Accredited Practitioner Register Ethical Treatment of Horses
Accredited Practitioner Register • Ethical Treatment of Horses
Registration with the Athena Herd Foundation means committing to our Ethos of Ethical Treatment of Horses.
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The Five Domains
TL;DR
The Five Domains ensure horses have good nutrition, a comfortable environment, strong physical health, opportunities for natural behaviour, and positive mental wellbeing.
1. Nutrition
Constant access to fresh water.
Diet that supports health and vitality.
Minimising hunger and thirst, making eating a pleasurable experience.
2. Environment
Shade, shelter, or suitable housing.
Good air quality and comfortable resting areas.
Minimising discomfort and promoting thermal, physical, and other comforts.
3. Health
Prevent, diagnose, and treat disease or injury promptly.
Support strong muscle tone, posture, and cardio-respiratory health.
Minimise pain, breathlessness, and illness while promoting strength, vigour, and coordinated activity.
4. Behaviour
Adequate space, proper facilities, and compatible company.
Opportunities for species-appropriate behaviours and social interaction.
Safe, rewarding activities with both other horses and humans.
5. Mental Health
Safe and species-appropriate opportunities for pleasure, interest, confidence, and control.
Recognises that good nutrition, environment, health, and behaviour support positive mental wellbeing.
Creating the Appropriate Interactive Space
TL;DR
Sessions must respect the horse’s comfort, health, and choice, with safe equipment, reasonable workloads, and the ability to rejoin companions afterwards.
Ethical care also applies during facilitated sessions with clients and service users.
Practitioners must monitor and support the horse’s physical and mental wellbeing throughout interactions.
Standards include:
Using appropriate and humane equipment (e.g., headcollars).
Choosing exercises suitable for the horse’s age, health, and ability.
Limiting the duration of sessions to prevent overwork.
Allowing the horse freedom to express itself and, within safety limits, choose its level of participation.
Ensuring the horse can return to its companions after sessions.
The Register also aligns with the International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organisations framework for equine-assisted services.
Important Associated UK Regulation
TL;DR
Practitioners must follow UK laws covering horse welfare, licensing, and identification, and seek written confirmation from local authorities on licensing requirements.
Practitioners must be fully aware of — and compliant with — UK animal welfare laws, including:
Requires meeting the animal’s needs for:
Suitable environment.
Suitable diet.
Normal behaviour patterns.
Appropriate social housing or separation.
Protection from pain, suffering, injury, and disease.
Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018
Requires licensing for certain animal-related activities. Some councils may exempt EAS centres — but practitioners must obtain written advice from their Local Authority.
DEFRA Code of Practice for the welfare of horses, ponies, donkeys, and hybrids.
Equine Identification (England) Regulations 2018
Requires all horses in the UK to have a passport.
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