Practitioner Pathway
Equine Assisted Activities & Therapies (EAAT) have gained increasing popularity in recent years as more people seek alternative approaches to growth & wellness. Knowing the incredible impact horses can have in this space, many of us want to share these powerful experiences with others to support mental health & learning—but how do we actually guide these interactions in ways that are truly beneficial, intentional , and ethical to both the horses and humans we are working with?
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The Equi Evolution Practitioner Pathway teaches just that! Learn more about become a Certified Equine-Inspired Learning Practitioner below.
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Become a Certified Equine-Inspired Learning Practitioner (CEILP)
Our Equine-Inspired Learning Practitioner Certification is an in-depth training program for those who want to guide meaningful, ethical, and transformative experiences with horses. Whether you’re an educator, coach, wellness professional, or simply passionate about the equine-human connection, this program equips you with the skills, knowledge, and awareness to facilitate growth and learning without compromising the well-being or autonomy of the horse.
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Through a combination of online and in-person learning, you’ll explore essential topics including industry standards and approaches, the role of nervous system regulation and support, equine biology and behavior, foundations of relationship-based horsemanship, and how to guide trauma-informed facilitation. The curriculum blends scientific understanding with real-world application, preparing you to create sessions and programs that are safe, impactful, and grounded in respect for both species.
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This is not a cookie-cutter, “just follow the steps” training. The Equi Evolution model invites you to think critically, observe deeply, and develop your unique facilitation style within a professional and ethical framework. You’ll join a supportive cohort of like-minded practitioners, gain hands-on experience, and graduate with the confidence to design and lead equine-inspired sessions that truly honor the horse while serving your clients.
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What can I do with this certification?​​
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Wellness and personal enrichment: Design experiences that help clients explore mindfulness, presence, boundaries, and self-reflection through interactions with horses.
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Leadership and team development: Create group programs that strengthen communication, trust, and collaboration.
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Education and skill-building: Develop programs that integrate equine experiences into schools, organizations, or community settings to enhance learning.
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Creativity and expression: Offer spaces where clients can engage their imagination, explore new perspectives, and unlock creative potential through equine-assisted experiences.
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Ethical horsemanship in practice: Demonstrate and model compassionate, relationship-based approaches to improve equine education and care across the industry.
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What can I NOT do with this certification?​
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Provide psychotherapy or mental health treatment
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Offer medical diagnosis or care for people or horses
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Use this certification as a clinical license or healthcare credential
What sets us apart:
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Compassionate horsemanship at the core: Horses are not props in the arena, they are unique sentient beings who's perspectives, experiences, and behaviors inspire and influence learning & growth. With a significant focus on understanding our equine partners, you will learn how to meet horses’ needs in ways that truly honors their well-being, autonomy, and role in this work.
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Trauma-informed and socially aware: Grounded in nervous system science with an understanding of the systemic and cultural factors that shape both human and equine experiences, we teach our students how to meet both their human participants and the horses we work with from a space that acknowledges the depth and nuance of personal experience through a trauma-informed lens.
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Learn from an experienced herd: Our horses have been living and working this approach for years, offering an opportunity to observe its impact on equine behavior & well-being firsthand. Experience what it's like working with a herd who has been allowed to have a voice in how they participate and the benefits that can offer our human learners.
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Taught by seasoned practitioners: It's not just the horses who have been doing this work for years. Here you will also benefit from the insights of practitioners actively working in the field, blending lived experience with professional expertise.
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Small, connected cohorts: With our limited cohorts and intentionally small groups, you will enjoy personalized attention, peer connection, and a safe space for open dialogue that supports a wide range of learning styles.
2026 Training Cohorts:
Cohorts are limited to 8 students to ensure plenty of learning support throughout the program. Our online learning consists of 4 core modules which include a variety of guided learning and activities along with group meets for reflection and connection. Instructors will also be available for personal support & mentorship throughout (and beyond) the learning process. Following the online learning, students will attend a 3-day learning intensive at our farm in Rhode Island (United States) for practical application and in-person experience to complete their certification.
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Program format:​
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16 week online learning program
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4 online group meets
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3-day in-person intensive
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Personal mentorship opportunities available
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Program cost: $2000​​
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Payment plan available
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Discounted private mentoring rate - $60/session for all students AND graduates (regularly $75)
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Discounted Horsemanship Program - students & graduates receive 5% off our Level 1 & 2 Relationship-Based Horsemanship Courses (These courses are NOT required for training certification; however, they do offer in-depth education and experience with horses, valuable to enhancing your own horsemanship skills and overall confidence in this work.)
Upcoming Dates:
Application Requirements
This certification program offers in-depth training for those committed to honoring BOTH the human & equine experience in a meaningful and therapeutic way. We expect students to uphold a strict standard of ethical behavior guided by compassion and care for improving the welfare of horses and humans.
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Age requirement: 18+
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Experience with horses:
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Minimum 200 hours
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Understanding of basic care practices & needs
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General comfortability handling & working with horses on the ground
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Commitment to ethical practice:
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Students are expected to honor equine autonomy, trauma-informed facilitation, and a non-dominance-based approach
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Professional/life background:
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Open to educators, coaches, therapists, wellness professionals, equine professionals, or anyone committed to working with horses in this way
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need horses of my own to participate?
No, you do not need to own horses to learn with us or work in an equine-centered space. Some assignments will ask you to observe equine behavior, which you can do in-person at farms near you or you may do through approved video clips online.
How much time do I need to set aside each week?
While lessons and assignments vary week to week, we recommend allotting approximately 2 - 4 hours per week for the duration of the online learning program. Accessibility is important to us, so if you need particular accommodations to support your learning please let us know and we will do our best to provide adequate support.
Is this horse therapy?
While equine-inspired learning programs can offer lots of therapeutic benefits, this is not a therapy program. A mental health license is NOT required to participate in this training. It is important to note that psychotherapy can only be offered by a licensed mental health professional and this training does not step into that scope of practice.
Can international students apply?
Absolutely! We believe the world needs more horsey inspired learning and wellness programs and we welcome students from around the globe. Check out our travel info page to learn how to get here, where to stay, and (if you're looking to extend your trip) some fun things to explore in our area.
What if I have scheduling conflicts during the online group meets?
With students from various time zones around the world, we realize that coordinating online meets may conflict with some schedules. Our monthly check-ins will be recorded for those students who are unable to attend so you will still have access to the learning. Students are required to attend a minimum of 2 meets.
What if I can’t attend the in-person intensive?
Participation in all elements of this training are required to complete certification. Sharing this journey with your specific learning cohort is important to the experience. Please confirm scheduled dates ahead of time to ensure you can attend.
Have other questions? Email us at wellnesswithhorses@gmail.com to learn more.
