A very warm welcome to
ACPEA
The Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Equine Activities
Promoting best practice and support for therapists working in
Equine Assisted Therapies and Equine Activities
WELCOME TO ACPEA
The Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Equine Activities
We are a self-governing professional network, which empowers its members by facilitating learning and development opportunities, supporting innovation and sharing best practices.
Involvement of ACPEA Physiotherapists in Equine Activities
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Involvement of ACPEA Physiotherapists in Equine Activities *
ACPEA Physiotherapists work across diverse settings and with a wide range of stakeholders, delivering physiotherapy interventions that involve equines.
Providing pain management, injury treatment, rehabilitation, and injury prevention advice to riders.
Hippotherapy, augmenting physiotherapy with equine movement as a therapeutic modality.
Therapeutic groundwork, using structured interactions and activities with the equine to support physical, sensory, cognitive, emotional, and functional goals.
Para-equestrian sport and performance, including the classification of riders for para dressage.
Amateur and elite rider performance, informed by horse and rider anatomy, biomechanics, and movement.
Working with individuals of all ages affected by musculoskeletal, congenital, and neurological conditions, as well as equestrians seeking to enhance their riding performance.
Collaborating with external organisations and charities, such as the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), to extend the reach and impact of our expertise.
FAQs
Who do we treat?
We support health and well-being at all stages of life, working with adults and children with or without disabilities, across a range of conditions e.g. neurological, musculoskeletal, congenital, respiratory, biomechanical, mental health, trauma and pain.
How do we treat you?
Through innovative working and bespoke treatments for individuals, our physiotherapists use their skills and the dynamic 3-dimensional movement of the equine to achieve optimal health outcomes for people with disabilities and improve performance for horses and their riders.
How does it work?
Groundwork activities such as Equine Assisted Learning are not performed on the equine but utilises the horse-human interaction together with a coaching-based approach and can help reduce the anxiety and lack of confidence that are common problems with stress or other mental health concerns. It is a unique learning experience where the horses are active participants. Some of the activities involve groundwork exercises in an arena that help build a relationship with the horse, and improve confidence and self-esteem.
Are there Hippotherapists in the U.K. and Ireland?
Yes, ACPEA holds the directory for qualified physiotherapists practicing in the UK and Ireland. Hippotherapy and Equine Assisted Physiotherapy are adjuncts to physiotherapy. However, hippotherapy is not a qualification on its own. Healthcare professionals must have undertaken a recognised advancing practice qualification.
I am confused by the terminology. Where can I get some clarity for accurate communication and documentation?
Have a look at this Glossary of Terms.
What training do you have?
As qualified physiotherapists, we use our professional expertise and our specialist postgraduate training, at the Masters Level in Equine Assisted Physiotherapy, including Hippotherapy, to optimise a horse rider’s performance and treat non-riders who may benefit from interaction with an equine.
Who can provide therapy services that include Hippotherapy or Equine Assisted Therapy?
Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists and Speech and Language Therapists who have undertaken a recognised advancing practice in Hippotherapy qualification.
Who are you registered with?
We are registered with the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC), regulated by our professional body, The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) and are fully insured practitioners.
How can I access the service?
Referrals can be from a range of sources including, self-referral, health care professionals, education professionals, parents, guardians and charitable organisations.
Clients will have an initial assessment of needs carried out by the ACPEA physiotherapist, with personal goals and outcomes agreed upon. A treatment or rehabilitation plan will be drawn up that may include functional goals on and off the equine.
How do I find a qualified Hippotherapy or Equine Assisted Therapist?
You can find them by visiting our Find an ACPEA therapist page.
JOIN ACPEA
Being an ACPEA Member
Chartered Physiotherapists with HCPC registration, resident in the UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man.
Non CSP and Retired Physiotherapists; O.T and S.L.T with an interest in Equine Assisted Therapy, Overseas Therapists, Other professionals in the field of equine activities and therapy support workers in association with ACPEA full members.
Student Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists and Speech and Language Therapists.
Benefits to your ACPEA membership
CPD, Conferences, Courses & AGM
Attend our monthly free CPD, annual conferences, AGM and courses as well as additional study days and practical workshops.
Directory Listing
You can choose to appear on our Find an ACPEA Therapist online directory so that patients and professionals alike can find you and the services you offer.
Exclusive Resources
Monthly bulletins and newsletters with research reports and items of interest. There is also a members handbook and a members only Facebook group.
Regional Networks
Access a regional network with a named ACPEA regional officer who facilitates networking and study in the region in our Member Login area.
Call for Research Collaborators
We are in the early stages of developing a research proposal for submission to the Scoliosis Support & Research (SSR) Research Grants Programme.
The proposed study aims to investigate the relationship between scoliosis, rider biomechanics and weight distribution on the horse, with the longer-term goal of improving understanding of horse–rider interaction and informing future assessment and rehabilitation strategies.
We are currently bringing together a multidisciplinary team and would welcome expressions of interest from ACPEA members who may be interested in contributing to the development of the project.
In particular, we would be keen to hear from physiotherapists with experience or expertise in:
Clinical management of scoliosis
Rider biomechanics and equestrian performance
Research design and methodology
Grant writing
Statistics and data analysis
Academic or university research collaborations
To strengthen the proposed research we would welcome collaboration with a university research department to provide support with research governance, ethics and grant development. If you have experience of working within a university setting or would be interested in exploring a collaborative role, we would be delighted to hear from you.
This is an exciting opportunity to develop a clinically relevant research project within equine assissted physiotherapy, and we would welcome anyone who feels they could contribute their expertise during the planning and application stages.
THE LATEST FROM ACPEA
News & Events
Please use the form below if you wish to contact ACPEA. Please provide a concise message and direct your email to the most appropriate contact for your message.
secretary@acpea.org