The LEAP Method
The Level 4 Award in Equine Facilitated Learning: The LEAP Method is accredited by Crossfields Institute, an OFQUAL-regulated body, ensuring high standards in teaching and assessment. This course is ideal for professionals looking to integrate Equine Facilitated Learning into their existing work without committing to a full diploma. Designed for those who wish to deepen their skills in relational horsemanship, coaching, and client facilitation, the Award offers a flexible pathway to becoming an Equine Facilitated Learning Practitioner, focusing on ethical and professional practice.
WHAT DOES IT DO?
These awards equip professionals with foundational skills in Equine Facilitated Learning using the LEAP Method, focusing on relational horsemanship, coaching, and ethical practice to work effectively with clients and horses.
WHAT DOES THE COURSE ENTAIL?
Each module can take approximately 6-8 months to complete, with a total of 30-110 hours of study time, including 12-36 guided learning hours. Assessment methods include written assignments, observations, and reflective journaling.
WHAT DOES THE QUALIFICATION COVER?
Module 1:
Ethical & Professional Practice for EFL Practitioners
Module 2:
Relational Horsemanship and the EFL Herd
Module 3:
Boundaries and Energy in EFL Practice
Module 4:
Body-based Awareness and Connection for EFL Practitioners
Module 5:
Working with Young People in EFL
Module 6:
Working with Groups, Organisations and Leadership Programmes
Module 7:
Working Relationally in EFL
Module 8:
Coaching and Facilitation Skills for EFL Practice
Module 9:
Evaluating Interactions to Design EFL Programme
RULES OF COMBINATION
To achieve the Crossfields Institute Level 4 Award in EFL: The LEAP Method, any of the below combinations of modules must be completed:
Module 1
Modules 2 & 3
Module 4
Module 5
Module 6
Module 7, 8 & 9 may only be taken as part of the Diploma. It is possible to achieve the Award more than once with different module combinations.
To achieve the Crossfields Institute Level 4 Diploma in EFL: The LEAP Method, all nine modules must be completed.
CAN I APPLY?
To study this qualification you need to demonstrate to the centre that you have:
A formally recognised qualification in coaching, teaching, riding instruction, social work, nursing, holistic therapy, psychology. We will consider applications from those who are trained in a different area of expertise and wish to qualify as an EFL Practitioner.
Minimum age of learner is 23
If English is not the first language, proof of spoken and written English at a level equivalent to IELTS 5 will be required.
Learners must have previously experienced the LEAP Method from a client perspective through attending a LEAP Introductory workshop, a one to one workshop with one of the LEAP Training team or a programme of EFL sessions with a LEAP Practitioner within 6 months prior to starting this qualification. Alternative arrangements may be considered by the programme team for learners from overseas.
Learners must have their own, or have access to equines, to enable them to practise the LEAP method throughout the qualification.
Learners must have experience with horses including horse care and management. They must be able to demonstrate knowledge of standard equestrian practises including horse care skills and basic horsemanship.
Due to the psychological demands of this qualification, learners must demonstrate the potential for self-reflection, self-directed learning, emotional resilience and ability to manage their own emotions. Participating in this programme may bring up unresolved or painful feelings and memories and learners must be willing and able to access therapeutic support outside the course if needed.
The LEAP Method
The Level 5 Award in Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy: The LEAP Method is accredited by Crossfields Institute, an OFQUAL-regulated body, ensuring rigorous standards in both teaching and assessment. This qualification is designed for mental health professionals looking to integrate equine facilitated psychotherapy into their existing practice. The course focuses on the development of advanced skills in relational horsemanship, trauma-informed practice, and client facilitation. This flexible Award offers a pathway to enhance therapeutic techniques, emphasizing safe, ethical, and effective use of equine therapy in various mental health settings.
WHAT DOES IT DO?
These awards build on mental health qualifications, enhancing therapeutic practice through Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy, emphasizing trauma-informed approaches, relational dynamics, and advanced client facilitation techniques.
WHAT DOES THE COURSE ENTAIL?
Each module can take around 6-8 months, with a total study time of 40-110 hours, including 8-36 guided learning hours. Assessments involve written assignments, reflective practice, and observation of practice sessions.
WHAT DOES THE QUALIFICATION COVER?
