With so many equine-assisted program certifications available today, it’s inspiring to witness the incredible work emerging from this field! At The Freedom Way®, our goal is to help you find the certification that truly resonates with the services you wish to offer and the clients you’re meant to serve. We encourage you to explore all your options—talk to graduates, connect with others in the industry, and schedule a call with the programs to ask the questions that will help you make an informed decision. Starting this journey is an exciting step! If you have questions or feel a bit overwhelmed by the choices, reach out to us. We’re here to support you in making the best decision for your path. Our mission is to empower dedicated and ethical coaches, strengthening the industry as a whole.

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What sets The Freedom Way® apart from other certification programs?

The Freedom Way® stands out for its profound respect for the horse as a sentient being and equal partner in the coaching process. Our program emphasizes understanding how horses communicate during sessions, empowering our coaches to recognize and value the horse’s contributions. Beyond coaching and session facilitation, we train our coaches to tap into the session’s energy, utilizing their intuition and empathic abilities to work in harmony with the horses. This program is not just about techniques—it’s about cultivating the skills to connect with horses on an energetic and intuitive level, fostering sessions that resonate deeply with both the client and the equine partner. This approach facilitates truly transformative experiences, forging a profound connection between horse, coach, and client.

 

Do I need to own a horse?

This may surprise you, there is no need to own a horse or have horse property. We have many graduates who don’t! If you don’t own a horse, part of the training will cover how to create partnerships with horse facilities and/or owners.

 

What horses make good coaching partners? How do I know if my horse will be good at it?

Horses that make good coaching partners have large variety of characteristics. All ages and breeds can be excellent in coaching work. Just like people, horses have different strengths and personalities that contribute to the coaching experience. In general, the horses we partner with in EAC are of sound mind and safe. Learn more in our article Does My Horse Have What it Takes to Be an Equine Assisted Coaching Partner?

 

Do I need prior experience working with horses?

No prior horse experience is needed. Our training welcomes individuals with diverse backgrounds in working with horses. If you're new to working with horses, we've got you covered. We include basic horsemanship skills in our program, guiding you through essential safety practices and horsemanship basics like catching, haltering, leading, grooming, and understanding a horse's physical condition. Our goal is to ensure you feel confident and connected with the horses, regardless of your experience level.

 

Do I need prior coaching experience?

No previous coaching experience is necessary. Our program will guide you through the essentials of coaching. For those who are already seasoned coaches, you'll have the opportunity to deepen your skills and explore new approaches specifically designed for working in dynamic partnership with horses. Whether you're new to coaching or looking to expand your expertise, our program offers a transformative experience tailored to your growth and the unique connection with horses.

 

Is a payment plan available?

Payment plans are available through PayPal Credit.

 

Do I need to have special insurance to provide EAC?

Whenever you offer equine-assisted coaching (EAC) services, it's important to have liability insurance. This would be in addition to any other professional insurance you may need, depending on your specific qualifications and scope of practice. Liability coverage is readily available and typically costs between $80-$200 per month.

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Are there any pre-requisites needed before taking The Freedom Way® Equine Assisted Coach training course?

No prerequisites are required. In the Level 1 course, you'll gain all the knowledge and skills needed to confidently offer Equine Assisted Coaching sessions.

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Do you offer an online course option?

Our program is a mixture of online classroom training and hands-on, in-person training.

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Our online program is broken down into 13 weekly modules. Each week we have a live online class to review the material for that module, provide additional training, as well as a Q & A session so students can ask questions.

 

There is a required 6-day retreat in Cave Creek, AZ to provide hands on training and experience. It is during this time that students also begin working with clients under supervision.

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Is there an Equine Assisted Coaching governing body?

Equine Assisted Coaching is an unregulated industry, meaning there is no impartial governing body to set standardized practices across the field. Each school or certification program establishes its own guidelines, with some imposing specific requirements for maintaining certification after graduation. Since there are no universal standards or governing authorities, it's important to thoroughly research certification program's you are interested to learn their standards and who, if anyone, oversees them. Ensure these requirements align with your goals and won't limit your ability to run a successful business in the way you envision.

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If the Equine Assisted Coaching field is unregulated, why should I certify?

In an unregulated industry like Equine Assisted Coaching (EAC), it might seem unnecessary to pursue certification. Obtaining a credible certification through The Freedom Way® offers significant benefits that can make a real difference in your success.

 

1. Approach:  A reputable EAC certification offers a solid foundation, comprehensive training in one place, and a proven approach to successfully doing this work. By selecting a certification with a well-established curriculum, you can be confident that your clients will achieve the results and learning experiences they seek, leading to greater satisfaction and trust in your services.

2. Reputation:  Clients are more likely to choose practitioners who have invested time and effort into mastering their craft. A respected EAC certification showcases your commitment to the services you provide, your dedication to delivering value, and your drive to continually grow in your field. This strong reputation can distinguish you in a competitive industry.

3. Support:  Selecting a certification from experts in the field who are committed to your success ensures you’re not navigating this journey alone. Even after receiving your certification, remains dedicated to guiding you in creating a successful business that truly impacts lives.

 

Choosing to certify with The Freedom Way® is more than just a step towards professionalism; it’s a commitment to excellence that benefits you, your clients, and your business growth.

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Do I need to re-certify regularly? Are there recurring dues?

Once you complete the certification requirements, you are certified for life, as long as you continue to meet The Freedom Way® Ethics and Standards. When exploring certification options, be sure to ask about re-certification, annual practicum hours, membership requirements, and any recurring fees. Each program has different requirements. Find one that aligns with your needs.

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Once certified through The Freedom Way® am I limited to how a run or structure my business and to the types of services and experiences I offer?

Once certified through The Freedom Way®, you are not limited in how you run or structure your business, nor in the types of services and experiences you offer. Our certification program is designed to empower you with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to create a practice that reflects your unique vision and strengths. We provide a solid foundation in equine-assisted coaching, but how you apply that within your business is entirely up to you. Whether you choose to focus on one-on-one coaching, group sessions, retreats, or other innovative offerings, The Freedom Way® supports your creativity and individuality as a coach.

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As a Certified Equine Assisted, are there any restrictions on the services I offer and the clients I work with?

Our goal is to support your growth and ensure you have the freedom to run your business profitably, in the way that suits you best. We provide you with the training and experience to create the services and programs that work best for you and your clients. As long as you continue to meet The Freedom Way® Ethics & Standards, you are free to offer your EAC services as you see fit. While we don’t dictate how you set up your business or run your programs we’re always here to support you!

 

Does Equine Assisted Coaching require additional facilitators or coaches to be present during sessions?

No, you can work as a solo coach. Depending on the services or programs you offer and the number of participants in a session, you can choose to bring in additional support if needed.

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Have a question we didn't address? Ask us! Email us at info@freedomwayequinecoaching.com.