The Equine-Assisted Coaching industry is growing, and with that growth comes an increasing number of training programs designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to work effectively with clients and horses. However, not all programs are created equal.
Before investing in a training program, it’s essential to understand the different types available and ensure you are receiving the education you need to be successful. Let’s explore the three main categories of training programs and discuss best practices for selecting a legitimate, high-quality program.
Types of Equine-Assisted Coaching Certification Programs
1. Psychotherapy-Focused Programs
These programs are designed for licensed mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, who wish to incorporate equine-assisted therapy into their practice. They provide an in-depth understanding of equine-assisted psychotherapy techniques, ethical considerations, and the necessary frameworks for working with clients who have mental health concerns. These programs require a significant investment of time and money and always include hands-on training with horses and clients.
The cost of psychotherapy-focused programs can range from several thousand dollars to tens of thousands, depending on the depth and duration of training. Additionally, many of these programs require professionals to maintain a renewable licensing fee annually, ensuring continued education and adherence to ethical guidelines in the field.
2. Coaching-Focused Programs
Coaching programs are for individuals who want to partner with horses in personal development, leadership training, or life coaching settings. These programs attract both experienced coaches and those new to the field. They provide a strong foundation in coaching methodologies, equine communication, and facilitation skills. Like psychotherapy programs, they require an investment of time and financial resources and always include in-person training with horses and clients to ensure competency and confidence in the field.
The cost of coaching-focused programs generally ranges from several thousand dollars to tens of thousands, depending on the comprehensiveness of the training. Some programs require annual re-licensing fees to maintain certification, while others do not. Most reputable coaching programs fall within the mid-thousand-dollar range, reflecting the depth of education and hands-on experience provided.
3. Profit-Driven Short Courses Lacking Expertise & Integrity
A troubling trend in the Equine-Assisted Services field is the rise of short-term, profit-driven courses created by individuals with little to no background in psychotherapy or coaching. These programs, often just a day, weekend, or very short time period, lack hands-on training with horses and clients, require no proof of competency, and are significantly cheaper than reputable programs. Many misuse terminology, misleadingly blending 'therapy' and 'coaching.' The industry is also beginning to see AI-generated courses advertised on social media that further contribute to the issue, offering little depth or substance and leaving participants extremely unprepared for real-world practice.
These types of programs often:
Are entirely online, with no hands-on experience with horses and clients.
Cost significantly less than reputable programs, typically ranging from $$ to $$$.
Misuse terminology, such as incorrectly intermingling ‘therapy’ and ‘coaching’.
Are marketed as quick and easy certifications.
A short online or weekend course cannot provide the knowledge and practical experience required for ethical and effective equine-assisted coaching or therapy. Those who complete these programs often find themselves unprepared, wasting their time, money, and resources, ultimately doing a disservice to their clients and the horses they work with.
Learn more about the difference between Equine Assisted Therapy and Equine Assisted Coaching here.
Best Practices for Selecting a Training Program
To ensure you receive the quality training necessary to be successful, follow these best practices when researching equine-assisted coaching programs:
Verify Hands-On Training – A reputable program will always include hands-on experience with horses and clients. If a program is entirely online and does not offer in-person training, it is not sufficient for this field.
Check Instructor Credentials – Research the background of the instructors. Are they experienced equine-assisted professionals? Do they have a solid foundation in coaching or psychotherapy?
Look for Program Structure and Depth – Quality programs require time and effort. Ensure the program includes comprehensive coursework, mentorship, and practical application rather than a quick certification.
Clarify Coaching vs. Therapy – If a program uses the terms “therapy” and “coaching” interchangeably without clear distinctions, be cautious. Therapy requires a mental health license, while coaching does not.
Evaluate Investment vs. Value – High-quality training requires an investment of both time and money. Be skeptical of programs that promise full certification at an unusually low price with little effort.
Seek Testimonials and Reviews – Look for testimonials from graduates. What are their experiences? Are they successfully working in the field?
Ask About Ongoing Support – Does the program provide mentorship or continued learning opportunities? A strong program will offer post-certification support.
Final Thoughts
Your training is the foundation of your success in equine-assisted coaching. Taking shortcuts or choosing an inadequate program can leave you under prepared, under whelmed, and potentially cause harm to clients and horses. Invest wisely in a program that offers comprehensive education, hands-on experience, and ongoing support. The right training will set you up for a fulfilling and impactful career in equine-assisted coaching.
At The Freedom Way®, we are committed to providing in-depth, high-quality training that honors the horse as a sentient and equal partner. If you’re looking for a program that will truly prepare you for success, we invite you to explore our certification process and join a community dedicated to excellence in equine-assisted coaching.
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