW-Canada process. The inclusion process will proceed in stages. The choice of the name Equine Facilitated Wellness intentionally allows for the scope to be broader than the mental health field.

We are seeking the highest professional standards of accountability in this first stage of the EFW – Canada program. The professions initially included in the EFW-Canada certification are all established human services professions that have their own professional standards and regulation.

The initial list of professions meets the following criteria:

  1. The profession must be suitable to have EFW applied within its practice, while staying within its scope of practice. The candidate will need to ensure that their professional association will support EFW as being within their scope of practice and provide confirmation of this, in writing, from the association. If your association has not yet endorsed EFW as being within your scope of practice, it will be up to you to discuss this with your association with the support of the MH/ED committee. Candidates can check with the MH/ED committee to determine if their association has included EFW within the scope of practice.

  2. There must be specific formal education representing an existing body of knowledge available that prepares a person for practicing in the human services field.

  3. An existing professional association that includes the following:

      • defined scope of practice
      • an eligibility process
      • Code of Ethics/Profession Conduct
      • complaints process
      • disciplinary process
  4. Professional liability insurance must be available to practice the chosen profession, with the confirmation that this coverage will be extended to the professional liability exposure within EFW. This must be in place before beginning a practice in EFW. It will be up to the MH/EDP candidate to determine that their insurance will be active while they are practicing EFW. Professional liability insurance does not eliminate the need for comprehensive insurance covering the risks related to working outdoors and with horses.

  5. The Mental Health/Education committee has established an initial list of Canadian professions that meet the above criteria. These include:

      • Psychologist
      • Psychiatrist
      • MA level counsellor
      • Child and Youth Care Worker
      • Addictions Specialist
      • Medical doctor with specific training in Psychotherapy
      • Social Worker
      • Certified Life Coach
      • Professional Counsellor
    We have an extensive list of professional associations and standards documented for these professions.

    Any member of these professions who have met the following:

      • is a member in good standing of their professional organisation
      • has professional liability insurance
      • has a minimum of 6000 hours of experience in their field
      • has met the Mental Health/Education requirement to enter the certification program
      The candidate will need to complete specific EFW training and the other certification requirements.
    Other Professions and EFW: The above professions will be included in the first stage of the EFW certification program. There are other professions that will be considered in the future, for example educators and registered nurses.

    Non-Regulated Professions: It is our intention to have a further stage in which these professions can be explored. There is interest in creating a process that can include skilled people who work outside of the regulated professions, while maintaining a high standard of professionalism and competence.

    Training and Experience

    Click here for more about training in the Training Section

    • The Mental Health/Education Practitioner will participate in a multi layered training process with various choices that will be designed by the individual.
    • The process of training to become certified in this field will vary in length depending on the skills, experience and knowledge that the person enters with.
    • Prior learning will be considered.
    To Enter the Certification Process

    The certification process is administered by the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association (CanTRA). To enter the Certification Process you must:

    • Be a member of the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association with an additional CanTRA/EFW membership.
    • Have a current Standard First Aid Certificate.
    • Be a minimum of age 21 at the completion of the certification program.
    To officially begin the EFW Certification Process candidates must first attend The Explorations Workshop. This 4 day workshop will give you an overview of the field and the tools to plan and accomplish your training for your certification in Equine Facilitated Wellness.

    After CanTRA receives proof of the Explorations attendance and CanTRA/EFW Membership, CanTRA will send the official Equine Facilitated Wellness Certification Application Package to the candidate by email.

    The candidate has five years from the time of application to complete the requirements of certification.

    Please Click here to refer to the Administration document for further information.

EFW Certification Components for the MH / EDP


The candidate is required to work towards obtaining the required hours of practical experience and education in the related fields below for the EFW Certification process. Please note the minimum number of hours that are required in each section.

When entering the certification program, candidates will be asked to prepare a statement describing how and why they want to be involved in the EFW Canada program.

Section A

Experience in your field (6000 hours; three years full time equivalent) of experience in your mental health/education field.

If a candidate enters the EFW program without the above requirements complete, they can use their 900 EFW internship hours as part of their 6000 hours of experience. They will need to complete the remaining 5100 hours of experience in their field while working as a member of their profession (not in school) before they can complete their certification. These hours can be within or outside of EFW.

Section B

CanTRA Approved Trainings (105 hours) Explorations in EFW Workshop (30 hours): To officially begin the EFW certification process candidates must first attend the Explorations workshops. This four day workshop by a CanTRA approved trainer will give you an overview of the field and the tools to plan and accomplish your training for certification in Equine Facilitated Wellness.

