Equine  Psychology Specialist Training

The professional equine psychology specialist training offered by the EBA is a mixture of online class work and practical ‘on the job’ training. The training takes approximately 1 year to complete; flexibility is offered depending on each trainees needs.

Each trainee will be individually mentored and assisted in developing the knowledge, skills and confidence required to go out and practice as an EBA Registered Equine Psychology Specialist (EBA REPS).

Trainees will already have learned most of the theory required to help horses in a range of ways relating to their psychological health and behaviour.

To practice as an EBA REPS, the professional training covers the following:

– Working with clients within a therapeutic relationship

– A solid understanding of a scientific approach; the reflective scientist-practitioner model

– Professional practice structure

– Formulation practice: 10 cases will be formulated in online group sessions, and 12 cases will be seen individually, with real clients and horses, accompanied by an EBA training assistant.

There is a strong emphasis on consolidating theory to practice links – with classes, group discussions, real cases and supportive supervision to assist in this process.

Supportive supervision will continue after the trainee has completed this training, to further build skills and confidence.

Anyone who wishes to practice as an EBA REPS and has already passed the EBA Applied Equine Psychology Course or can demonstrate equivalent knowledge and practical skills.

Applicants, in addition to having a good breadth of practical experience with horses, will have basic skills in using trans-species systemic formulation to structure their thinking about an ‘equine behaviour problem’. They will already be able to draw from areas such as attachment theory and trauma treatment models to understand and suggest practical interventions.