The Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Science Department at Utah State University offers the Equine-Assisted Services Institutional Certificate of Proficiency (ICP). This program is designed to provide students with a foundational overview of the field of Equine-Assisted Services (EAS), where horses are utilized in therapies, learning environments, and adaptive equine sports or recreational lessons to benefit human mental, physical, and emotional health.
Program curriculum and learning methods
Through required courses, students gain an understanding of EAS principles, the human-animal bond, horse training and assessment for EAS, and the fundamentals of instructing horsemanship skills. The program includes hands-on labs to enhance student learning.
Career preparation and professional goals
This foundational knowledge prepares students to pursue industry certifications, such as the Professional Association or Therapeutic Horsemanship International Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) or Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL). The certificate is also intended for students planning to incorporate horses into practices as educators or professionals in mental health, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy.
Industry affiliations and safety standards
The program maintains membership in both the Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) and the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH, Intl.). As a member of these organizations, the program abides by strict guidelines for safety and effectiveness.
