Exploring the Universal Language of the Horse at the Horse and Human Research Foundation Symposium

Vera Lantelme-Faisan, HETI Executive Committee

The Horse and Human Research Foundation Symposium took place in Deauville, France, at the esteemed Pôle International du Cheval Longines. This inspiring event brought together professionals in Equine Assisted Services (EAS) under the theme of "The Universal Language of the Horse." Experts from various countries, including France, the United Kingdom, Ireland, the United States, Israel, the Czech Republic, and Australia, gathered to share their knowledge and best practices in equine welfare, research, and therapy.

The symposium fostered a spirit of collaboration and a friendly atmosphere, highlighting the importance of sharing experiences and knowledge to enhance EAS practices. I had the privilege of attending this event on behalf of HETI to introduce the organisation, its goals, and its work and highlight the significance of research in EAS. The renowned HETI Journal, established in 1994, publishes evidence-based research in the field, aiding scholars and practitioners.

Notably, HETI and the Horse and Human Research Foundation are working together on an exciting project—a digital hub that consolidates EAS-related research and studies. This user-friendly platform will facilitate easy access to the latest treatment strategies, foster future research, and promote international cooperation.

During the symposium, I had the opportunity to share information about Therapy Equine Certification Systems with the audience, focusing on the Czech Equine Facilitated Therapy Association's (CEFTA) system. CEFTA implemented a specialised exam and expert evaluation to ensure high standards in EAS and recognise therapy equines. The ongoing ERASMUS+ project aims to develop an assessment tool for therapy equines involving experts from six countries. This project holds great potential for standardising evaluation and certification across borders.