EFW Focus Training (75 hours) by a CanTRA approved trainer: A small group, intensive and interactive training opportunity for people who have already completed the Exploration Workshop. Generally offered as (two) one-week workshops. Participants will learn more about EFW practices and will have practical hands on experience with the horses and Mental Health partners.

Section C (100 hours)

Cross Training Experience with horses is important for both Mental Health/Education Practitioner and Equine Practitioner. The MH/ED Practitioner will have training in the equine field including ground work, herd dynamics and horse psychology suited to EFW work. The focus is not on riding. There will be a minimum of 100 hours of which 50 are in formal instruction situations (ground work lessons, auditing clinics, DVD’s etc) and 50 are practice and observation with horses.

Section D (75 hours)

Personal Development This is an opportunity to explore the equine facilitated field as a participant, to sample other training approaches and to develop and build on skills identified in the Explorations workshop.

  • a minimum of 20 hours as a participant/client in individual or group EFW settings
  • the remaining hours to be in either participant/client settings or in more formal EFW training. This training can be by approved CanTRA trainers or by others recognised in the larger Equine Facilitated field. eg Epona, EAGALA, Adventures in Awareness, EFMHA etc. (see list in the Training section)
Click here for more information regarding the above Training Categories in the Training Section.

Section E (900 hours)

Internship/mentorship: Completion of a minimum of 900 hours of experience in EFW is necessary to complete the certification requirements.

Internship requirement: 300 hoursof direct client time in a pre-approved EFW setting where the Mental Health/Education Practitioner is partnering with an Equine Professional and conducting EFW.

Approximately 600 hours of indirect time including these example activities:
  • Clinical planning and research
  • Preparation and planning of sessions in consultation with EP
  • Building relationships with EP partner, horses and your facility
  • Debriefing
  • Record keeping
  • Mentoring your EFW work partner
  • Receiving Supervision and Mentoring
  • Practice sessions
  • Attending mentoring groups
    Tracking Internship

    The applicant will submit a plan to the EFW Mental Health/Education Committee that outlines their personal internship program. The internship plan will outline:
    • where the candidate will be conducting their EFW work
    • the name and qualifications of their Equine Practitioner partner
    • who their client population will be
    • the names of their mentor(s)
    • intended schedule of mentoring contact
    • what their preparation steps are before they see clients (eg. practice sessions, mutual mentoring with Equine Practitioner partner, observing sessions, meeting horses etc)
    • when they intend to start seeing clients
    • their intended schedule
    • other information as applicable
    Internship may be completed while working in the field. Hours can also be accumulated while volunteering, participating in an academically supported practicum (e.g. a counselling practicum conducted in an EFW setting), or other combinations as developed by the candidate.

    Mentoring

    While there must be at least one EFW Certified Mentor or EFW Certified Trainer overseeing the internship process, anyone certified by EFW - Canada as an EFW Practitioner will be qualified to act as a mentor with people in EFW training. Other experienced practitioners may act as mentors to EFW candidates with the prior approval of the EFW CanTRA Certification committee.

    It is recommended that consultation sessions are conducted a minimum of once monthly for an internship that is part time, or more frequently in a full time internship. These mentoring sessions must support and challenge the candidate in their learning. Case consultation, ethical practice, preparing, selecting a horse(s) to work in EFW, care of the horse in EFW, learning and developing EFW activities and interventions, structuring a session with appropriate EFW activities with your EFW Mental Health/Education Practitioner, practitioner self care and more are consultation topics.

    A candidate may engage more than one mentor during their internship. The mentor is responsible for following professional guidelines for mentoring (eg. doing case consultation after the candidate gains permission from the client, confidentiality, etc). The candidate is responsible to follow their own ethical standards while they are receiving supervision.

    The payment of professional fees to the mentor will be arranged between the candidate and their mentor. Generally a mentor will charge their regular hourly rate. Another mentoring option is for a mentor to charge the hourly rate that the candidate charges or earns, generally with a minimum charge.

    An Equine Practitioner and Mental Health/Education Practitioner in training, working as a team, can mentor each other as part of their learning, sharing their respective knowledge areas so they can create their way of working together.

    Continuing Education

    In order to maintain your EFW Certification you will be required to:
    • maintain your annual CanTRA membership with additional EFW membership
    • take 20 hours of continued education related to EFW every three years and submit them to the CanTRA office
    • renew your Standard First Aid Certification
    • maintain pre-existing professional credentials and memberships
    Tracking your Progress

    Candidates will keep track of their hours and activities on an Internship Form provided by CanTRA as well as their Excel Application Form. This will include hours of group consultation or individual mentoring (or a combination) with a qualified EFW mentor.

    The official application form is set up in Excel format which will help the candidate keep track of the hours needed in the different categories of training, experience, education and internship. The candidate will be required to update their application once a year from the date that the application was submitted. At this time photocopies of any documentation of courses, certifications, memberships etc. must be sent by mail to the CanTRA office. The CanTRA office will update your file and send a copy to the EFW Certification Committee for review.

