The Register recognises the importance of maintaining high standards in education and training. These standards ensure that members of the public, service users, or clients receive services founded on professional ethics and that prioritise health, wellbeing, and safety.

In line with these standards, the Register currently invites applications from individuals who have:

• Successful completion of the Athena Herd Foundation Level 4 Equine Assisted Services Practitioner Diploma; or

• Successful completion of, and proof of qualification for, non–Athena Herd Foundation training in Equine Assisted Services.

  These must be recognised, regulated qualifications at a minimum of Level 4 on the Ofqual (or regional UK equivalent) Regulated Qualifications Framework.

Recognised Regulated Qualifications

The following regulated qualifications are recognised by the Register:

• OCNLR Level 4 Certificate in Facilitating Equine Assisted Learning

• CFI Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Riding Instruction for Mental Health

• Crossfields Institute Level 4 Diploma in Equine Assisted Services: The LEAP Method

• Crossfields Institute Level 5 Diploma in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy: The LEAP Method

• Crossfields Institute Level 5 Diploma in the IFEEL Method of Equine Assisted Human Development

• Crossfields Institute Level 6 Diploma in the IFEEL Method of Equine Assisted Psychotraumatology

Unregulated Qualifications

The Register is also open to applications where individual equine-related qualifications are not recognised. In such cases:

• Individuals can apply through the Certificate of Proficiency process; or

• Their qualifications can be assessed against the Register’s standards, as defined under the Framework for Defining Education Standards.

Any assessment must be undertaken with the agreement and support of the training provider or programme owner, and will be a chargeable service.

Other Recognised Qualifications (Approved Through the Assessment Process)

• The evidence-based in-house training programme for facilitators at TheHorseCourse.

Application for Course Recognition

We welcome applications from training providers who wish their courses to be considered for recognition by the Register.

Please email register@athenaherd.org for more information.