Terminology
The world of Equine Assisted Services (EAS) spans numerous languages, cultures and geographies. For us to have meaningful discussions and learn from each other, it is crucial that we have shared language or at least an understanding of the way language is used in different locations and contexts.
Consensus of Terms
HETI has conducted research and publications regarding the terminology used in EAS worldwide
More information
In 2021, the HETI Terminology task force conducted a survey to establish acceptable terms that HETI can use in all of its communications. The accepted terms were:
Equine Assisted Services (EAS) – An umbrella term for services that incorporate horses to benefit people, which can include therapeutic, educational, and recreational services.
Service Provider (SP) – Practitioners, teachers, facilitators, therapists and instructors will be covered under the term Service Provider.
Service User (SU) – A broad term used to describe anyone who engages with Equine Assisted Services.
Details about this survey can be found in this Press Release
Following this, the task force published a study based on the results of a global survey on terminology within Equine Assisted Services. This paper can be purchased here or HETI members can download the paper for free here.
HETI’s European Equine Assisted Therapy Network (EEATN) has also worked on defining terms regarding Equine Therapies. These agreed terms can be seen here.
HETI Worldwide Service Provider Matrix
HETI is developing an international directory of service providers organised as a consistent, searchable snapshot of the service provided
HETI EAS Sector Maps per Country
HETI has attempted to map the diversity of EAS practice and our members are producing culturally and geographically sensitive versions for each country .
