National Standards Listing

For each country we will attempt to state the regulatory framework in place. This is open to non-members as we hope, over time, to provide comprehensive listings per country. If you would like to add or amend to the listing below, please contact: office@hetifederation.org

National Standards for EAS

This resource is produced by members, for members with the intention of signposting the key areas of compliance that all EAS providers may need to consider. Please remember it has been provided in good faith but cannot be relied upon as a complete and accurate statement of the law, regulations or requirements for your area.

You MUST always make your own enquiries and judgements… and please update us with any suggestions, corrections or additional information. We hope this will be a useful and growing resource for the EAS sector worldwide.

Brazil (English)
  1. Is there any specific regulation for equine-assisted therapy (EAT) in Brazil?

Yes, equine-assisted therapy in Brazil is regulated by several documents and regulations.

  • Law No. 13.830/2019: This law officially recognizes equine-assisted therapy as a therapeutic method in Brazil. It establishes the requirements and basic guidelines for its application.
  • ANDE-BRASIL Statute: This internal document defines the standards and technical norms for equine-assisted therapy centers affiliated with the Brazilian Association of Equine-Assisted Therapy (ANDE-BRASIL).
  • Brasília Charter: This document reinforces the principles, methodology, and technical standards of equine-assisted therapy in Brazil.

For more information, visit:

  1. Is there recognition of equine-assisted therapy by other sectors?

Yes, equine-assisted therapy is recognized by various sectors and professional councils in Brazil:

  • 1997: The Federal Council of Medicine (CFM) recognized equine-assisted therapy as a valid therapeutic method.
  • 2008: The Federal Council of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy (COFFITO) officially recognized equine-assisted therapy.
  • 2019: Official recognition by the State through the enactment of Law No. 13.830/2019.
  • Bill No. 3446/19: Currently under review in the Senate, this bill proposes including equine-assisted therapy as a therapeutic resource under Brazil’s Unified Health System (SUS), subject to medical prescription and Ministry of Health protocols.

For additional details, visit:

  1. Is there initial training for working with equine-assisted therapy? What about advanced training?

Yes, there are various initial and advanced training options for professionals interested in equine-assisted therapy in Brazil:

  • Basic Course on Equine-Assisted Therapy: An introductory course for health and education professionals, typically consisting of approximately 40 hours.
  • Advanced Course on Equine-Assisted Therapy: A complementary program offering deeper technical and methodological insights.
  • Postgraduate Specialization in Equine-Assisted Therapy: A lato sensu program offered in partnership with institutions such as the University of Brasília (UnB), with an average workload of 360 hours.
  • Technical Improvement Courses: Specialized training programs in fields such as physical therapy, psychology, occupational therapy, and equitation.
  • Equitation Instructor Course: Designed for professionals directly involved in horse handling and training, this is the only course that does not require higher education.

Additional details:

  1. Is there an official registry of equine-assisted therapy centers? Who organizes it and how?

Yes, ANDE-BRASIL manages and supervises the official registry of equine-assisted therapy centers across Brazil. There are currently over 500 registered centers, which must meet the following criteria:

  • Affiliation with ANDE-BRASIL: Centers must join the association to ensure they operate within established technical and ethical standards.
  • Operating License: Centers must obtain municipal licenses and comply with local regulatory bodies’ requirements to operate legally.

For more information on registration and centers, visit:

Brazil (Português)
  1. Existe algum regulamento específico para a equoterapia no Brasil?

Sim, a equoterapia no Brasil é regulamentada por diversos documentos e normativas.

  • Lei nº 13.830/2019: Regulamenta a prática da equoterapia como método terapêutico reconhecido em nível nacional. Essa lei estabelece os requisitos e as diretrizes básicas para sua aplicação.
  • Estatuto da ANDE-BRASIL: Documento interno que define as normas e os padrões técnicos para os centros de equoterapia filiados à Associação Nacional de Equoterapia (ANDE-BRASIL).
  • Carta de Brasília: Documento que reforça os princípios, a metodologia e os padrões técnicos da prática de equoterapia no Brasil.

Para mais informações, acesse:

  1. Existe algum reconhecimento de outros setores sobre a equoterapia?

Sim, a equoterapia é reconhecida por diferentes setores e conselhos de classe no Brasil:

  • 1997: O Conselho Federal de Medicina (CFM) reconheceu a equoterapia como método terapêutico válido.
  • 2008: O Conselho Federal de Fisioterapia e Terapia Ocupacional (COFFITO) reconheceu oficialmente a prática da equoterapia.
  • 2019: Reconhecimento oficial pelo Estado com a promulgação da Lei nº 13.830/2019.
  • Projeto de Lei nº 3446/19: Atualmente em tramitação no Senado, este projeto visa incluir a equoterapia como recurso terapêutico no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), mediante prescrição médica e seguindo protocolos estabelecidos pelo Ministério da Saúde.

