SHP-E(NL) Code of Practice and Quality Standards

Ethical principles and guidelines for Equine-Mediated Therapy

The SHP-E(NL) Equitherapist

• SHP-E(NL) equitherapists must have an SHP-E(NL) equitherapy qualification (or equivalent qualification recognised by SHP-E(NL)) as well as a riding diploma and an up-to-date first aid certificate.
• Therapists have a duty to maintain and, when possible, improve their skills and abilities and those of their therapy horse. They are responsible for their ongoing education and training and that of their horse.
• SHP-E(NL) equitherapists must ensure that they have supervision and intervision on a regular basis.
• SHP-E(NL) equitherapists must ensure that their employees/trainees are familiar with their approach and must be clear about their field of operation.

The Horse

• Working with horses has a character-building/stimulating effect. This should be respected and encouraged.
• SHP-E(NL) equitherapists must take responsibility for the therapy horse entrusted in their care – until the end of the horse's entire life.
• SHP-E(NL) equitherapists must show each horse equal respect regardless of race, age, or gender.
• SHP-E(NL) equitherapists must insist that their clients treat the horse with equal respect.
• The horse must be fed and cared for appropriately in accordance with the needs of the breed. Minimum requirements: Freedom to roam together in paddocks every day and stabling in stables that comply with FN standards at the very least.
• The mental and physical health of the horse is paramount, irrespective of its use.
• The use of the horse in therapy must be appropriate to its disposition, ability, and willingness to work, and must not be influenced by medication or harmful actions.
• When equitherapists work with a horse which is not their own, they must thoroughly understand its schooling, work with it, and develop a strong relationship with it before using it as a therapy horse.
• The horse should be schooled according to classical principles based on its nature. Schooling must encourage the horse's natural disposition physically and mentally and respect it as a partner in a two-way relationship. Harsh methods are strictly prohibited (e.g., extreme use of auxiliary reins to unphysiologically shorten the neck or act from below on the mouth, hyperflexion, or methods forcing unnatural positions, causing pain, tension, unbalancing, or unsettling the horse).

The Client

• SHP-E(NL) equitherapists must take the best possible care to ensure the safety of client and horse.
• SHP-E(NL) equitherapists have an obligation to their client to take full responsibility for their therapeutic approach and treatment plan.
• Both client and therapist must abide by the agreed treatment contract.
• SHP-E(NL) equitherapists must develop a relationship with their client based on trust and respect the client's private life.
• SHP-E(NL) equitherapists must undertake to treat client data confidentially and in accordance with data protection guidelines.
• Treatment must be devised in accordance with the express wishes of the client, their family (if the client lacks decision-making capacity), or their referrer, by mutual agreement.
• SHP-E(NL) equitherapists must show each client equal respect regardless of their character, difficulties, etc.
• Therapists have a duty to tailor treatment to the client's individual circumstances.

The Foundation

• SHP-E(NL) equitherapists must strive to fulfil the aims and objectives of the foundation.
• Equitherapists belonging to the foundation must not abuse its name and have a responsibility to perform work to a high standard in accordance with SHP guidelines.
• Within the foundation, equitherapists have a duty to pass on their knowledge to colleagues and share ideas and information.
• Client information must not be transmitted to colleagues without the client's prior approval.
• Unqualified employees or trainees are not permitted to undertake the work of SHP-E(NL) equitherapists or work in their name.

Audit and Training Principles

Equitherapists are audited by SHP-E(NL). During their training, SHP-E(NL) equitherapists learn about the ethical principles that apply to horse-assisted therapy:

• As part of quality control, SHP-E(NL) ensures the essential role of the horse in the triangular relationship and promotes a horse-friendly approach regarding stabling, husbandry, training, feeding, and daily routine.
• Responsibilities towards the client and the foundation are clearly defined.
• Continuing professional development and the retention and enhancement of knowledge and skills are an integral part of this code.