ABOUT
What is Equine Assisted Services?
Equine Assisted Services (EAS) encompass a range of therapeutic programs that utilize the unique qualities of horses to promote physical, emotional, and psychological healing and development. These services include activities such as therapeutic riding or hippotherapy, equine-assisted psychotherapy, and equine-assisted learning, all designed to harness the intuitive nature and calming presence of horses to benefit individuals of all ages.
REsearch | Teaching | Service
Texas A&M as an epicenter for EAS
The Institute for Equine Sciences has created this initiative to lead the advancement and collaboration of EAS at both state and national levels. This initiative aims to foster research partnerships, educate students & volunteers on best practices in EAS, and emphasize the importance of serving others to ensure that more individuals can access and benefit from these transformative programs.
Research
Research is essential to understanding the “how” and “why” behind the powerful connection between horses and humans. While many can have a theory, conducting research and reporting outcomes is the key to validating these claims.
The Institute for Equine Sciences is uniquely positioned to lead this initiative, due to being a part of Texas A&M AgriLife Research and its ability to leverage the intellectual power and collaborative spirit of Texas A&M University.
Teaching
As a Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship Higher Education Member, our program offers Texas A&M students access to both exceptional resources and a solid base for networking in the equine-assisted activities and therapies (EAAT) industry.
Undergraduate students are entrolled in the Biomedical Sciences (BIMS) 380 course—Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies – Best Practices—is taught by Drs. Nancy Krenek and Priscilla Lightsey. To fulfill the laboratory requirement of the course, students volunteer with the Courtney Cares program.
Our program also provides education for volunteers who are interested in becoming a PATH International Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors and currently has a 100% pass rate for the instructor certification exam.
Service
Our student volunteers are able to see first-hand how these therapies change the lives of our clients. Not only is the Courtney Cares program transformative for our clients, but it is a transformative experience for our students.
“I can easily say this is a highlight of my college experience. Nothing compares to seeing the confidence and joy of the riders as they finish a lesson!” -Isabella S., Student/Volunteer
Our Mission
Cultivating future leaders and supporters of Equine Assisted Services through education and service learning opportunities.
Our Vision
To be a recognized leader and model program for providing service learning opportunities in Equine Assisted Services.