Module 1:
Professional Practice for EFP Practitioners
Module 2:
Relational Horsemanship and the EFP Herd
Module 3:
Energetic Fields and Resonance in EFP Practice
Module 4:
Somatic Awareness and Connection for EFP Practitioner
Module 5:
Working with Young People in EFP
Module 6:
Using EFP as an Intervention for Trauma
Module 7:
Building Connected Relationships in EFP
Module 8:
Integrating EFP into Client Work
RULES OF COMBINATION
To achieve the Crossfields Institute Level 5 Award in EFP: The LEAP Method, any of the below combinations of modules must be completed:
Module 1
Modules 2 & 3
Module 4
Module 5
Module 6
Module 7 & 8 may only be taken as part of the Diploma. It is possible to achieve the Award more than once with different module combinations.
To achieve the Crossfields Institute Level 5 Diploma in EFP: The LEAP Method, all eight modules must be completed.
CAN I APPLY?
To study this qualification, you need to demonstrate to the centre that you have:
A formally recognised mental health qualification with a clinical application (for example, counselling, psychotherapy, counselling psychology, clinical psychology or mental health nursing) and are recognised by their governing body as qualified for private practice, for example BACP or BPS. We will consider applications from those in the final phase of training where the applicant is experienced in working one-to-one in private practice or equivalent.
Minimum age of learner is 23
If English is not the first language, proof of spoken and written English at a level equivalent to IELTS 5 will be required.
Learners must have previously experienced the LEAP Method from a client perspective through attending a LEAP Introductory workshop, a one to one workshop with one of the LEAP Training team. Alternative arrangements may be considered by the programme team for learners from overseas.
Learners must have a working knowledge of standard equestrian safety practices, as well as basic horsemanship and horse care skills.
Learners must demonstrate a potential for self-reflection, self-directed learning, emotional resilience, and the ability to hold and process the emotional content of others.
Online Training Material, webinars, research articles and much more
Weekly or fortnightly zoom calls, depening on the module
Workbook relevant to award
A beginners list of Clean Language/ Coaching questions to ask clients
Access to the Training Library including on completion for 12 months
Discounts to complete anotehr award within the same level
Director & Senior EFP/L Practitioner
Jo-Anne Karlsson is the Owner and Director of LEAP and is a key member of the Senior Therapeutic Team. Jo-Anne was among the first graduates of the LEAP EFP/L Practitioner Training Programme and now runs her own successful private practice in and around Berkshire.
Programme Director & Senior EFP/L Practitioner
Sarah worked for many years in blue chip organisations providing change programmes and coaching for management teams. While completing her MSc in Integrative Psychotherapy, Sarah studied with LEAP as an Equine Facilitated Psychotherapist (EFP) and after graduating with a distinction, she went on to launch Life on Dreams Limited.
International Horsemanship Trainer & Instructor
Lisa has spent her life working with horses; she has travelled worldwide working and training with some of the world’s top horsemen. She has trained and spent time with Ray Hunt, Leslie Desmond, Phil Rodey, Philip Nye and Steve Halfpenny. Lisa teaches our Horsemanship courses and offers a relational way to work with our horses.
Senior EFP Practitioner MNCOPS (Acc.) & Tutor
Delia, a Senior EFP Practitioner joining the LEAP Training Team in 2024, combines her lifelong passion for horses with her therapy expertise. After transitioning from IT to counselling in 2014, she graduated from LEAP in 2022. Delia specializes in using horses to enhance therapy for all ages, addressing issues like trauma, Autism, and domestic abuse. She also offers therapy through a Northamptonshire charity and a Buckinghamshire private practice
Senior EFL Practitioner & Tutor
Heidi enjoyed a successful 20-year-long corporate career, holding senior roles in organisations including RHM Group, Greggs PLC and Edmund Nuttall Ltd and also acting as Consultant to a number of organisations, including the Environment Agency.
Senior EFL Practitioners & Tutor
Claire, joined LEAP after discovering the transformative power of equine therapy. Graduating from LEAP's EFL Practitioner training in 2019, she established the first EFL business in the Channel Islands. Claire combines her background in television production and Intelligent Horsemanship with her LEAP training to offer profound and impactful therapy sessions.
Register with HMRC.
Within three months of starting trading, you must register with HMRC. You will be responsible for paying any tax liabilities and you will be liable for paying National Insurance Contributions (Class 2 and Class 4). We advise you seek professional advice from an accountant who can take note of your particular liabilities that are likely to be affected by other factors. For example, your work history, business structure, planned or actual turn over, any other income source etc.
