c m y k r

Equine Assisted
Qualifications
for
Facilitators
and Centres
 EAQ Mission Statement
EAQ is an innovative organisation, aiming to make experiential equine assisted
learning accessible to individuals and groups.

EAQ is committed to developing and providing education, training and qualifications

and setting standards of excellence for learners, trainers and other professionals.

By promoting excellence in the provision of equine assisted learning, we aim to be an

exceptional company making a valuable contribution to the development of individuals,
businesses and the wider community.

Copyright EAQ (Equine Assisted Qualifications) Limited 2011.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted
in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise. No copies may
be taken for educational or commercial purposes without the prior written permission of the publisher.

Information is correct at time of going to press but may change without notice.

Contact us via our website: www.equineassistedqualifications.com

Call us on: +44 (0) 1747 828150

Write to us at: 170 Milkwell, Donhead St Andrew, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 9LQ

Designed by Win Green Hill Ltd

www.wingreenhill.co.uk
 Contents

Contents
Introduction 1
Why join the EAQ Network? 2
Joining the EAQ Network 3
Who can apply? 3
What skills do I need? 3
Expanding the Network 3
What facilities are required? 3
The process for becoming an EAQ Facilitator/Approved Centre 4
Stage 1 Introduction Day 5
Stage 2 CRB Check 5
Stage 3 Training Agreement 5
Stage 4 Facilitator Training 6
Stage 5 EAQ Certified Facilitator 6
Stage 6 Training for Centres 8
Stage 7 EAQ Centre Approval 8
Stage 8 Offering Qualifications 8
How much will it cost? 10
How long will it take? 10
What do I do next? 10

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 Introduction

Introduction

EAQ is an innovative organisation which is setting standards and providing a range

of business support for a growing network of certified facilitators and approved
centres offering equine assisted learning. Our philosophy is based on an outdoor,
herd based approach to horse care and we encourage all centres to keep their
horses in this way. Access to the natural environment is an important part of the
process for learners and we encourage attendees to take part in a wide variety of
activities outdoors.

Some centres offer purely equine assisted learning, while others combine equine
assisted learning with relevant activities such as art, horticulture or complementary
therapies. Whether you are aiming to set up a small centre for a few learners,
a residential centre or a larger educational unit catering for hundreds, EAQ will be
able to help.

By joining the EAQ Network you will be able to access a range of support services,
supervision and training opportunities and communicate with others who are
working within this sector.

I hope that this information will be helpful for you and look forward to welcoming
you to the network.

Tricia Day

1

Why join the EAQ Network?
EAQ has a reputation for excellence and is taking
steps to ensure that the EAQ Approved Centres
share these quality values. We have achieved
nationally recognised standards, including the
Investors in People award, and have gained
accreditation to offer nationally recognised
qualifications.
Here are a few quotes from those who have
already joined the network. Facilitators told our
IIP assessor:
EAQ as the umbrella organisation wants to ensure
quality is embedded, so safeguarding learners
and facilitators.
2
Why join the EAQ Network?
Having worked as a 'lone ranger' for decades, being
part of an organisation with support and structure has
made all the difference to my equine and teaching
practice. Doing the facilitator training and having my
place approved as a Centre has changed my life.
We all share the same belief system in terms of
therapy, education, horsemanship and personal
learning.
For me having high standards of learner/client care
is most important and knowing that we can refer
clients to any EAQ Facilitator with complete trust is
paramount. EAQ is living proof that distance is not
a barrier and can be delivered all over the world
as a well regulated high standard organisation.
 Joining the EAQ Network

Joining the EAQ Network

Who can apply?
You need to be over the age of 21 to apply and have relevant
qualities and skills.
What skills do I need?
Horse Handling Skills
The horse handling skills you need are covered in our
Horse Handling Certificate Programme
We have found that everyone, without exception, has
benefited from working on their own horsemanship!
Expanding the Network
We are a fast growing network keen to offer opportunities
for people to access this type of learning in all areas of
the country.
What facilities are required?
Facilities need to be suitable for both horses and learners
but you do not need to own your own premises to become
a facilitator. The number of horses will determine the amount
of work that is reasonable for you to do.