  • Part Four - Training


    Description of CanTRA EFW Training

    Explorations in Equine Facilitated Mental Health

    This is the first step in the EFW-Canada certification program and is open to anyone who is interested in learning about EFW. This small group experiential workshop provides an introduction to the field and covers the following in a four day workshop:

    • Safety and risk management
    • The human animal bond
    • Body awareness and self awareness
    • Ethics (including ethics from the perspective of the horse)
    • Importance of the relationship
    • Client confidentiality including while in internship and mentoring
    • Role of the horse as a sentient being and partner
    • Scope of practice
    • Experiential exercises, demonstrations and discussions
    • Case studies
    • Industry standards, relevant organizations and range of training options
    • EFW Canada training and certification program information
    Participants will leave with an individualized action plan, mission and vision statements and practical options to pursue immediately. Workshop topics will be covered through a mix of discussions, presentations, demonstrations and hands on experiential exercises. Completion of this course serves as the pre-requisite for entering the EFW – Canada Certification Program. This workshop is suited to both Equine Practitioner and Mental Health/Education Practitioner. The next steps include Focused Training described below.

    Focused Training for the Mental Health/Education and Equine Practitioners

    The next step is a small group intensive and interactive training offered by a CanTRA approved Trainer for people who have already completed an approved Exploration workshop. These opportunities will eventually be available in various locations across Canada where participants can study with experienced EFW practitioners. This training is suited to both Equine Practitioner and Mental Health/Education Practitioner.

    Participants will explore the different aspects of working in the field of EFW, will be exposed to the specialty focus of the trainer, and will have practical hands on experience. There is a strong emphasis on safe practice standards. The specific content will vary according to the presenter, who will be pre approved by EFW-Canada and will be operating out of a CanTRA approved facility.

    The requirement is to complete 75 hours of Focused Training. This can be provided by one or more trainers. Most focus training options are offered as two, week long (five days) or two week programs. If a candidate takes more than 75 hours of Focused Training, the hours can be used as credit in either Personal Development or Internship.

    The CanTRA Explorations Workshop and the Focus Trainings are given by independent bodies that have been recommended by the CanTRA EFW Committee and approved through the CanTRA Board of Directors as qualified and competent trainers and facilitators in this field. They operate from facilities that have CanTRA Member Centre Status or Provisional Member Centre Status. Please see admin document for explanations of these term.

    Candidates are invited to explore other trainings in the field of Equine Facilitated Wellness to round out their education and experience and acquire the necessary hours for their certification.

    All course registrations and arrangements are to be made between the candidate and the independent Workshop Conductors.

    Description of CanTRA EFW Training

    Cross Training


    Cross Training for the Equine Practitioner

    This is a self designed program to ensure that the EP has sufficient communication skills and understanding about mental health issues to be comfortable and supportive of the therapeutic process. Possible learning experiences include: training, workshops or qualifications in the field of Communication, Counselling, Life Coach, Leadership, Team Building etc; taking communication or counselling skills at a local college; training and volunteering at a crisis centre or family services agency; micro-counselling skills course sponsored by CanTRA; other training and practical experiences that may be available and of interest the candidate. Understanding confidentiality guidelines related to working with Mental Health/Education clients is crucial.

    Cross Training for the Mental Health/Education Practitioner

    This is a self designed program to ensure that the MH/EDP has sufficient exposure to horses that they can:
    • participate safely in the sessions
    • understand what the horse may be communicating
    • work with the Equine Practitioner in creating exercises and opportunities for clients
    • process the session material including the contribution of the horse
    • redirect the session as required while working collaboratively with the Equine Practitioner
    Appropriate areas of study include ground work, herd dynamics and horse psychology suited to EFW work; with a relationship as opposed to dominance focus. The emphasis is not on riding. There will be a minimum of 100 hours of which 50 are in formal instruction situations (ground work lessons, auditing clinics, DVD’s etc) and 50 are practice and observation with horses. The candidate will need to provide the details of their training hours. There must be hands on time with horses under the supervision of an experienced horse person.

    Personal Development Training

    In the EFW – Canada program, participants are encouraged to explore the approaches of any EFW (EFP, EFMH, EFEL etc) trainers and practitioners that they are interested in learning from.

    A portion of the Personal Development hours are reserved for being a participant/client. A candidate can take a workshop from any EFW practitioner of their choosing, or attend a personal development type workshop or a combination. It is intended that the candidate experience the work from the perspective of the client.

