Equine Facilitated Training Programmes
Why train with the Athena Herd Foundation?
The Athena Herd Foundation journey started with us developing an environment centred around our herd of horses.  We focused on our horses physical and emotional health and well being.  As a result, we have created an authentic safe environment for you. We are passionate about sharing this authentic learning and development space with you.
You and the horses are at the heart of everything that we do. We look to develop your existing knowledge and experience, our training programmes have been designed to build upon the foundation your existing practice or business.
We recognise that you may have different backgrounds and skill sets. For example, you may be in a people supporting profession. You may already work with horses. Alternatively, you may have an interest in working in this field, or you may be looking to develop more connected and meaningful equine interactions. We have designed our training programmes for you, no matter what your background or specialism.
Moreover, at the outset we made a conscious decision about our pricing. We set out to deliver very high standard yet affordable training programmes in an authentic environment. In other words, our price is not a reflection of the quality of our training.Â
You do not have to pay any annual membership fees nor subscriptions to stay in touch and be part of our community. Similarly, we do not require that you continue supervision with us, that is unless you would like to.
Athena Herd Foundation Team
Train with us for a unique 360 degree learning experience. Above all, you will have the opportunity to develop new and complementary skills and practices as Equine Facilitated Practitioners.
Level 2 Certificate in Equine Facilitated Interactions
You can take our externally accredited ACCPH Certificate in Equine Facilitated Interactions (Module One) as a standalone Certificate. You will need to successfully complete four days of on-site learning. Please note that you can also study our Certificate as an interactive distance learning option. Please contact us for more information.
Level 4 and 5 Equine Facilitated Practitioner Diplomas
You must complete our Certificate in Equine Facilitated Interactions (Module One) before continuing with our externally accredited ACCPH Level 4 Equine Facilitated Practitioner Diploma (Modules Two and Three).Â
We expect that you will need approximately nine to ten months in total to complete all modules of the Level 4 Equine Facilitated Practitioner Diploma, and an additional three to six months to complete the Level 5. These qualifications are a mix of both direct and distance learning, though can be completed on a fully remote basis. We will also provide you with full support, mentoring and supervision throughout your training experience.Â
The Diplomas build on the theory and knowledge you gained on the Certificate, as well as core practical experiential skills. Our training programmes are designed so that you can successfully look to develop and build your own unique practice or business. We are here to support you both during and after completion of our training programmes.
Level 7 Post-Graduate Certificate in
Equine Facilitated Interactions
A post-graduate certificate in Equine Facilitated Interactions. This is a year-long qualification which focusses on supervised individual independent research and analysis. There are also two short taught modules which focus on the skills required to develop your own research project, and ensuring effective and appropriate tools can be engaged to assess and analyse the impact of the project undertaken.
As with our levels 2, 4 and 5 this qualification is accredited by the ACCPH. Applicants will need to have a Batchelors (UK level 6) degree and a recognised qualification in Equine Facilitated Interactions (including Equine Facilitated/Assisted Learning or Psychotherapy).
Level 7 Post-Graduate Certificate with Ulster University
Post-graduate certificate module in "The Application of Equine Groundwork in Clinical Practice" delivered in conjunction with Ulster University’s School of Health Sciences Allied Health Professional Masters’ Programme. This course aims to develop knowledge and skills of Allied Healthcare Professionals to equip the students to safely integrate equine groundwork concepts and exercises into clinical practice to facilitate responses in clients according to their individual developmental and therapeutic needs.
External validation of our Training Programmes
It is not just us at the Athena Herd Foundation that recognises the strength and quality of our workshops, certificate and diploma training programmes.
All courses in our portfolio have been externally accredited by the ACCPH. This accreditation provides assurance that our training programmes are of the highest standard.  In other words, they closely follow the benchmarks set by OFQUAL and the Open & Distance Learning Quality Council. ACCPH will invite you to join in your own right on successful completion of our training programmes.
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Level 2 Certificate (module 1) ÂŁ1559.00 *
This is the first required module. This can be fully online or a 4 day intensive onsite.
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Level 4 Diploma (modules 2 and 3) ÂŁ2100.00 *
This is a mix of online, home based self study, case studies which will need to be submitted. Module 1 is a pre-requisite before starting modules 2 and 3.
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Level 5 Diploma ÂŁ1849.00 *
This is also a mixture of online, home based self study with an extended written case study. Completion of modules 1-3 above is a necessary pre-requisite.
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Level 7 Post-Graduate Certificate in Equine Facilitated Interactions ÂŁ1849.00 *
One year study based on personal research and analytical assessment leading to a post-graduate certificate. Contact Athena Herd Foundation for more information.
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Level 7 Post-Graduate Certificate with Ulster University School of Health Science ÂŁ1550.00 *
Fee split ÂŁ1250 for tuition and ÂŁ300 for final onsite practical module. Minimum group size of 12. Contact Athena Herd Foundation for more information.
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* 10% additional charge raised against pre-agreed payment plans.
About us
Athena Herd Foundation CIC is an Organisational Member of the BACP and ACCPH.
The Athena Herd Foundation is an ethos centric, internationally recognised learning and development centre that specialises in equine interactions. It offers a wide range of professional qualifications, CPD/CEU opportunities and training programmes.