Would you like to enhance your growth, learning and wellness through partnering with equines?

Then you might be ready to become a Certified Equine Facilitated Wellness Professional!

Learn The Pro-EFW Way!

Pro-EFW Certification 

COURSE INFORMATION

Thank you for your interest in Pro-EFW Certification. We are proud of our Equine Facilitated Wellness (EFW) Certification, which maintains high professional standards for Equine Facilitated, Equine Assisted, and Animal Assisted Services practice. The association was formed by a group of independent professionals across Canada who came together in 2009 to develop the philosophy, principles, and training standards that guide safe, ethical, and effective practice for both our equines and the people we serve.

One key distinction of the Pro-EFW approach is that the equine is recognized and respected as a sentient being. Our deep understanding of the unique nature, behaviour, and needs of horses has drawn our Pro-EFW community together to protect, nurture, and learn from our equine partners through equine-assisted learning and therapy practices.

The Pro-EFW Training and Certification Pathway is open to professionals who are ready to combine their existing practice with Equine Facilitated Wellness. We provide comprehensive (Equine Therapy) Training and mentorship to help you create new opportunities in your professional field. You may pursue (Equine Therapy) Pro-EFW Certification while completing your education or training in your primary area of practice.

The certification process is intentionally thorough and experiential. It prepares professionals for competent, ethical, and safe Equine Facilitated practice. This process requires both time and integration to develop the skills that ensure the safety and well-being of humans and (horses) equines alike. Those who complete certification often describe it as a meaningful and transformative journey.

The Pro-EFW certification process offers:

• Training for professionals from a range of fields who work with people or equines, including mental health, education, coaching, and personal development.
• Hybrid online and in-person training that allows time for integration, reflection, and hands-on practice with your own herd or equines you have access to.
• The ability to work independently with clients when your professional scope of practice supports safe, ethical engagement.
• Four structured training modules led by experienced trainers who integrate Equine Facilitated Wellness skills with their own professional specialties.
• Independent oversight by Pro-EFW to ensure alignment with Canadian and International professional standards for certification.
• Flexible timelines, allowing you to complete certification within one year or extend it over two or more years as needed.
• The option to work with clients and earn income during the certification process when your foundational skills are established.

The Pro-EFW Certification is an adjunct professional development process that complements and expands your existing credentials. It is not a stand-alone qualification. Applicants must have relevant training and experience in working with people and/or equines—either prior to starting or while completing certification. Related education can be completed concurrently with the certification process.

What is different about Pro-EFW Certification?

Under International and Canadian best standards for certification, training is provided by independent trainers approved by Pro-EFW. It is a ‘robust’ certification where candidates have skills and experience in a human services profession and with equines.

• You can work alone if you have the equine experience and understanding to demonstrate that you can keep novices safe with equines.
• It is ‘Scope of Practice’ driven and individualized to each EFW Professional
• The training and certification are comprehensive and aimed at professionals who want to add equines to their practice 
• In Pro-EFW, the Equine Specialist is more than an assistant. They play an important role in improving the lives of clients, equestrians and equines
• It is Canadian, developed by long-time practicing professionals based on their learnings about the work and the horses
• The relationship with Pro-EFW continues during and after the Certification Process. Certified Professionals are required to continue to enhance their skills through ongoing Professional Development and continued support in the renewal process.

How long does training take?

After an online pre-requisite course, three hybrid (online and onsite) trainings are taken concurrently. If the candidate is well prepared, they can be completed within one year. Flexibility is built in for those who need additional time or want to take it alongside other educational programs.

How much does it cost?

The total cost of the four levels of training is $5900 plus applicable taxes. Mentoring will incur additional costs. Depending on the level of skill with people and equines, additional training and experiences may be needed before completing certification. Appropriate insurance and First Aid training are required for certification.

Is this only for Mental Health professionals?

Pro-EFW welcomes people with training and experience in many fields. It is not limited to Mental Health professionals. If your field is suited to adding Equine Facilitated Wellness, we provide the training and mentoring to accomplish that. Our certified professionals include educators, life coaches, nurses, counsellors, psychologists, riding coaches, yoga instructors, and more.

Can I work alone?

Pro-EFW prioritizes the physical and emotional safety of humans and equines who are participating in Equine Facilitated Wellness.  Working alone is possible if your skills allow. In some situations, an appropriately trained Pro-EFW practitioner will work alone with a client. This is determined by the Scope of Practice of the individual professional and their skills, training and experience with humans and equines.

In many cases, EFW requires the physical presence of two (or more) practitioners during a session, especially if they are working with groups of people.

What about insurance?

Pro-EFW has developed positive relationships with three Canadian equine insurance companies. They are familiar with Pro-EFW’s high standards and provide discounts to Pro-EFW Certified Professionals. They also provide insurance for certification candidates while they are in training.

Who are the Trainers?

The Pro-EFW Trainers have been involved with Pro-EFW from the beginning. They have deep experience and skill. Each has offered training for over 20 years.  Each teaches with the Pro-EFW philosophy and ethics embedded in their training. They hold their unique approach to EFW and their teaching methods. It is important to find the right fit of trainer which may not necessarily be the one closest to you. 

You can take the pre-requisite course Explorations with any trainer and then choose which trainer to complete the three certfication courses. 

You sign up directly with the trainer of your choice. 

Sue McIntosh MA CCC trains in Cremona, outside of Calgary Alberta and in the UK

Sue is a Certified Counsellor, Equestrian Canada Coach, Mentor and Trainer in Equine and Animal Assisted Services and founded Healing Hooves in 1998. Her approach is grounded in attachment theory, equine neuroscience and trauma informed approaches, integrating the discernments of science, research and professionalism with the wisdom of nature and animals.  Sue is passionate about supporting students from all backgrounds to integrate the Healing Hooves approach with their existing knowledge and experience base to create their own unique practice.  https://healinghooves.ca/ 

Deborah Marshall MA RCC trains in Nanaimo on Vancouver Island BC. She also offers training in Ontario

Informed by neurobiology, trauma awareness and mindfulness, this supportive training is founded on core concepts and practices. Relational horsemanship and deep somatic understanding guide respectful and attuned relationships with our equines and our clients. Generation Farms’ multi-disciplinary team offer a model  that can be widely adapted. Nature based practice, demonstrations, horsemanship and practice opportunities deepen the theory that is taught online in classes and drawing from a rich learning platform.    https://www.generationfarms.ca/

What does Training look like?

Training begins with the pre-requisite Explorations, an online course available several times a year. It is followed by three hybrid training courses that combine online and onsite learning. Foundations and Focus are generally taken within the spring/summer season, followed by Integration the following year. If the candidate is ready, it is possible to complete the three Certification courses in a 12-month period. More time can be taken as needed.

The Online training combines Zoom meetings and information on a learning platform. Onsite is a time for experiential learning. This hybrid model was created during the pandemic and has become the preferred way for people to integrate their learning with their herds and practices.

The trainers and mentors work closely with Pro-EFW supporting candidates in completing the requirements of Pro-EFW certification.

Pro-EFW Trainings – 2027 dates available soon!

Pro-EFW training is offered in four concurrent courses that can be completed over one to two years. The pre-requisite course Explorations is offered online. The following three certification courses are a hybrid of online and onsite.

COURSE INFORMATION

Additional Requirements