Professional qualifications Here are a few areas to consider:

Relevant qualifications might include those for teaching,
counselling, therapy or mental health professionals.
NVQs are also relevant qualifications, especially for assessors
and verifiers. If you are working in the corporate sector,
qualifications such as an MBA, Diploma in Management
or other certificates would be appropriate.
How do you keep your horses?
Do you have an undercover area for learners?
Are there adequate toilet and hand washing facilities?
How will you cater for people with disabilities?

Life experience
If you dont have professional qualifications then you can still
be a facilitator. Life experience counts for a lot with equine
assisted learning and can help you to identify with your
learners. You can be extremely competent and yet not
have a certificate to prove it.

3
The process for becoming an
EAQ Facilitator/Approved Centre

Stage 1
Attend an
Introduction Day

Stage 8
Attend additional training Stage 2
courses as necessary You have an Enhanced
CRB check

Stage 7 Stage 3
Achieve EAQ Approved Sign your training
Centre status agreement

Stage 6 Stage 4
Work towards the two units: Attend Facilitator Training and
Setting up an EAL Centre gain the following:
Financing and Plan & Manage Equine Assisted
Marketing an EAL Centre Learning Activities
EAQ Horse Handling Certificate
Stage 5
Qualify as an EAQ
Certified Facilitator

4
 The process for becoming an EAQ Facilitator/Approved Centre
Stage 1 Introduction Day
Attending an Introduction Day is the first stage in the process
and it is important that you attend before enrolling on the
Facilitator Training.
By attending the day you will have an opportunity to:
Find out about EAQ and the support available
Discuss your ideas for your centre
Experience some equine assisted learning activities
Find out about the fees payable to the network
We will talk with you about your skills and whether we think
the training will be appropriate for you. Even if you attend an
Introduction Day and apply to join the Facilitator Training,
there is no guarantee that you will be accepted.
Stage 2 CRB Check
As part of our Safeguarding Policy, everyone involved with
EAQ has an Enhanced Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) Check
before they are able to take part in any training.
Stage 3 Training Agreement
The Training Agreement sets out what you can expect from us
and what we expect from you during the training process.
There are three units, specially written for equine assisted
learning facilitators. The units have been accredited by
OCNSWR, an independent awarding body which
is a member of the National Open College Network (NOCN).
The units are:
Plan and Manage Equine Assisted Learning Activities
(PMEALA)
Setting up an Equine Assisted Learning Centre (SUEALC)
Financing and Marketing an Equine Assisted Learning
Centre (FMEALC)
It was a stimulating introduction. We were encouraged to
participate, which is a thread that runs throughout EAQ.
5
Stage 4 Facilitator Training
During the Facilitator Training, you will cover the unit
Plan and Manage Equine Assisted Learning Activities
along with the EAQ Horse Handling Certificate.
The facilitator training includes:
A minimum of eight days training
Registration and certification with the awarding body
Lunch and refreshments on your training days
Handouts and resources
Assessment, internal and external verification
We usually run the facilitator training in blocks of four days
and spend a lot of time out in the fields with the horses.
This enables you to experience the process for yourself, rather
than just talking about it and will give you ideas for activities
that you can plan for your own learners.
In order to show that you are competent, you will need to
undertake at least two case studies, be observed by your
assessor and provide sufficient evidence in your portfolio
to show that you have met the assessment criteria to the
required standard.
6
The time it takes to meet the criteria will depend on your
skills when you start the training, your speed of learning
and commitment to the process. When you can show
that you are competent, your portfolio of evidence will
be submitted for verification. Once your portfolio has
been successfully verified we will be able to apply for
your certificate.
The case study was a tremendous learning experience.
Its all about finding whats within you.
Stage 5 EAQ Certified Facilitator
As an EAQ Certified Facilitator you will be able to:
Take part in regular calls with other members of
the network
Join the private EAQ Network group online to share
ideas and information
Access an insurance policy available to EAQ Network
members
Receive the members newsletter
Receive discounts on training events, clinics and workshops
The process for becoming an EAQ Facilitator/Approved Centre

