EBA

Our Mission

To improve the emotional and physical well being of horses through the education of the equine community; embedding evidence-based ethological needs as best-practice in an integrated approach to equine management and interactions.

EQUINE BEHAVIOUR AFFILIATION

Our Mission, Aims and Values

EBA

Aims

The Equine Behaviour Affiliation aims to:

  • Encourage ethical and integrated approaches to support equine mental and physical wellbeing.
  • Support and promote sustainable and progressive equine behaviour practice
    Improve safety, health and the environment for horses and humans
  • Continue to educate ourselves and others about ethical equine management and training.

1. Encourage ethical and integrated approaches to support equine mental and physical wellbeing

Respect that all situations are unique Use therapeutic and holistic approaches, recognising environmental influences and the whole horse, progressively resolving influences that cause conflict.

Least Intrusive Minimally Aversive (LIMA) approach to retraining horses, creating a positive space where horse and human can thrive physically, mentally and emotionally from a foundation of feeling and being safe.

Recognise that changing emotions (in horse and human) is key to changing behaviour

Encourage synchronisation of horse and human

Dynamic case progression using formulation rather than diagnosis

Support and promote sustainable and dynamic equine behaviour practice

Maintain continuous high standard by

  • embracing new research/ science from related fields
  • nurturing a culture of support and education
  • mentoring and case reviews
  • CPD to ensure that practice reflects and keeps up to date with the latest research from related fields, e.g. veterinary, psychology.
  • The ethical application of science
  • Build relationships with institutions such as colleges, universities and professional bodies for wider understanding of the role of equine psychology specialists and mutual benefit.
  • Create calm, confident and competent equine psychology specialists.
  • Provide a stepping stone for new consultants into other professional organisations

3. Improve safety, health and the environment for horses and humans

Help humans and horses to work together in a safer and more co-operative way.

Support the dissemination of research that furthers a broader appreciation of the horse, the horse-human relationship and the horse’s role in society and the world.

Recognise businesses that reflect our vision and aims and can therefore demonstrate best practice to the wider public, e.g. by EBA accreditation of yards, riding schools, member’s courses, products and services.

Reach out to sectors of the equine industry traditionally associated with stressful or unsafe management practices and poor equine welfare.

4. Seek to continue to educate ourselves and others about ethical equine management and training

Emphasize the high standard in education of consultants.

Raise awareness of the importance of equine mental health and the human benefits from it among professionals, trainers and the general (horsey) public.

Build relationships with academic institutions, charities, clubs and professionals from related fields, for understanding, mutual benefit and to broaden the focus.

Create a supportive culture where each member’s contribution is respected

An acceptance that methods and statistics can guide, but not define

EBA VALUES

The Equine Behaviour Affiliation is:

Empathetic

We understand things from the horse’s perspective

We achieve harmony by being positive and kind

We have unconditional positive regard

Curious

We seek out new people to work with

We cultivate mutual understanding and synchrony

We explore the wider equine industry

Dynamic

We integrate new scientific advances as appropriate

We are confident in our foundation of equine behaviour knowledge and experience

We welcome individuals and input from all sectors of the equine industry

Prosocial

We are friendly, calm and approachable

We value our members and trust them

We respect the specialisms in other professions

We provide a place of emotional and physical safety

Membership

Join EBA

EBA is committed to supporting members through professional accreditation, education and opportunities for development.

We have 3 levels of Membership:

  • Supporter
  • EBA Student
  • Professional

Visit our Membership Page for details on what each level offers and how to join.

View Memberships
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Join as a Supporter

For any individuals who are interested in equine behaviour but who are not practising as an EBA Registered Equine Psychology Specialist.

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STUDENT MEMBERSHIP

For anyone currently training with the EBA. You can join EBA as a student by registering and being accepted for any of our courses.