Equine Assisted Ireland has announced the development of a National Register of Practitioners.

The development of a National Register is part of a pilot programme which has been initiated by Horses in Therapy and Education International (HETI).

Today, Equine Assisted Ireland, the organisation for equine assisted activities in Ireland, will become one of the first countries to participate in this pilot program. With the growth in this field of work increasing every year in Ireland, there is a need to develop a national register which will be accessed by potential clients and which will outline the scope of services provided, credentials of practitioners and will also provide information relating to areas of governance such as safeguarding policy, safety statements, etc.

Jill Carey, chair of Equine Assisted Ireland said she “welcomes this move towards a more professional and regulated approach to equine assisted activities in Ireland.”

Contact point

It is proposed that the HETI (Ireland) National Register will be a list of the names and contact details of individuals and organisations who provide equine assisted therapy, education and activities.

The National Register will act as a resource for service users wishing to access provision for which verification must be supplied in order to commission and or fund the provision. The National Register would, for example, provide assurance that practitioners have appropriate up-to-date insurance cover or that they have relevant experience and training to safely offer equine assisted therapy, education and activities.

The register may also ultimately provide federation, business, institute and associate members with a more effective means of mutual support through greater emphasis on developing national networks and essential operational credentials. HETI seeks to act as a guiding point for members, to link those who wish to be part of a national forum of member organisations.