Therapy, learning and co-regulation: how approaches differ

Why the words matter Providers use similar-sounding terms for quite different services. Before you enquire, it helps to know which kind of support you are looking at.

Equine-assisted learning (EAL) Structured, usually ground-based activities with horses that focus on skills such as communication, confidence, teamwork or emotional awareness. Facilitators are often trained in a specific EAL model. EAL is educational and developmental; it is not psychotherapy.

Equine-assisted psychotherapy Therapy delivered by a qualified mental-health professional, with horses as part of the session. Ask which professional register the therapist belongs to (for example BACP, UKCP or HCPC) and check that register yourself. A centre-level badge does not tell you about an individual practitioner.

Co-regulation Some providers describe their work as co-regulation: calm, relational time alongside animals and a trusted adult that can support a sense of safety. It can be a supportive practice. It is not a diagnosis, a cure, or a required step before other help.

What equine-assisted support is not - It is not hippotherapy or physical rehabilitation, which are delivered by physiotherapists or occupational therapists. - It is not horse massage or equine bodywork, which are treatments for horses. - No approach can promise to cure autism, ADHD, trauma or depression.

Questions to ask - Is this learning, therapy or something else? Who delivers it, and what are their qualifications? - Are sessions on the ground, ridden, or both? - How do you decide whether this is a good fit, and what happens if it is not?