Para mais informações, veja:

  1. Existe formação inicial para o trabalho com a equoterapia? E aprofundamento?

Sim, há diversas opções de formação inicial e continuada para profissionais interessados em trabalhar com equoterapia:

  • Curso Básico de Equoterapia: Formação inicial destinada a profissionais da saúde e da educação, com carga horária de aproximadamente 40 horas.
  • Curso Avançado de Equoterapia: Formação complementar que aprofunda conhecimentos técnicos e metodológicos.
  • Especialização em Equoterapia: Curso lato sensu oferecido em parceria com instituições como a Universidade de Brasília (UnB), com carga horária média de 360 horas.
  • Cursos Técnicos de Aprimoramento: Programas específicos para diferentes áreas, como fisioterapia, psicologia, fonoaudiologia, terapia ocupacional e equitação.
  • Curso para Instrutores de Equitação: Voltado para profissionais que atuam diretamente no manejo e treinamento de cavalos, não exigindo formação superior.

Informações adicionais:

  1. Há registro oficial dos centros de equoterapia? Como é feito e por quem é organizado?

Sim, a ANDE-BRASIL organiza e supervisiona o registro oficial de centros de equoterapia no Brasil. Atualmente, existem mais de 500 centros registrados, que devem atender aos seguintes critérios:

  • Filiação à ANDE-BRASIL: A adesão à associação é necessária para assegurar que o centro opere dentro dos padrões técnicos e éticos estabelecidos.
  • Alvará de Funcionamento: Os centros precisam obter licenças municipais e cumprir com as exigências dos órgãos de fiscalização locais para operarem legalmente.

Para detalhes sobre registro e centros:

France (English)

Regulatory aspects

Absence of specific rules
There are no specific regulations for EAS in France, but there are practices and case law. The applicable rules differ depending on the type of practice. In particular, the Code of Sports applies to mounted activities where participants are autonomous in handling horses, and medical and social regulations apply to therapeutic activities and professionals operating under their protected titles (doctors, physiotherapists, speech therapists, nurses, occupational therapists, psychologists, etc.).

Ref : étude IDE (https://equipedia.ifce.fr/autres-activites-equestres/mediation/etat-des-lieux-des-pratiques-de-mediation-equine-en-rance-et-cadre-juridique-applicable)

Application of Common Law Rules
Furthermore, the cross-disciplinary nature and diversity of EAS (agricultural, health, commercial, social, sports, educational…) make it impossible to establish an exhaustive and closed list of rules and standards applicable in general. It is understood that in the absence of specific rules, common law applies. For example, billing conditions follow general commercial rules dictated by the Commercial Code, but
more restrictive or favorable rules may apply on a case-by-case basis, such as if the practitioner performs hippotherapy as part of their regulated liberal practice as a physiotherapist contracted by Social Security, or if the practitioner engages in horse-coaching within an agricultural enterprise subject to VAT.

Similarly, responsibilities related to horses vary depending on whether the practitioner operates with their own horses and facilities, or if they use those of an equestrian center, and also depending on their employment status as an employee or an independent practitioner. In one case, they will need to follow requirements for horse ownership and hold a certificate of competence, in another they will need to hold a
sports teaching diploma with an equestrian specialty and a Youth & Sports ministry accreditation, or in another case, they may not be subject to any of these rules.

Standards supported by the Sector

To regulate the sector, several professional organizations participate in various actions aimed at promoting and improving practices, including:

  • Initial training and certification of practitioners
  • Continuous training, supervision, and analysis of professional practices
  • Collection of ethical commitments and best practices
  • Grouping and promotion of qualified and committed professionals
  • Certification of practitioners and organizations meeting the highest quality standards
  • Reporting and investigation of complaints for malpractice

Membership in these organizations is voluntary; however, not being a member is generally perceived (by peers and the public) as a sign of caution.