    The remaining credit hours can be gained from training situations taken with someone of the candidates choosing. This may include more time of training with a CanTRA approved trainer. Information about the dates, hours, trainer, content etc will be documented in the candidate’s personal log form. It is recommended that candidates take the opportunity to learn about various approaches in order to best assess the approach that will suit them and to be well apprised of the range of approaches in the field.

    Possibilities include but are not limited to:
    These programs are entirely independent of CanTRA and EFW Canada and are intended as examples of programs that candidates can consider for their personal development hours. This is not an endorsement of the programs.

    Part Five - Administration


    Administration of Equine Facilitated Wellness Certification through CanTRA

    The information regarding the requirements to become certified as an Equine Practitioner or Mental Health/Education Practitioner in Equine Facilitated Wellness is available on the CanTRA website regarding how many hours are needed in experience, education, required workshops and internship. The candidate can begin to collect the information that will document their education and experience towards their EFW certification at any time.

    To Enter the Certification Process:

    To officially enter in to the EFW Certification Process candidates must first attend The Explorations Workshop. This 4 day workshop will give you an overview of the field and the tools to plan and accomplish your training for your certification in Equine Facilitated Wellness. The process of certification in this field will vary in length depending on the skills, experience and knowledge that you bring to the table.

    The certification process is administered by the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association (CanTRA). To enter the Certification Process you must:

    • Be a member of the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association with an additional CanTRA/EFW membership.
    • Have a current Standard First Aid Certificate.
    • Be a minimum of age 21 at the completion of the certification program.
    The official application form is set up in Excel format which will help the candidate keep a running total of the hours that are needed in the different categories of training, experience, education and internship. The candidate will be required to update their application once a year from the date that the application was submitted. At this time photocopies of any documentation of courses, certifications, memberships etc. must be sent by mail to the CanTRA office. The CanTRA office will update your file and send a copy to the EFW Certification Committee for review.

    Costs of Certification Process payable to CanTRA:

    CanTRA Annual Membership: $30

    EFW Annual Membership: $15

    Initial Registration Fee for EFW Certification Process: $50

    Final Review of Certification Application: $80

    There will be an additional charge of $50 administration if correspondence cannot be done by email.

    The training courses are given by independent bodies that have been approved by the EFW Committee of CanTRA. All course registrations and arrangements are to be made between the candidate and the independent Workshop Conductors

    When the candidate has completed the Explorations Workshop their proof of attendance will be sent in to CanTRA by the course conductor. The candidate will notify CanTRA of their intention to join the certification program by sending their CanTRA/EFW fees and Initial Registration Fee (total of $95 unless already a CanTRA member) to:

    Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association
    5420 Hwy #6 North, Suite 11
    RR #5
    Guelph, ON N1H 6J2


    All workshops will be administered by the Workshop Facilitators and be booked directly with the facilitator by the candidate. The candidate is responsible for keeping their application current with records, certifications, and required hours documented and to send CanTRA photocopies of these documents to verify the hours and experience they are adding to their Certification Application. It is not necessary to send certificates of completion from Explorations or Focused Training. Your name will be sent to CanTRA on completion of those programs.

    When all the required hours and experience has been completed the candidate will submit the final copy of their application and corresponding documentation, to be reviewed by the EFW Certification Committee. The cost of the final review of the candidate’s application will be $80.

    When approved, the EFW Certificate will be presented to the candidate.

    CanTRA will keep a list of current Certified Professionals in EFW on their website with information on how to contact these individuals or links to their websites.

    Staying Current:

    Certified EFW Practitioners will be required to:
    • Take 20 hours of relevant continued education every three years and submit them to the CanTRA office
    • Keep your qualifying professional certifications and memberships current
    • Renew Standard First Aid Certification
    • Renew CanTRA/EFW Membership yearly
    • Demonstrate proof of insurance
    The above requirements must be met to stay active on the CanTRA website list of EFW practitioners.

    Insurance and CanTRA Member Centre Status:

    Once the Candidate is in the certification program, they will need to acquire comprehensive liability insurance before they can work with clients and the horses. Some Equine Practitioners will already have this in place. If desired, candidates who have their own facilities can go through the process of becoming a CanTRA Member Centre and apply for CanTRA Insurance. This process involves a Safety Inspection of their facility where a CanTRA representative observes a session and reviews a list of safety considerations regarding the horses, clients and facility. When the candidate is in the process of becoming certified they can apply for a provisional CanTRA Member Centre status so that they are eligible to apply for insurance while they are working on their certification. There will be a 2 year time limitation to the provisional membership, at which time the membership will be reviewed by CanTRA.

    Part Six - 2009 Training Schedule

    click here for the full EFW Training Schedule

    Part Seven - EFW Certification Registration

    Please click here to download the Certification Registration Form for Equine Facilitated Wellness.