Introduction to EAAT
Equine-Assisted Therapy (EAAT)
Equine-assisted therapy is considered a part of a larger industry called “equine-assisted activities and therapies (EAAT). Services are organized into non-therapy “activities” (EAA) such as adaptive riding or equine assisted learning while “therapy” (EAT) activites involve the use of horses in physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, or mental health services provided by licensed professionals.
Equine-assisted therapy (EAT)
Equine-assisted therapy (EAT) is an overall term that broadly refers to all forms of therapy or treatment which involves activities with horses and other equines to enhance physical and mental health in humans. EAT encompasses equine-assisted mental health (aka equine-assisted psychotherapy), equine-assisted physical therapy, equine-assisted occupational therapy, and equine-assisted speech therapy. These services are provided by trained and credentialed healthcare professionals, and regulated by healthcare laws.
Equine-assisted activities(EAA)
Equine-assisted activities(EAA) are services provided by a non-licensed professional that utilizes the therapeutic benefits of being around horses to enhance non-clinical activities. Facilitators are not regulated by a state board and are not required to have a degree in their field.