Higher standards for higher specialized EAS
The most specific networks for certain practices, such as SFE, particularly equine-assisted psychotherapy, impose the strictest criteria, including:

  • A social/medical title at least equivalent to 2 years of higher education
  • An equestrian level higher than Gallop 4
  • A diploma from one of the 3 EAP training programs (FENTAC, SFE, IFEq) requiring at least 600 hours of training
  • A commitment to ethical conduct through the signing of a charter

Global standards for general EAS
The more general networks, which bring together practitioners from all fields of equine mediation, have broader membership criteria, while still including a commitment to best practices. The main rule is to justify one’s qualification for the EAS practiced, and the assessment of this justification is left to the sponsorship of 2 colleagues and on the decision of an expert in the relevant sector, based on practices within that sector. For example:

  • For unspecified EAS : EAS training and/or practice for at least 300 hours
  • For hippotherapy: a paramedical title and training or practice in EAS for at least 300 hours
  • For EAP: a specific diploma in EAP
  • For horse coaching: a coaching diploma and training in EAS of at least 300 hours
  • For adapted riding: a teaching diploma in equestrianism and a diploma in adapted equestrian activities

National EAS Providers Registers

SIPME : https://www.sipmediationequine.fr/cartographie/

SFE : https://sfequitherapie.fr/adherent/

FENTAC : https://fentac.org/annuaire.php

Equicie France : https://www.equitaide.com/equicie-en-france/

Fédération Française d’Equitation

 

France

Aspects réglementaires


Absence de règles spécifiques
Il n’y a pas de réglementation spécifique à la médiation équine en France, mais il existe des usages et une jurisprudence. Les règles applicables sont différentes suivant le type de pratique exercée. En particulier, le Code du Sport s’applique aux activités montées dans lesquelles les participants sont autonomes dans la conduite des chevaux, et les réglementations médicales et médico-sociales s’appliquent aux activités thérapeutiques et aux professionnels exerçant en référence à leur titre protégé (médecins, kinésithérapeutes, orthophonistes, infirmiers, ergothérapeutes, psychologues, etc.).

Réf : étude IDE (https://equipedia.ifce.fr/autres-activites-equestres/mediation/etat-des-lieux-des-pratiques-de-mediation-equine-en-france-et-cadre-juridique-applicable)

Application des règles de droit commun
Par ailleurs, la nature transversale et la diversité des activités de médiation équine (agricole, santé, commerciale, sociale, sportive, éducative…) fait qu’il n’est pas possible d’établir une liste exhaustive et fermée de règles et standards applicables de façon générale, étant entendu qu’en l’absence de règles spécifiques ce sont les règles de droit commun qui s’appliquent. Par exemple, les conditions de facturation suivent les règles commerciales générales dictées par le Code du Commerce, mais des règles plus contraignantes ou plus avantageuses peuvent s’appliquer au cas par cas, par exemple si le praticien exerce l’hippothérapie dans le cadre de son activité libérale réglementée de kinésithérapeute conventionné par la SS, ou bien si le praticien exerce le horse coaching au sein d’une entreprise agricole soumise à TVA.

De même, les responsabilités liées aux chevaux sont différentes suivant que le praticien exerce avec ses propres chevaux et installations, ou s’il utilise celles d’un centre équestre, mais également selon son statut d’emploi salarié ou indépendant. Dans un cas, il devra suivre des obligations sur la détention d’équidés et être titulaire d’un certificat d’aptitude, dans un autre il devra être titulaire d’un diplôme d’enseignant sportif mention équitation et d’un agrément J&S, ou dans un autre il ne sera concerné par aucune de ces règles.

Standards imposés par la filière

Afin de réguler la filière, plusieurs organisations professionnelles participent à différentes actions de promotion et amélioration des pratiques, notamment :
• formation initiale et certification des praticiens
• formation continue, supervision et analyse de pratiques professionnelles
• recueil d’engagements déontologiques et de bonnes pratiques
• regroupement et promotion des professionnels qualifiés et engagés
• labellisation des praticiens et organismes répondant aux meilleurs standards de qualité
• signalement et instruction de plaintes pour mauvaises pratiques

L’adhésion à ces organisations est volontaire, toutefois le fait de ne pas être adhérent est généralement perçu (par les confrères et par le public) comme un signe de vigilance.

Les plus hauts critères pour les branches les plus spécifiques

Les réseaux les plus spécifiques à certaines pratiques, notamment à l’équithérapie (EAP), imposent les critères les plus sévères, notamment :
• titre médico-social d’un niveau supérieur à Bac +2
• niveau équestre supérieur à Galop 4
• diplôme d’une des 3 formations d’équithérapeute (FENTAC, SFE, IFEq) imposant un parcours d’au moins 600h
• prise d’un engagement déontologique à travers la signature d’une charte

