Certifications Goals & Standards

Certified Therapy Horse Association (CTHA®™)

The certification of therapy horses is imperative for horses used in any kind of Equine Therapy. Whether or not, these powerful, magnificent healing animals are used in Equine Therapy for the Mental Health of the disabled, the need for certification is great. The public's safety and the therapy horse's humane treatment are the first areas of importance for CTHA. Thus, prerequisite training and documented hours in the field and during each therapy session is vital. As well as weekly documentation whether or not the therapy horse is being used for therapy or not. Other forms of providing these standards are: regular veterinary check-ups, shod, health/feed records, posting of personal rights for complaints, unannounced inspections, incident reports, complaint investigations, and collaboration with other governing boards. These and other guidelinges have been established to maintain and add credibility to the experiential approach to therapy, which in turn ensures public safety, the human treatment of these professionals, and enhance scientific research.

Moreover, we believe that it is important for the public, the realm of Psychology, those professionals that are trained, all that seek training, and any interested parties that a clear understanding of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is given. A definition of EAP has been given to us to use by Pegasus ECT. It is the standard that we encourage all to read and to use:

EAP is an emerging field in which Certified Therapy Horses are used as significant partners with the collaboration of Certified Equine Assisted Therapists/Counselors and Certified Equine Specialists to stimulate growth and development for all individuals and/or groups that have the desire to grow emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually. EAP/EFT is client based therapy that provides hands-on opportunities to experience new solutions, and tools for effectively managing an individual’s internal happiness, Chemical Dependency, and their long-term sobriety. EAP/EFT addresses a variety of mental health and human development needs including behavioral issues, attention deficit disorder, substance abuse, eating disorders, trauma/abuse issues, depression, anxiety, relational problems and communication. In fact, it challenges clients in a non-threatening and innovative manner, and rapidly breaks down defense mechanisms that interfere with growth and development. Thus, it provides immediate cause and effect situations, which stimulates long-term change. Moreover, it promotes the process of change from unhealthy behavioral and communication patterns to successful ones by captivating and embracing attention. EAP/EFT is done with 3 Professionals, the Therapist/Counselor, the Horse Professional, and the Horse. It needs to be done with the utilization of all appropriately trained Staff and horses only, which are Board Certified. The skills and tools that individuals and groups get to pick up are: Communication Skills, Anger Management, Conflict Resolution, Responsibility and Accountability, Self-Esteem Strategies. Overall, 90% of all the Equine Therapy is done on the ground, not on the horse. When the individual is on the horse, it is usually without a saddle or bridle, so it is very important that he or she practice the emergency dismount several times with instruction, supervision, and at various gaits. However, most of the sessions are on the ground.

Pegasus ECT Goals and Objectives

Our goal/objective at Pegasus ECT is to help you understand Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP), which is based on the experiential therapeutic treatment approach designed to manifest the ABC's of life for individuals and groups alike. The ABC's are two vital components, behaviors and communication, brought together by the first step in change, awareness. Change is constant; it is inevitable, yet it needs awareness to be productive. The Awareness of Behaviors and Communication (ABC's) is imperative for growth and development as a Human Being. For many people, this healthy normal process can be hindered, or better yet sabotaged, on an unconscious level. Meaning they react to people, places, things, and situations because of the perceived lack of options; rather than respond. Options, choices are abundant; however, difficult to visualize because individuals usually focus on what they cannot do, rather than what they can do. With EAP, individuals will have the opportunity to explore behaviors and patterns that may create problems in their lives. These problems require honest assertive communication, which is verbal and non-verbal. Believe it, or not, non-verbal communication (body language) is 97% of ALL communication. In fact, Human Beings are usually not aware of their non-verbal cues and may generate mixed messages to others, which can be counterproductive, but unintentional of course. Moreover, our histories most dynamic and powerful beings can make the ABC's possible, "Horses." They are honest, intuitive and nonjudgmental, which makes them the perfect Therapist, friend, parent, sibling, significant other, peer, boss, employee, and/or colleague, necessary for outside support and vast objectivity. The goal/objective is living life on life's terms and it is a "team effort". This is our hope for you!