OCNLR Level 3 Diploma
in Equine Assisted Services
Our Level 3 Diploma in Equine Assisted Services is aimed at individuals who are already working or intend to work, as facilitators, teachers, or trainers in the specialised field of equine-assisted service provision.
For more information or to discuss your needs with our team, please Contact Us or see below for more information.
The qualification has been developed in collaboration with nationally recognised service providers, training organisations, and sector experts, who are competent to set benchmark standards for facilitators of equine-assisted services.
Learners will benefit by gaining knowledge and understanding of using unmounted equine-assisted services to improve outcomes for people with moderate wellbeing needs. The qualification also satisfies quality assurance requirements, helping centre leaders and staff demonstrate they have appropriate skills, knowledge, and understanding through the achievement of a meaningful qualification.
Our Level 3 Diploma in Equine Assisted Services is regulated by Ofqual, the qualifications regulator for England, and is registered on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).
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Learners will benefit by gaining knowledge and understanding of using unmounted equine-assisted services to improve outcomes for people with moderate wellbeing needs. The qualification also satisfies quality assurance requirements, helping centre leaders and staff demonstrate they have appropriate skills, knowledge, and understanding through the achievement of a meaningful qualification.
Our Level 3 Diploma in Equine Assisted Services is regulated by Ofqual, the qualifications regulator for England, and is registered on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).
Course Content
Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria
1. Understand the care of horses.
1.1. Explain responsibilities related to equine welfare.
1.2. Compare the key points of at least two frameworks related to equine welfare.
1.3. Explain the essential requirements for maintaining equine welfare with reference
to:
• Nutrition
• Environment
• Health
• Natural behaviour
• Mental wellbeing
2. Be able to assess and manage equine health.
2.1. Demonstrate how to assess the general health of a horse.
2.2. Explain normal behaviours in horses in relation to equine health.
2.3. Explain abnormal behaviours in horses in relation to equine health.
2.4. Explain how to manage common conditions in horses.
2.5. Explain the key stages of end-of-life care for equines.
3. Understand equine welfare CPD (continuous professional development).
3.1. Explain the value of equine welfare CPD.
3.2. Describe at least two sources of equine welfare CPD.
Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria
1. Understand the EAS sector.
1.1. Explain the function of EAS and its position within the sector compared to other support services.
1.2. Explain the potential impacts and benefits of EAS.
1.3. Evaluate at least two EAS models or approaches.
1.4. Critically assess an infographic in current use within the EAS sector (e.g., by HETI, HEIR, PATH).
1.5. Investigate a controversial issue within the EAS sector.
2. Understand how to build participant wellbeing through horsemanship.
2.1. Identify models for wellbeing to include:
a) Green Care body of evidence
b) NHS ‘5 ways to wellbeing’
c) EAS body of evidence
d) Other
2.2. Describe at least five elements of wellbeing.
2.3. Explain how horsemanship interactions can develop wellbeing elements.
2.4. Describe how owning EAS practice can help build participant wellbeing.
3. Understand the roles and responsibilities of a facilitator.
3.1. Explain the following aspects of an EAS facilitator:
• The roles and responsibilities
• The ethical responsibilities
• The importance of transparency and accuracy when describing own services
• The importance of self-care
3.2. Explain reasons why additional training/qualifications may be required and the differences between them.
3.3. Create an annual plan for clinical/non- clinical supervision.
3.4. Create a personal plan for CPD
(continuing professional development).
4. Understand participant safety.
4.1. Explain the key factors of safeguarding.
4.2. Explain the key factors of Health and Safety in relation to participant safety.
4.3. Assess the suitability of participants wanting to access EAS.
4.4. Create a psychological safety protocol in relation to participant welfare.
Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria
1. Understand the key aspects of risk management and compliance.
1.1. Identify and explain relevant legislation relating to running an EAS business.
1.2. Explain the purpose and content of a risk register.
1.3. Explain the key policies and procedures relating to running an EAS business.
1.4. Explain the purpose of key types of insurance.
2. Understand the key aspects of business practices.
2.1. Explain governance structures.
2.2. Describe employer responsibilities relating to the recruitment and appointment of new staff.
2.3. Describe participant paperwork relating to EAS.
2.4. Describe how business information is stored.
2.5. Outline the types of business support available to EAS.
3. Understand the key aspects of financial management.
3.1. Identify and explain the range of income streams.
3.2. Produce a service costings spreadsheet.
3.3. Describe the range of accounting requirements that EAS needs to comply with.
4. Understand how to communicate with EAS stakeholders.
4.1. Identify EAS stakeholders.
4.2. Identify channels of communication and how they differ between stakeholders.
4.3. Explain the aspects of the service which may be of differing importance to a range of stakeholders.
4.4. Describe the evidence base for EAS and why it is important to stakeholders.
4.5. Produce a presentation to explain your EAS service, aimed at a specific stakeholder group.
5. Understand the key elements of starting an EAS centre.
5.1. Explain how to assess a potential site for an EAS centre.
5.2. Explain how to assess the feasibility of a start-up.
5.3. Produce a top-line business plan to include location, target service users, income streams, and referral criteria.
Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria
1. Understand horse and human interactions.
1.1. Describe the innate nature of the horse.
1.2. Assess the advantages and disadvantages of a range of training
1.3. Assess a range of equine behaviour and body language.
1.4. Describe a range of dangerous equine behaviours and explain how they can be mitigated.
2. Be able to interact competently with horses.
2.1. Demonstrate horsemanship skills with two horses.
2.2. Describe the attributes required of a horse for a range of EAS approaches.
2.3. Assess horses for EAS sessions in preparation for a practical session.
Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria
1. Be able to prepare for EAS sessions.
1.1. Produce lesson plans for a range of EAS sessions.
1.2. Produce risk assessments for an EAS session.
1.3. Explain key safety considerations for groups prior to an EAS session.
2. Be able to facilitate EAS sessions.
2.1. Facilitate an EAS session with one horse.
2.2. Demonstrate competent time management during an EAS session.
2.3. Demonstrate competent coaching skills during an EAS session.
2.4. Demonstrate competent communication skills during an EAS session.
2.5. Demonstrate a high regard for the safety of all participants during an EAS session.
2.6. Implement suitable adaptations during an EAS session.
3. Be able to reflect on EAS facilitation sessions.
3.1. Evaluate your own observed facilitator session.
3.2. Produce a post-session report for the referrer.
