Level 1 EAP Training for Equestrians & Students – October 2026

Level 1 EAP Training – Equestrians & Students

Interested in becoming involved in Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP)?

Our Level 1 training introduces the interactional approach to EAP, teaching participants how to co-facilitate individual sessions. Equestrians and mental health professionals train together, learning how to collaborate effectively within their respective roles.

Throughout the training, the equine co-facilitator is referred to as the Equine Behaviour Specialist (EBS). This describes their role within the EAP team.

Training Details

• Dates: 24, 25 & 31 October 2026
• Times: 08:00 - 17:00
• Location: Kyalami, Johannesburg
• Format: In-person training

Who is this training for?

• Equestrians interested in taking on the EBS role in EAP.
• Psychology and mental health students interested in exploring EAP as a future area of practice

What will you learn?

• The roles and responsibilities of the therapist and EBS.
• How therapists and EBSs collaborate during individual EAP sessions.
• The principles of the interactional approach.
• Supporting safe, ethical interactions between horses and people.

Do I need equine behaviour knowledge?

No formal equine behaviour certification is required to attend Level 1. However, sufficient equine behaviour knowledge is essential before practising in the EBS role, and further behaviour education may be needed.

The course focuses on how to co-facilitate EAP sessions, rather than teaching equine behaviour from scratch. We can recommend additional training where needed.

Your EAP training pathway

• Level 1: Co-facilitating individual EAP sessions.
• Level 2: Co-facilitating group EAP sessions.
• Advanced: Further developing and applying co-facilitation skills in practice.

Important information

This training does not qualify participants to practise psychotherapy independently. The EBS works alongside a qualified therapist, who remains responsible for the therapeutic process.