Please note:

The thinkers, authors, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, organizations, and training programs referenced on this website are acknowledged with respect and gratitude for their contributions to knowledge, practice, and understanding. Their inclusion reflects a desire to honour sources of inspiration, support appropriate attribution of ideas, and acknowledge the many influences that have contributed to the emergence of Equine Presence and influenced the evolution of Dr. Paul’s thinking.

The inclusion of any individual, organization, teaching, publication, or training program does not imply endorsement of Equine Presence, affiliation with Equine Presence, partnership, agreement with its perspectives, or involvement in the development of its services, programs, or theoretical orientation.

Equine Presence represents Dr. Paul’s independent integration and interpretation of diverse philosophical, psychological, cultural, professional, and experiential influences. Any interpretations, applications, conclusions, or errors presented on this website are solely those of Dr. Paul and Equine Presence.

Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH)

• PATH is a leading global non-profit that sets safety standards, certifies instructors, and accredits therapeutic riding centers for equine-assisted activities and therapies (EAAT).
• Standards for Certification and Accreditation Manual

Equestrian Canada

• Equestrian Canada’s Equine Care Program Certification
• Equestrian Canada’s Code of Practice for Equines

International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations (IAHAIO)

• Equine Welfare Guidelines

Equine International Research Institute (Equine International)

• Equine International is a nonprofit organization dedicated to scientific research and education regarding horse behavior, welfare, and equine-human interactions.

Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Equines in Canada

• This comprehensive new code was created over two years by the collaborative work from 18 horse industry representatives from across Canada. 

CAN/HRSO – 500.01 – 2022

• A voluntary National Standard of Canada (NSC) developed by the Human Research Standards Organization (HRSO). It outlines the requirements for establishing, maintaining, and improving a management system for providers of Animal-Assisted Human Services (AAHS).

One Welfare

5 Domains

5 Freedoms

Alberta/Canada specific

• The Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Equines
• The Animal Protection Act/Regulation
• Occupier’s Liability Act
• Manure Management Regulations for Horse Owners
• “Canadian Equine Law: A guide for anyone working with horses in Canada” by Catherine E. Wilson, BA, LLB.

Human Equine Relational Development Institute (HERD Institute)

• The HERD Institute®️ provides exceptional training to the next generation of Equine-Facilitated Practitioners and inspires professional and personal transformations. We support our members to develop the integrity of their personal philosophy, expand their knowledge and skills, and broaden their horizons through continuous learning and practice.
• Lac, Veronica. (2020). It’s Not About The Activity: Thinking Outside The Toolbox In Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy & Learning. University Professors Press.
• Lac, Veronica. (2017). Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy & Learning: The Human-Equine Relational Development (HERD) Approach. University Professors Press.
• Lac, Veronica & Marble, Erin & Boie, Ioana. (2013). Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy as a Creative Relational Approach to Treating Clients With Eating Disorders. Journal of Creativity in Mental Health. 8. pp. 483-498.
• Lac, Veronica & Walton, Robin (2012). “Companion animals as assistant therapists: embodying our animal selves”. British Gestalt Journal, Vol. 21, No. 1, pp. 32–9.
• Lac, Veronica (2014). “Horsing Around: Gestalt Equine Psychotherapy as Humanistic Play Therapy” Journal of Humanistic Psychology, pp. 1–16
• Lac, Veronica (2016). “Amy’s Story: An Existential-Integrative Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy Approach to Anorexia Nervosa”. Journal of Humanistic Psychology, pp. 1–12.

Animal Health Canada (One Welfare Committee)

• works to increase awareness and advocate for mental health resources for farmers, farm staff, service providers, and veterinary professionals. This includes researching how One Welfare principles can promote mental health and support in agriculture

Horses in Education and Therapy International (HETI) formerly known as the Federation of Riding for the Disabled International

• a global non-profit organization that promotes and supports Equine-Assisted Services (EAS)

Psychologists’ Association of Alberta (PAA)

• PAA is the voluntary professional association that advocates for psychologists, informs the public about mental health, and offers a province-wide referral service to help people find a psychologist.

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)

• Jon Kabat-Zinn is an American scientist, writer, and meditation teacher who is widely credited with bringing mindfulness and meditation into mainstream Western medicine and psychology. He is best known as the creator of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR).

