Honouring the equine with every human-equine connection
Professional Training, Certification, and online learning in the field of Equine Facilitated Wellness and Equine Assisted Services
The Professional Association for Equine Facilitated Wellness (Pro-EFW) is a professional certification and training community dedicated to ethical, relationship-based practice. We value the building of respectful, trusting relationships and meaningful connections through the equine–human bond.
Our holistic foundation offers diverse opportunities for personal exploration and growth, professional development, and certification training within the field of Equine Facilitated Wellness (EFW).
Equine Facilitated Wellness serves as an umbrella term that encompasses a wide range of human services approaches centered on working in respectful partnership with our sentient equine partners. Other terms commonly used in the field—and encompassed within EFW—include Equine Therapy, Equine Assisted Services, Equine Assisted Therapy, Equine Assisted Learning, Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Equine Guided Services.
In addition to professional training and certification, Pro-EFW offers its members a variety of educational webinars and online courses designed to support the development of respectful, attuned relationships with their equine partners. These experiential learning opportunities invite equine enthusiasts to deepen their understanding of equine behavior, communication, and connection, fostering mutual trust and wellbeing.
Our vision is a community where the principles of Equine Facilitated Wellness—and the sentient nature of the equine—are recognized, embraced, and integrated into how people partner with equines in fields of personal development, learning, therapy, and wellness.
New E-Learning Platform – Free Course for Pro-EFW Members!
We are excited to announce the launch of our new e-learning platform!
As part of this initiative, we are offering a free online course exclusively for all Pro-EFW members. Simply purchase or renew your membership, and you’ll gain full access to this course at no additional cost.
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Course Highlight: The Pro-EFW Way
This foundational course introduces you to the Pro-EFW approach to partnering with equines. You’ll discover:
– The history and purpose of Pro-EFW
– The principles and ethics guiding our interactions with equines
– The heart of our practice: honouring the equine as a sentient being
Together, we will reflect on the profound responsibility we hold as caretakers of these remarkable partners.
Course Structure
– 5 lessons with integrated knowledge checks and assignments
– Approx. 12 hours of learning (self-paced) – can be used as continuing education hours (certified professionals) or cross training hours (candidates)
– Includes reading, multimedia lessons, self-reflections, observation activities, and interactive knowledge checks
This course is designed to deepen your understanding and strengthen your connection with horses, all while providing you with the flexibility to learn at your own pace.
How to access the free “The Pro-EFW Way” e-learning course
The confirmation email you receive after purchase of a membership will also include the access information. Click here to join Pro-EFW
Fee to all existing members in good standing.
Members have to access the portal, once logged in click on the button at the top of the landing page. Click here to log into your Account/portal
Free with a minimum donation of $10
After donating, you will receive an email containing the access information. Click here to donate
Free with the purchase of A Taste of Pro-EFW (non-member – $50)
The confirmation email will include the course access information. Click here to purchase “A Taste Of Pro-EFW” eBook
Free with the purchase of a Pro-EFW Membership
A Taste of Pro-EFW eBook
As a thank you for joining Pro-EFW through your yearly membership, we offer the eBook A Taste of Pro-EFW at a special member rate. This valuable resource was developed by a team of Pro-EFW professionals and features ten hands-on activities designed to deepen connection, understanding, and the practice of horsemanship through the Pro-EFW approach to Equine Facilitated Wellness.
These activities are ideal for equine owners, equine professionals, equine enthusiasts (hobbyists,) Pro-EFW certification candidates, and anyone interested in exploring Equine Facilitated Wellness, Equine Assisted Learning, or Equine Assisted Therapy.
The eBook includes ten simple yet powerful Equine Facilitated Wellness activities you can do with your equines to help you:
- Build trust and connection with your equine
- Develop a relationship and deeper understanding of a new horse
- Support and foster confidence in a green or young equine
- Stay connected when the equine or human partner cannot ride (due to injury, health, or age)
- Rebuild confidence and reconnection after a relationship rupture (for example, fear after a fall)
- Strengthen self-awareness to enhance safety, presence, and connection with your equine
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GENERAL MEMBERS
The Pro-EFW Membership and Certification Renewal Year is from April 1 to March 31.
If you would like to be a general member and supporter of Pro-EFW, click here to join.
CERTIFICATION PATHWAY
In order to become a Pro-EFW Certified Specialist you must join the Pro-EFW Certification Pathway and become a Certification Candidate. Read more about certification here.
To apply for the Certification Pathway you must first become a General Member above.
The Certification Pathway includes access to the Certification Portal where you add information throughout your training, and then submit it to Pro-EFW when all of your requirements are complete.
Certification Candidates join the Certification Pathway at Level 2 of their training - Foundations.
The one time fee to join the Certification Pathway is $350 for single stream and $450 for double stream.
CERTIFIED SPECIALISTS ANNUAL RENEWAL
You must renew your certification as a Pro-EFW Specialist annually. The $55 Pro-EFW Membership is included in your renewal fee.
The Pro-EFW Membership and Certification Renewal Year is from April 1 to March 31.
CERTIFICATION CANDIDATE ANNUAL RENEWAL
Certification Candidates must renew their Certification Candidate status every year until you become a Pro-EFW Certified Specialist. This $80 fee includes the Pro-EFW Membership.
The Certification Portal is accessible to Pro-EFW Members who have previously purchased the Certification Pathway and are working through the Pro-EFW Certification Process.
Pro-EFW Certified Professionals are recognized by ANPQ and become members to benefit from the services that they offer.
Proud Member of the HETI Institute
The Federation of Horses in Education and Therapy International AISBL
HETI’s mission is to facilitate worldwide collaboration between organizations
and individuals whose objectives are philanthropic, scientific and educational
in the field of Equine-Assisted Services.
Pro-EFW Certification Recognized by the Association des Naturopathes Professionnels du Quebec
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The Association des Naturopathes Professionnels du Quebec recognizes the Pro-EFW certification and training process. When Quebec residents complete their Pro-EFW Certification, they can apply to ANPQ, ANQ, and/or MRQ and work with insurance companies as clients.
The following Insurance Companies recognize and insure Professionals who have completed and are in training with the Professional Association for Equine Facilitated Wellness:
BFL Canada
Capri Insurance: Capri and Rogers Insurance have merged to become Acera Insurance
Henry Equestrian Insurance
More information regarding Insurance can be found by logging into the Portal and accessing the Resource Library.