Des critères plus globaux pour les réseaux les plus larges

Les réseaux les plus généraux, regroupant des praticiens en ME de tous bords, imposent des critères d’adhésion plus larges, tout en incluant un engagement aux bonnes pratiques. La règle étant de justifier de sa qualification pour les activités de ME exercées, et l’appréciation de cette justification est laissée à un expert du domaine concerné, sur la base des usages dans sa branche.
Par exemple :
• pour la médiation équine : une formation en ME et/ou une expérience d’au moins 300h
• pour l’hippothérapie : un titre paramédical et une formation en ME ou expérience d’au moins 300h
• pour l’équithérapie : un diplôme d’équithérapeute
• pour le horse coaching : une formation de coach et une formation en ME d’au moins 300h
• pour l’équitation adaptée : un diplôme d’enseignant d’équitation et un diplôme en équitation adaptée

 

National EAS Providers Registers

SIPME : https://www.sipmediationequine.fr/cartographie/

SFE : https://sfequitherapie.fr/adherent/

FENTAC : https://fentac.org/annuaire.php

Equicie France : https://www.equitaide.com/equicie-en-france/

Fédération Française d’Equitation

UK

Equine related

  • Animal Welfare Act 2006 https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/45/contents
    Anyone responsible for an animal must take reasonable steps to make sure the
    animal’s welfare needs are met:
    (a) its need for a suitable environment,
    (b) its need for a suitable diet,
    (c) its need to be able to exhibit normal behaviour patterns,
    (d) any need it has to be housed with, or apart from, other animals, and
    (e) its need to be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease.
  • The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 (https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2018/486/contents) require persons to be licensed in order to carry out certain activities. The Regulations set out the duties of local authorities to license activities involving animals and the relevant establishments relating to this. Therefore, Local Authority Welfare licence (DEFRA) should apply to EAS practice. However, some UK L.A.s consider EAS centres to be exempt, even though ‘pony parties’ are specifically mentioned as ‘in scope’ for the Animal Exhibition licence. Ridden EAS would fall under the Riding Establishment licence. Some LA’s consider all charities to be out of scope, whilst others recognise that charities are being paid for services and are therefore in scope. We recommend all EAS providers get written advice from their Local Authority.
  • DEFRA provides “Code of practice for the welfare of HORSES, PONIES,
    DONKEYS AND THEIR HYBRIDS”
  •  All UK horses must have a passport as per Equine Identification (England)
    Regulations 2018
    https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2018/761/pdfs/uksi_20180761_en.pdf

Planning

Health and Safety

Data Protection

  • The Data Protection Act 2018 is the UK’s implementation of the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) sets out how personal data must be used, protected, stored and deleted. Highly relevant for EAS where we receive health info as part of referrals (extra rules around sensitive data). https://www.gov.uk/data-protection

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Insurance

  • Public liability insurance covers all the ways in which we may be liable to third parties for damage/injury caused by our negligence (common law Tort). Surprisingly, public liability insurance is not mandatory by law. However, a successful legal claim (eg a service user injured by an EAS horse) could wipe out an EAS business or sole trader, so it is essential as well as ethical. Most contracts with local authorities, schools etc will demand proof of PL insurance to ensure the people in their care will be adequately compensated in the event of an injury (often £10M).

Occupiers liability insurance

  • If you have control over your premises, the Occupiers' Liability Act 1957 and Occupiers Liability Act 1984 apply. The obligation is to provide safe premises for all visitors, including burglars! Again, surprisingly, there is no legislation mandating that we have Occupiers Liability insurance but it is highly recommended in case something happens such as a roof falling on somebody, a trip hazard, etc.
    https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/Eliz2/5-6/31/section/2 and https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1984/3

Employers liability insurance

  • Mandatory if you have staff or volunteers. The Employers’ Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969 requires every employer, unless exempt, to insure against liability for bodily injury or disease sustained by his employees in the course of their employment, and to maintain this insurance. You also have to display the annual insurance certificate where staff/vols can see it. https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1969/57/contents

Safeguarding Children and vulnerable adults

National EAS Providers Registers
EAS provision is not a regulated profession in the UK, so national registers are voluntary, not mandatory.

Accredited Practitioner Register (PSA)
https://athenaherd.org/accredited-practitioner-register/
Managed by Athena Herd Foundation CIC, this register is open to individual EAS practitioners (not organisations) demonstrating the required standards. The register is accredited by the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care (PSA – an independent organisation, accountable to the UK Parliament)
https://www.professionalstandards.org.uk/what-we-do/accredited-registers

The UK Human Equine Interaction Register (HEIR)
https://easp.co.uk/purpose-and-aims/
Managed by Equine Assisted Services Partnership CIC, this non-accredited register is open to EAS service providers, individuals or organisations, demonstrating the required standards.

Quality assurance

Green Care Quality Mark
https://www.farmgarden.org.uk/projects/green-care-quality-mark
Managed by Social Farms & Gardens (charity), this is a non-accredited, site-specific annual quality mark for “green care” organisations.