Certification of Professionals in Therapeutic Riding An International Perspective

“We are very grateful to Jean Tebay together with Octavia Brown for preparing the third edition of the ROt Directory of Education and Training in regard to Therapeutic Riding in its three different branches: Sport for the disabled, Psycho-educational riding and vaulting, and Hippotherapy. The questionnaires brought more replies this year than previously

The main orientation in education and training is Sports. Psycho-educational riding and vaulting is a second maior orientation; Hippotherapy; while third, is growing rapidly Additional training is given in Driving, Psychomotricity and Horse Training

I have been asked about the trends that t see for future development in training. I have the impression that countries are completing their training programmes in all three disciplines, and if necessary adding basic training for instructors and horses. There seems to be another trend regarding the sub-specialities. For example, working with the horse for the motor development of very young children, or for psychotherapy and psychiatric rehabilitation of adults. These will be based on thorough training in one of the three branches, then amplified in special courses during the basic professional training of the therapists.

The exchange of experiences in methods ond troining os initiated by the Federation ROt has been a really worthwhile stimulus and the awareness of conditions for quality and safety are spreading”