The memory of my life with Sara convinced me to write this article, which attempts to explain the importance of understanding horse language, behaviors, and how they value their space. Sara was in my life for thirty-seven years and was my constant companion who taught me a great deal about horse communication and how to think positively about life. Writing this article, I am offering some practical tips which may help those who wish to enjoy the company of their horses, take care of them or participate in various types of horseback riding activities. If you can spend time trying to understand the language, behaviors, and how they value their space, you will find that you can communicate with horses, enjoy their relaxing companionship while building that precious human-horse bond.

The role of the EAA/T practitioner is to support the clients in coping with real-life-issues. In order to do this effectively, the practitioner must not only have a deep understanding of themselves, but they must also know and understand the common objectives of their work, and be able to plan individualized, achievable therapeutic aims and objectives for each client. It goes without saying that they must have knowledge and an understanding of the horse or horses they are working with, in order to build a successful partnership that will ensure a safe and positive EAA/T service. In this Zoom lecture, I will offer some thoughts for personal reflection and suggest some strategies for assisting our challenged riders.

Globally, most EAA/T Centers rely on volunteer leaders and side walkers. Without volunteers, EAA/T centers throughout the world would not be able to function. The many thousands of volunteers are genuinely appreciated and regarded as extremely precious. It is part of any practitioner’s role to make volunteers welcome, motivated and feel part of the team. It is vital that they give time to training volunteers, so that they understand their role both in the arena, and in the environment of the EAA/T center. Practitioners and EAA/T centers should always ensure that their volunteers are rewarded for their work. In this lecture, I will share the ways practitioners must integrate the volunteers as full partners in the work.