The Center for The Empowerment Dynamic (TED)

• The Center for The Empowerment Dynamic is an organization and training center that teaches a personal and professional development methodology known as TED (The Empowerment Dynamic). Created by David Emerald and Donna Zajonc, the framework is designed to help individuals and leaders shift away from reactive, “drama-based” thinking and into more positive, outcome-oriented living.

National Farmer’s Mental Health Alliance (NFMHA)

• NFMHA is an organization providing mental health education and counseling to farmers, their families, and agricultural communities. It pairs farm-lived experience with professional clinical practice to equip therapists and social workers to better understand the unique stressors of agriculture.

Alberta Farm Mental Health Network (AgKnow)

• AgKnow is a non-profit initiative dedicated to supporting the mental well-being of farmers, their families, and agricultural workers. By connecting producers to a network of “farm-informed” counsellors, AgKnow aims to reduce barriers to care and de-stigmatize mental health in rural communities.

Child-Centered Animal Assisted Therapy Association (CCAATA)

• a Canadian professional organization and training body that specializes in certifying mental health and learning practitioners. They focus on using the animal-human bond as a core tool to help children and adolescents heal, connect, and grow.

The Compassionate Equestrian

• The Compassionate Equestrian is an ethical philosophy, community initiative, and bestselling book co-authored by holistic veterinarian Dr. Allen Schoen and professional horse trainer Susan Gordon. It emphasizes mindfulness, mutual respect, and a deeper connection between humans and equines.

Alberta Equestrian Federation (AEF)

• AEF is committed to supporting the well-being of horses and fostering the growth of the equestrian community across the province. Through a wide range of programs and services, we empower owners, coaches, instructors, and riders/drivers of all levels — from beginners to experts — to thrive in their equestrian pursuits.

The Resnick Method Liberty Horsemanship

• The Resnick Method Liberty Horsemanship is a heart-centered training system developed by Carolyn Resnick. It focuses on building a deep, trusting partnership with horses through natural herd communication, energy, and mindfulness, rather than using physical force or traditional tack

Canadian Foundation for Animal-Assisted Support Services (CF4AASS)

• a nationally registered Canadian charity that promotes and coordinates the Animal-Assisted Human Services (AAHS) industry, which includes therapy, learning, and service animals.

Horses for Mental Health

• A non-profit organization dedicated to expanding the use of horses in mental health and personal well-being. The organization promotes equine-assisted therapies, providing resources and building community awareness around the therapeutic benefits of interacting with horses.

Horses and Humans Research Foundation (HHRF)

• This is a prominent nonprofit organization that funds, supports, and promotes rigorous research on the therapeutic effects of horse-human interactions. Their work explores how riding, equine-assisted therapy, and interacting with horses impact human physical and mental health (such as active aging and youth therapy), as well as emphasizing equine well-being.

Professional Association for Equine Facilitated Wellness (PRO-EFW)

• Pro-EFW is a Canadian-based non-profit professional organization and certification community dedicated to ethical, safe, and relationship-based practices in the field of equine-assisted therapy and learning.

Arenas For Change (ARCH)

• ARCH is a global professional community and training organization. Founded in 2021 by Lynn Thomas (co-founder of Eagala), it equips mental health practitioners, coaches, educators, and equine specialists with frameworks to incorporate nature, story, and animals (especially horses) into their transformative sessions

The Natural Lifemanship Institute

• The Natural Lifemanship Institute is a professional training organization that teaches a trauma-informed approach to Equine-Assisted Services (EAS). Founded in 2010 by Tim Jobe and Bettina Shultz-Jobe, it trains licensed therapists, coaches, and equine professionals on how to use horse-human relationships to help clients heal from chronic stress and trauma

TRT Method (TRT Equine)

• TRT Method is a popular global horse training program created by Australian Grand Prix dressage rider and trainer Tristan Tucker. The TRT Method aims to teach horses confidence and self-control rather than using force or strict containment.

Warwick Schiller’s Attuned Horsemanship

• Warwick Schiller is a horse trainer, author, and podcaster. His training principles are built on a foundation of respect, trust, and clear communication between horse and rider. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the horse’s natural instincts and behaviors, which allows for a more harmonious and effective training process.

Sports Psychology

Natalie Durand-Bush, Joseph Baker, Frank van den Berg, Veronique Richard  and Gordon A. Bloom (2023). The Gold Medal Profile for Sport Psychology (GMP-SP). JOURNAL OF APPLIED SPORT PSYCHOLOGY, VOL. 35, NO. 4, 547–570.