When you register you will need to provide the following information: address, NI number, date of birth, telephone number, email address, the nature of your business, start date of self-employment, business address, business telephone number, your Unique Tax Reference (UTR) (only if you have done self-assessment previously), the business UTR (unless it’s a new business) and also the same information for any business partners you may have.
It is unlikely that your turnover will be sufficiently large for you to need to register for VAT if in doubt your accountant can advise.
Keep financial records
You must keep up to date and accurate records of all your transactions- who pays you what, what you pay and for what. Some people prefer to do this in a physical book, others use spreadsheets, or your accountant may offer an online system so you can each keep track of the accounts on a day-by-day basis. An online system will allow you to see your balance sheet, cash flow and profit and loss you’re making. The important thing is to keep accurate information that will keep HMRC happy and will make things easier for you to run your business.
There are advantages and disadvantages to any business structure and for this reason we suggest you speak to an accountant before deciding so you can make a fully informed decision. Within the EFL field you may consider being a Community Interest Company (CIC) or have aspirations to set up as a charity. A CIC is also a limited company that existed to benefit its community rather than private shareholders.
Most of us start out as a sole trader or limited company when we first start out, if we consider the difference of the two structures in terms of liability, flexibility, registration paperwork and expense of business operation.
We are often asked about insurance requirements of running an EFL Practise. There is not clear answer we can give as everyone is working in a slightly different way. We of course can recognise several risks involved in running an EFL Practice but the variant of how practitioners work; some work from home, other from a livery yard/riding school, some are employed or working out of a field, make it impossible for LEAP to provide a definitive answer. We have outlined below the different types of insurance available and advise you speak to an insurance specialist about your individual situation and business set up to get a bespoke quote for you.
While there is no legal requirement for you to have professional liability insurance, there are two compelling reasons. Firstly, LEAP and other professional organisations, for example ACCPH require you to demonstrate that you have such insurance if you are to become or remain one of their members. Most credible supervisors would require you to have such insurance before agreeing to supervise your work. Most referring organisations would require you demonstrate that you have such insurance before offering you work.
Secondly, the cost of not having might lead into bankruptcy or severe financial hardship. The cost of mounting a legal defence if sued, then paying financial compensation if you lost the case, could easily run into hundreds of thousands of pounds. While this rarely happens, there is a risk it might. Even if allegations of inadequate or harmful service are proved to be unfounded, defence costs are still likely to be significant.
Or third-party cover, this covers you against bodily injury to a third party or damage to a third parties property as a direct result of your negligence. The cover is normally offered with choices on the limit of indemnity usually £1/2 or 5 million.
This provides cover for any bodily injury, sickness or disease sustained by your employees because of the business’s negligence. Employers’ liability is a requirement under the Employers Liability Act 1969 and should be in place for anyone working on your behalf whether full time, part time, voluntarily or in training. It is often a requirement to also take out public liability cover.
This provides cover against the death and/accidental injury to horses/ponies that are in your care, custody or control in respect to a claim that is made against you by the owner. This is typically liveries, but you may use other people’s horses as part of your EFL Practise. A benefit will be paid for veterinary fees and/or the current market value, up to the limit of indemnity in the event of an accident, disease or mortality of the horse.
This provides cover for death, theft and straying, legal liability, vet fee cover, personal accident, saddlery and tack depending on your individual policy. Policies often cover your horse being used for leisure activities so you may need to advise your provider of a change of use and speak to an insurance specialist to understand the best cover for you.
All insurers require that you comply with current Health & Safety Guidelines as well as ensuring that you have appropriate risk assessments in place. While LEAP cannot provide any risk management advise, it may be useful to look as the following sites which can act as reference points and contain information on risk assessments along with good practice advice for general equestrian businesses:
For some Practitioners the idea of working from home is the last thing that want to do for others it may initially seem like a good idea and an easy option and certainly it seems less risk financially if you already have your horses at home. In some ways it is more convenient; you don’t have to travel and if a client fails to turn up you can simply carry on with your normal day, maybe even sneak some quality horse time in for yourself!
Despite the initial attraction there are some important things to consider before making that choice.
© Copyrights by LEAP Equine. All Rights Reserved.