Anne Foley
Chairperson
Who is EATASA
The Equine Assisted Therapy Association of South Africa (EATASA) is a South African based non-profit organisation (NPO) that advocates for and builds awareness of hippotherapy and other equine assisted therapies within South Africa and beyond. At present, we provide training for therapists in how to use hippotherapy as a treatment strategy through our intensive face to face and/or online courses. EATASA continually strives to build relations with international and local bodies to grow and strengthen the therapeutic use of horses in all spheres of society.
History of EATASA
In 2010 EATASA was started by two occupational therapists, one physiotherapist and a South African Riding for the Disabled Association (SARDA) representative who wanted to create a training program that would allow South African therapists to be trained locally in the use of this specialized treatment strategy. What started as four passionate people for equine assisted therapies, has since grown to a registered NPO with a committed managerial committee of speech therapists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists that host trainings every year and that have since trained more than 100 therapists across South Africa, Malaysia, Jordan and the UK.
Be a part of a growing community of therapists who share advice and strategies to continue improving your skills.
Our Committee Members
Ninette Du Plessis
Vice Chairperson
Tarryn Stevens
Secretary
Research Representative
Ninette Du Plessis
Treasurer
Gill Whitbread
Physiotherapist Representative
Gill Whitbread
Occupational Therapist Representative
Trish Talbot
Speech Therapy & Audiology Representative
Tarryn Stevens
EFOT-UK Liaison
Ninette Du Plessis
Education & CPD Activities
Anne Foley
Communication Liaison
Nasrin Vadia
Vision
EATASA will be a hub for the collaborative growth & development of Equine Assisted therapies in South Africa, aiming at having these therapies more widely available to those in need of treatment, empowerment and support.
Mission
EATASA will be a resource platform for various equine assisted therapies, advocating & striving for excellence through training, research & local and international networking.
Objectives
The objectives of EATASA are to:
- Promote recognition and awareness of equine assisted therapy as an effective treatment strategy.
- Encourage research opportunities.
- Provide education.
- Facilitate members to achieve excellence in treatment programs.
Core Values
The core values of EATASA are:
- Integrity
- Support/Service
- Excellence
- Development/Research
What is Hippotherapy?
Hippotherapy is a treatment strategy used by occupational therapists (OTs), physiotherapists ( PTs) and speech and language pathologists (SLPs) registered with the health professions council (or equivalent body) of the country in which they practice e.g. Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) in South Africa.
It entails the incorporation of the horse’s movement with complimentary treatment principles to address impairments, functional limitation, and disabilities in clients with neuro-motor and/or sensory dysfunction.
Hippotherapy aims to achieve functional goals and is always provided as an individual therapy.
Who can benefit from Hippotherapy?
- Individuals with neurological or musculoskeletal conditions, physical disabilities, mobility challenges, low muscle tone, limited range of movement, balance and coordination issues, etc.
- Individuals with sensory processing challenges or Autism
- Individuals with speech and language disorders
- Individuals with developmental delays or genetic disorders
- Children with sensory integration difficulties and/or emotional regulation difficulties
What is Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP)
EAP is a professional, innovative and experiential approach to counselling, psychotherapy, and mental health that supports individuals in addressing therapeutic goals (emotional, cognitive, behavioural, relational issues, and mental health conditions), with horses as assistants, co-facilitators and teachers in this process. Individuals engage in activities with horses and interact with the horses. EAP Delves into deeper emotional psychotherapy and sessions may focus on past relationships, past trauma or traumatic memories. The mental health professional can move between focusing on “there and then” and “here and now” during sessions.
In EAP, individuals are offered safe experiences on the ground with horses for the purpose of exploring self-experience, exploring experience in relationship, building self-awareness, building awareness of patterns / habits that are ineffective, psychological healing and addressing clinical or therapeutic goals that individuals have identified or agreed to. No riding or mounted work is involved in this process.
EAP is a form of Animal Assisted Psychotherapy, and thus, should be offered by mental health professionals only – Psychologists, Social Workers, Occupational Therapists, Registered Counsellors.
What is Equine Assisted Learning (EAL)
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EAL is a process of ground based experiential learning for diverse individuals addressing particular learning goals while engaging in activities and interacting with horses. As with EAP, no riding or mounted work is involved.
Learning goals may include personal development for children and adults or professional development goals. Goals may include psychosocial skills building, developing life skills, and developing particular organisational, business- and work-related skills such as working effectively in teams, leadership skills, and communication skills. EAL does not delve into deeper emotional processes but rather works on growth and development in the “here and now” with horse experiences.
As in EAP, the EAL practitioner partners with horses and offers ‘equine experiences’ to individuals, to explore and address the learning needs and goals identified.
EAL sessions do not have to facilitated by a trained mental health professional. Physiotherapists, Speech/language Therapists, teachers and equine specialists may facilitate EAL Sessions. Some form of training in EAL is however recommended.
Who can benefit from EAP/EAP
- Individuals with anxiety disorders
- Individuals with psychiatric disorders
- Individuals with Cerebral Palsy/Physical disabilities where mounted work may be contraindicated
- Individuals with behavioural difficulties
- Individuals with psychological illnesses – such as schizophrenia, ADHD, autism, personality disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), receptive or expressive language disorders
- Individuals with major life changes such as trauma, grief, divorce and loss
- At-risk youth
- Victims of violence
- Individuals with addictions and substance abuse issues
- Individuals with learning difficulties