Equine therapy and assisted learning in the UK

According to Saddl's directory, there are 73 UK venues currently listed offering equine therapy or equine-assisted learning. The field includes hippotherapy (therapy delivered on horseback), equine-assisted psychotherapy, and equine-assisted learning programmes that work with children and adults on the ground rather than from the saddle.

Equine therapy and equine-assisted learning use the relationship between horse and human as a route into therapeutic work, education and personal development. The format ranges from clinical hippotherapy delivered by qualified occupational therapists, to ground-based learning sessions used in areas such as school engagement, autism support, trauma recovery and team development. These describe how sessions are used rather than any promised outcome: the evidence base is still limited, and Saddl makes no claim that equine work treats or cures a condition. Most UK centres do not require any prior horse experience; many do not involve riding at all. Practitioner standards vary, so check the practitioner's professional registration and look for centres affiliated with recognised bodies such as Eagala or the LEAP Practitioner Network.