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.
Our Mission
The Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Equine Activities is a professional body which is proactive in empowering its members by facilitating learning and development opportunities, supporting innovation and sharing best practice.
We provide high quality evidence-based physiotherapy, working with equines to assist in the treatment and intervention for people affected by illness, injury and disability.
FAQs
Who do we treat?
We support health and well-being at all stages of life, working with adults and children with or without disabilities, across a range of conditions e.g. neurological, musculoskeletal, congenital, respiratory, biomechanical, mental health, trauma and pain.
How do we treat you?
Through innovative working and bespoke treatments for individuals, our physiotherapists use their skills and the dynamic 3-dimensional movement of the equine to achieve optimal health outcomes for people with disabilities and improve performance for horses and their riders.
How does it work?
Groundwork activities such as Equine Assisted Learning are not performed on the equine but utilises the horse-human interaction together with a coaching-based approach and can help reduce the anxiety and lack of confidence that are common problems with stress or other mental health concerns. It is a unique learning experience where the horses are active participants. Some of the activities involve groundwork exercises in an arena that help build a relationship with the horse, and improve confidence and self-esteem.
Are there Hippotherapists in the U.K. and Ireland?
Yes, ACPEA holds the directory for qualified physiotherapists practicing in the UK and Ireland. Hippotherapy and Equine Assisted Physiotherapy are adjuncts to physiotherapy. However, hippotherapy is not a qualification on its own. Healthcare professionals must have undertaken a recognised advancing practice qualification.
I am confused by the terminology. Where can I get some clarity for accurate communication and documentation?
Have a look at this Glossary of Terms.
What training do you have?
As qualified physiotherapists, we use our professional expertise and our specialist postgraduate training in Equine Assisted Physiotherapy, including Hippotherapy, to optimise a horse rider’s performance and treat non-riders who may benefit from interaction with an equine.
Who can provide therapy services that include Hippotherapy or Equine Assisted Therapy?
Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists and Speech and Language Therapists who have undertaken a recognised advancing practice in Hippotherapy qualification.
Who are you registered with?
We are registered with the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC) and are fully insured practitioners.
How can I access the service?
Referrals can be from a range of sources including, self-referral, health care professionals, education professionals, parents, guardians and charitable organisations.
Clients will have an initial assessment of needs carried out by the ACPEA physiotherapist, with personal goals and outcomes agreed upon. A treatment or rehabilitation plan will be drawn up that may include functional goals on and off the equine.
How do I find a qualified Hippotherapy or Equine Assisted Therapist?
You can find them by visiting our Find an ACPEA therapist page.
Call for Research Collaborators
We are in the early stages of developing a research proposal for submission to the Scoliosis Support & Research (SSR) Research Grants Programme.
The proposed study aims to investigate the relationship between scoliosis, rider biomechanics and weight distribution on the horse, with the longer-term goal of improving understanding of horse–rider interaction and informing future assessment and rehabilitation strategies.
We are currently bringing together a multidisciplinary team and would welcome expressions of interest from ACPEA members who may be interested in contributing to the development of the project.
In particular, we would be keen to hear from physiotherapists with experience or expertise in:
Clinical management of scoliosis
Rider biomechanics and equestrian performance
Research design and methodology
Grant writing
Statistics and data analysis
Academic or university research collaborations
To strengthen the proposed research we would welcome collaboration with a university research department to provide support with research governance, ethics and grant development. If you have experience of working within a university setting or would be interested in exploring a collaborative role, we would be delighted to hear from you.
This is an exciting opportunity to develop a clinically relevant research project within equine assissted physiotherapy, and we would welcome anyone who feels they could contribute their expertise during the planning and application stages.
