About ACPEA

Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Equine Activities (ACPEA) is a self-governing network who are active in providing education and support for its members.

Who are we?

The Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Equine Activities (ACPEA) is a specialist professional body supporting physiotherapists working in equine-assisted physiotherapy and related activities across the UK.

We bring together professionals who share a commitment to clinical excellence, evidence-informed practice, innovation and collaboration. Our members work across healthcare, rehabilitation and equestrian performance, combining their physiotherapy expertise with specialist training to support people and improve outcomes through working with equines.

ACPEA exists to support and develop our members, raise awareness of Equine Assisted Physiotherapy and strengthen its contribution to healthcare and the wider equine-assisted services sector. We promote safe, ethical and effective practice, underpinned by professional standards, continuing development and respect for equine welfare.

A young girl riding a horse, reaching out to grab a plush toy held by a woman wearing a mask and riding helmet. They are outdoors, with a wooden fence and houses in the background.

Our Vision

To be the leading professional body supporting physiotherapists working in equine-assisted physiotherapy within the UK. We promote excellence in practice, education, research, and professional collaboration, to continuously improve outcomes for our members.

Our Mission

To support, develop, and represent physiotherapists working in equine-assisted activities through high-quality education, professional support, advocacy, research, and collaboration with national and international partners.

Our Priorities

  • Supporting Our Members

    Our members are central to everything we do. We aim to provide opportunities for professional development, clinical supervision, mentoring, peer support and collaboration, helping practitioners build their knowledge, confidence and skills throughout their careers.

    Through an evolving programme of continuing professional development (CPD), including courses, webinars, workshops and peer learning, we aim to make high-quality education accessible and relevant to the needs of our profession.

  • Research & Innovation

    Developing the evidence base for equine-assisted physiotherapy is an important part of our work. We encourage research collaboration, support the sharing of clinical knowledge and seek opportunities to connect practitioners, researchers and academic institutions.

    As part of our strategic plan, we aim to develop and maintain a repository of research activities undertaken by ACPEA members, helping to highlight existing work, encourage collaboration and identify opportunities for future research.

  • UK & International Collaboration

    Working collaboratively is essential to the development of our profession. ACPEA maintains connections with organisations that share our commitment to advancing equine-assisted services, including the Equine Assisted Services Partnership (EASP) in the UK and Horses in Education and Therapy International (HETI) internationally.

    We also value our relationships with the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) and Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA). These connections provide opportunities to share knowledge, raise awareness, strengthen professional links and contribute to the wider development of equine-assisted practice.

  • Quality & Professional Standards

    ACPEA promotes safe, ethical and evidence-informed practice, recognising the importance of appropriate professional qualifications, ongoing learning and the welfare of equines involved in therapeutic activities.

    We recognise the role of the Human Equine Interaction Register UK (HEIR), administered by EASP, in supporting standards and quality across equine-assisted services.

    Through education, professional collaboration and the sharing of best practice, we aim to contribute to the continued development and recognition of equine-assisted physiotherapy.

  • Our People & Our History

    ACPEA has grown through the commitment and expertise of physiotherapists who have helped establish and develop this specialist field. Today, our committee provides leadership and direction, working to deliver our strategic priorities and ensure the organisation remains responsive to the needs of its members.

    Our regional representatives help connect practitioners across the UK and Ireland, encouraging communication, peer support and professional collaboration.

    As we look towards 2031, we remain committed to building on this legacy, strengthening our professional community and creating a sustainable future for ACPEA and the practitioners we represent.

Find Out More About ACPEA

Discover more about our work, our plans for the future and the people and partnerships that support the development of equine-assisted physiotherapy.