7
Stage 6 Training for Centres
If you wish to set up your own centre you will continue with
your training and learn about business, finance and marketing.
You will work towards the two units:
Setting up an Equine Assisted Learning Centre (SUEALC)
Financing and Marketing an Equine Assisted Learning
Centre (FMEALC)
Stage 7 EAQ Centre Approval
Now that you have completed these stages you are
ready to receive your EAQ Centre Approval Certificate.
As an EAQ Approved Centre you will be able to:
Promote your centre in marketing materials alongside
others in the network
Take part in relevant contracts awarded to EAQ
Continue with further training to enable you to offer
accredited courses and nationally recognised qualifications
to learners
8
Stage 8 Offering Qualifications
If you wish to offer qualifications to your learners we
provide training for:
Specific units leading to national qualifications
Specially written EAQ units
Horse handling qualifications for adults
Fun4ponies certificate for children and young people
We encourage everyone to take part in regular training
and continue with their own professional development.
We all have different ideas and they are all valued.
I knew nothing about setting up Business Plans and
running a business but now I have my own Centre.
We work through policies as a group. We all share the
desire for a quality framework.
The process for becoming an EAQ Facilitator/Approved Centre

9
How much will it cost?
To set up and run an EAQ Approved Centre is similar to
setting up any other business and we will help you to work out
your budgets and cash flow forecasts as part of the training.
You will need to have sufficient funds to cover the cost of
training with EAQ as well as:
Any of the costs incurred in attending the training such as
accommodation or evening meals
Any costs involved in setting up or running your centre
The cost of any new equipment you might need
Insurance
First Aid Certificate
Design and printing of marketing materials including leaflets
and brochures
10
How long will it take?
The time it takes will vary depending on your circumstances
when you start your training so you need to have sufficient
funds to support yourself until you begin to receive income
from your learner fees.
What do I do next?
If you are interested in finding out more, please complete the
online application form available on our website and email it
to centre@equineassistedqualifications.com
Alternatively you can call us on +44 (0) 1747 828150
to talk about your plans.
EAQ believes in developing the skills and expertise of those EAQ is a Core Member of the Anti-bullying Alliance and has
involved with the organisation and is extremely proud to developed a 30 hour anti-bullying course suitable for schools,
have been recognised as an Investor in People in May 2011. colleges and work settings.

EAQ is approved to offer nationally recognised qualifications
including the National Open College Network (NOCN)
Step-UP units aimed at young people and adults. Our internal
verification systems are robust and because of this we have
special approval to award certificates to learners without the
need for an external verifier to check every single portfolio.
EAQ has developed the Horse Handling Certificate (HHC)
programme in association with Silversand Horsemanship to
act as a benchmark for equine assisted learning facilitators
and others who work with horses from the ground.

Our link with fun4ponies enables us to offer horse handling

for children and young people.
EAQ is accredited by the Open College Network South West
Region (OCNSWR), a national awarding body. The three units
for facilitators are independently accredited by OCNSWR and
Lynne Elstob, the OCNSWR Quality Reviewer wrote the
following comment about the facilitator training.
Everything about this course is good practice and some of
it is ground-breaking with its careful and appropriate use of
technology. Very impressive in every way.

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EAQ (Equine Assisted Qualifications) Ltd

Tel: +44 (0) 1747 828150
www.equineassistedqualifications.com
centre@equineassistedqualifications.com
Company Registered in England No. 07362407
Registered office: 18 High Street, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 8JG