Equine-Facilitated Therapeutics

Are you passionate about helping people with physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges interact with horses for therapy? Have you been searching for a fulfilling and affordable equine-facilitated therapeutics program in Pennslyvania? Wilson College has the program you need! 

Our equine facilitated therapeutics (ET) program prepares students for a career helping children and adults build confidence and independence. 

Through the varied and hands-on courses you take, you'll learn how to:

• Use horses to promote physical and emotional therapy in people with disabilities. 
• Identify everything from unique disability characteristics to contraindications for therapeutic riding. 
• Train and control horses within a therapeutic setting. 

Enrolling in a college program for equine-facilitated therapeutics will prepare you to make a positive impact in your community. 

Equine-Facilitated Therapeutics Highlights

Working as an equine-facilitated therapist involves interacting with providing care for your patients and the horses you work with, so our program takes a thorough and individualized approach:

• Interdisciplinary: Engage with an interdisciplinary program that combines traditional lecture periods, structured and hands-on labs, and simulated and actual student teaching.
• Collaborative: Gain a new perspective by working with other students who share your passions and receiving guidance from professors who are experts in the subject.
• Accessible professors: Feel supported every step of the way with helpful and knowledgeable professors available to assist you and answer class questions.
• Focused: Gain working knowledge of concepts like evaluation techniques, training therapy horses, and teaching riders with disabilities in small, focused classes. 
• Practical: Discover the practical skills you'll need to effectively teach riders with disabilities. 
• Customizable: Choose electives and a concentration to progress through the program and build on your interests and passions. 

Why Study Equine-Facilitated Therapeutics?

If you want to combine your knowledge of horses with an in-depth study of them as therapeutic partners, our program is the perfect step.

You'll learn how to: 

• Work with people with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in an equine-focused therapy setting. 
• Understand the biomechanics and kinesiology of both humans and horses. 
• Instruct riders with disabilities and work with them to achieve goals.

Core classes: 

• General Biology I and II or Contemporary Biology
• Introduction to Management
• Entrepreneurship/Small Business Management
• Equine Facilitated Therapeutics I and II
• Ground Training the Horse
• Equine Biomechanics/Kinesiology
• Teaching I
• Intro to Equine Management
• Equine Anatomy/Physiology
• Intro to Teaching Horsemanship
• Six Equitation courses, the levels of which are based on the rider’s skill
• Introduction to Psychology

Students must take two courses at the 200/300 level in one of the following concentrations:

• Education/special education
• Psychology
• Business

Students in equine-facilitated therapeutics are eligible for the BS-to-Doctor of Occupational Therapy program. Wilson students who complete a bachelor’s degree in equine-facilitated therapeutics and complete the required prerequisite courses will be directly admitted to the graduate Doctor of Occupational Therapy program.

Learn more about the BS-to-Doctor of Occupational Therapy program here >

Equine-Facilitated Therapeutics Career Paths 

At Wilson College, our program for equine-facilitated therapeutics will provide you with the training and experience you need for a meaningful profession. Whether you start volunteering or pursue a career after graduation, this program will give you a competitive advantage. 

Regardless of your path, the faculty at Wilson College will prepare you to succeed. 

Consider these roles:

• Equine therapist 
• Equine therapy barn manager 
• Program director 
• Head instructor 
• Volunteer coordinator 

Build the Foundation for Your Future in Equine-Facilitated Therapeutics

At Wilson College, our equine-facilitated therapeutics program will prepare you to make a difference in the lives of children and adults. We offer rolling admissions and provide financial aid packages for 98% of our students, making it easier than ever to get started right now.

If you're ready to take the next step, you can submit an application or schedule a campus tour to learn more!