Welcome to Pro-EFW!
We would like to take this opportunity to introduce ourselves, share with you what we are about and invite you to the Pro-EFW herd.
Who we are
The Professional Association for Equine Facilitated Wellness is a community of relationship-based equine enthusiasts and a professional training and certification community. We value building respectful, trusting relationships and connections through the equine-human bond. Our holistic foundation offers a diverse array of opportunities for positive relationship building with equines, personal exploration and growth, professional development, training, and certification.
We are a registered National Non-Profit Association that is volunteer-driven and committed to professional excellence in equine facilitated activities. We promote equines’ physical, emotional, and social welfare while fostering positive relationships between equines and people.
We offer a variety of resources to help:
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- expand self-awareness in equine partnerships
- better understanding of how equines thrive
- explore different ways of being with equines
- learn to communicate effectively with equines
- pursue wellness in partnership with equines
- be open to the opportunity equines offer us to learn and grow
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At its roots, Pro-EFW was created to offer in-depth certification standards that honour equine facilitated wellness practice’s safety, ethics, and credibility. Over the years, we have developed a strong certification program that prepares professionals for a competent, safe and ethical EFW practice. Click here for more information about our certification program. https://www.equinefacilitatedwellness.org/certification/
The term Equine Facilitated Wellness is a term that encompasses the broad range of professions that are included in the Pro-EFW certification program. Other terms used in the wider community of equine programs may include Equine Assisted Therapy, Equine Assisted Services, Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, Equine Assisted Learning and more. People who identify as being EFW trained have generally been a part of Pro-EFW and have received comprehensive training.
Through your Pro-EFW membership, you will
Support Equine Welfare
Pro-EFW advocates and educates for the equine’s physical, emotional and social well-being. We believe it is very important to truly understand that our equine partners completely depend on our stewardship, and we must do our utmost to meet their psychological and physical needs.
Value Equines as Sentient Beings
A key underlying principle of Pro-EFW is that the equine is respected and valued as a sentient being and partner. When the equine’s sentience is valued, the human can connect with them differently and grow with the equine’s teaching. This is the essence of Equine Facilitated Wellness for both the horse and the human.
Learn to work with Equine Consent
Work with consent is an essential ingredient to developing a true partnership. Consent is not only for the equine but also for the human. Pro-EFW can help you explore this concept with your equines to grow together into more well-being.
Protect the Integrity of the Equine Facilitated Wellness Practice
Pro-EFW has developed a Code of Ethics intended to be used as a guide by Pro-EFW members and professionals to provide Equine Facilitated Wellness that reflects the highest standards of ethical practice, professionalism, and integrity. To find the Pro-EFW Guiding Principals and Code of Ethics, click here.
Not interested in certifying?
No problem. Many aspects of the Pro-EFW offering and the Guiding Principles and Code of Ethics are valuable to the recreational and general equine enthusiast. For example, acknowledging equines as partners and sentient beings, working with them in consent, and understanding that the equine’s welfare lies entirely in the human’s hands.
Who is Pro-EFW membership for?
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- People who share their lives with equines
- People who also partner with other animals as the Pro-EFW Way can be translated to many other species.
- People who want to take their relationship with equines and themselves deeper
- People facing fear or doubts or whose equines are not thriving in the traditional horsemanship methods.
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General Membership Pro-EFW Code of Ethics
Our community of members holds dear values and beliefs that protect the integrity of the human-equine relationship. This Code of Ethics is intended to guide members of the Professional Association for Equine Facilitated Wellness in providing ethical care, handling of their equines, and helping build and sustain a community of like-minded individuals caring for the well-being of equines and humans.
1- Members are guided by consideration for all involved, equines and humans’ physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health.
2- Members ensure the respectful treatment of the equine as a sentient being. Members know the impact of emotional and physical work on equines and safeguard their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
3- Members always engage in responsible caring for equines. Members understand that their equine partners completely depend on their stewardship and do their utmost to meet their psychological and physical needs. This includes ensuring that equines have adequate time for play, socializing, turnout, and rest and that they can retire from work when needed, regardless of age.
4- Members commit to developing an in-depth understanding of each equine’s unique characteristics and herd dynamics.
5- Members engage with other professionals to ensure equines receive appropriate day-to-day care, medical care, and any other care and support needed for their health and well-being.
6- Members do not harass, intimidate, frighten, confuse, or otherwise act against the best interests of equines and/or humans.
7- Members take steps to ensure the culture and environment at the barns where their equine partners reside are congruent with the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Equines in Canada, which was developed by Equine Canada in 2014 and can be found at http://www.nfacc.ca/codes of practice/equine.
Pro-EFW Vision Statement
A community where the principles of equine facilitated wellness and the sentient nature of the equine are recognized, embraced, and integrated into how people partner with equines.
Benefits of a Pro-EFW Membership
Have access and belong to a community of like-minded people
The Pro-EFW community embraces opportunities to explore different ways of knowing and being in relationship with equines that benefit both equines and humans. This community does not promote only the methods of their Pro EFW trainers but any modalities
Have access to a growing Resource Library
Pro-EFW and its supporters populate a growing list of resources that align with the Pro-EFW way. We offer resources through our website, such as webinars, various articles, a quarterly Newsletter, a Facebook community, and special offerings.
The library includes educational webinars and articles covering such topics as:
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- Building a sustainable EFW Business
- Bookkeeping for the Self Employed
- A Nature Based Approach
- Mindfulness Practices
- Working with donkeys
- Conversations with Learning Professionals
- The history of Pro-EFW
- Energy Work
- Etc.
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Where does the membership money go?
All proceeds from memberships, donations, and sales are used to continue and expand Pro-EFW’s mission to promote the well-being of humans and equines. Pro-EFW Trainers are independent from the association and collect their own fees for their training. We rely solely on membership and certification fees to run our operations.
Pro-EFW has one administrative assistant who works approximately 6 hours a week. The rest of the development and administration is done by volunteers’ work and dedication. They offer their time, experience and knowledge because they believe in Pro-EFW’s mission.
Your membership to Pro-EFW is valued and honoured as it helps us continue our work to enhance the lives of both equines and humans.
Want to help more?
Donate to Pro-EFW.
You can donate, and any money received will help keep Pro-EFW in operation for years to come and continue to promote equine and human wellness. Click here to Donate to Pro-EFW.
Volunteer
If you believe in our work and want to contribute your time and talents, we invite you to contact us. We have many initiatives that need volunteers.