The Journey so Far

A little bit of history

ACPEA has evolved over fifty years, having been instigated in 1970 by Miss Stella Saywell (FCSP) as “The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy Special Interest Section, Riding for the Disabled” (CSPSISRD). This group was established to provide support and training for Physiotherapists working within this area whilst also recognising the relationship with RDA.

In 1989 the group became a Clinical Interest Group (CIG) of the CSP and had a change of name to “The Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Riding for the Disabled” (ACPRD).

 In 1998 the name was changed to “The Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Therapeutic Riding” (ACPTR). The change was a reflection of the increased use of the horse as a therapeutic modality and also to encourage Physiotherapists not working within RDA to join the CIG.

In 2012, ACPTR gained Conditional Recognition as a Professional Network (PN) of the CSP and in 2016 our name changed again to Chartered Physiotherapists in Therapeutic Riding and Hippotherapy (CPTRH).

In 2021 we realised that there was need for CPTRH to evolve to include professionals involved in all areas of work with equines that is neither therapeutic riding nor hippotherapy. This includes, but is not exclusive to, equine and human biomechanics, equipilates, neuromusculoskeleltal treatment of riders, involvement with paradressage and other equestrian sport riders, and groundwork.

We welcome all Physiotherapists and other Allied Health Professionals who have an interest in using equines as an adjunct to their treatment or who are involved with equine activities.

We wanted a name that was all-encompassing but also reflected our history and links with the CSP.

A name that tripped of the tongue more easily than CPTRH and was therefore easily recognized and found readily on searches.

We wanted a name that would last and still be appropriate for changes in future membership or practice.

Association of Chartered Physiotheraists in Equine Activities.