Which EAC Program Should You Choose?
- Roz Tyburski
- Oct 28
- 6 min read
Top 10 factors to guide your decision
I've seen a few social media posts lately about people looking to get into Equine Assisted Coaching, but don't know which certification program to choose. It can be complicated. There are a lot of choices, and they can vary widely in prices, time commitment, and methods of delivery. So, I've broken down what I would look for in a program into the top 10 elements, and why each one is important. As you're searching for a program, I invite you to use these criteria to see which certification options will "check the box" on what's most important to you.
Ten most important factors in choosing a robust, well-rounded EAC certification:
Hands on training
Scientific basis for the methodology
Full experience of the method
Holistic View
Superior support
Coaching practicum requirement
Do the methods stand on their own?
Does it fit your style and/or life?
Completeness of the program
Is there an application and acceptance process?
Hands on Training
One of the primary reasons for incorporating horses into Coaching is it offers a deeply hands-on, experiential learning environment. There simply is no way to learn how to guide people through and EAC methodology without learning it and practicing it with horses. Even if you have been riding horses for a lifetime, coaching is very different from riding and very different from therapeutic riding programs. An online program can simply not take the place of hands-on, lived experience of the coaching process. This is why Hands On is my number one factor.
Scientific basis for the methodology
Can the program clearly explain the "why" behind how their methods work? And do they teach you how to explain it to your clients? I mean beyond the "Horses are magical creatures and naturally very calming so they create a great atmosphere for transformation." This doesn't capture the "why." For instance, at EquineFlow everything we teach and everything we do is based in the neuroscience of behavior and nervous system regulation. (The horses are experts at this.) Through this lens we teach our students to help their clients explore the difference in behavior, decision making, health, and how it feels in their bodies when they are in different nervous system states. We also provide them with the tools they need to make shifts that will improve all of the above. Make sure that the program you choose has a clear scientific basis for the methods they teach.
Full experience of the method
You simply cannot practice what you do not fully understand yourself. The only way to fully understand any coaching method is to experience it first hand. Choose a program where "going through the process" is a part of the education.
Holistic view
The problem is not the problem. Does the coaching methodology work to solve problems or create a lasting change? No matter problem a client presents, the underlying issue is more often than not an issue of anxiety, lack of confidence, imposter syndrome, patterns of behavior, etc. A coaching training program should teach their students to take in a holistic view of what is going on. Rather than solving the "problem," help the client get to the root of why this problem shows up.
Superior support
Going through a coaching certification is hard. The information and work required is college level. As you go through the program you will inevitably uncover some underlying issue that you personally need to work through. Most people who go through coaching certifications already "have a life." They need to juggle families, jobs, commitments, along with their studies and practice coaching clients. Look for a program that provides a mentor, peer support, access to online information, and one that is willing to work with you when life happens. Because life does happen.
Coaching practicum requirement
As mentioned in # 3 above, you simply cannot practice what you don't fully understand yourself. The only way to gain the practice you need and the confidence that comes with practice is through practice coaching. Your practice sessions give you the opportunity to try out your new skills, self evaluate how you are progressing, and get good, honest feedback from your mentor to help you grow and be successful as a coach. A good practicum should include practicing with your fellow classmates, practicing with multiple practice clients, self evaluation, and turning in and getting feedback on recorded practice sessions.
Do the methods stand on their own?
Do the methods taught, and the principles behind them hold up without the horses? Horses are amazing, magical creatures, but some days are rainy, sometimes the horses are spooky and maybe not so safe, sometimes your client doesn't have time to come out to the farm but would really like a coaching session with the time they have. Your certification will serve you better if it is flexible enough to give you the tools you need to work with or without your horses.
Does it fit your style and/or life?
It is important that the program fits with your lifestyle and who you are as a person. When I was searching for the perfect EAC certification there were several personal factors that were important to me.
Time and format: Could I make this program fit into my life without being overwhelming? How many hours a week will I need? What happens if I fall behind?
Location and travel: Is part of the program online? How much travel is required? How far will I have to travel, and for how long? Can I fit the travel requirement into my life and my budget?
"Feel" of the program: Does the core of the program align with me and my needs? Here are some criteria I had in my selection process:
I wanted a program that was scientifically grounded. I personally like a little bit of "woo woo," but I didn't want a program based on it. I wanted a program that went beyond it. I wanted facts and a method that helped explain behavior and decision making, and would stand up to scrutiny. I knew I could work in my own woo woo if I really wanted to.
The role of the horse: Anything I do should be good for the horse as well as the human. The program I selected needed to reflect this.
Being a horse person myself, I know that there are some "interesting" horse people out there. I wanted a program that took deep consideration into the role of my horses, what is good for my horses, and what is not good for them. Coaching is not horsemanship. I believe that in a coaching situation the horse should always have the right to say "no" and walk away form someone they do not want to interact with. For me, this means they should be untethered and free to move away in coaching situations.
Interpretation of horse behavior: I do believe that horses respond to the energy people bring, but I don't believe they are "mirrors." Five different people will interpret the same horse behaviors in 5 different ways. Each of those interpretations is meaningful for the person doing the interpretation. I wanted a program that respected the client's interpretation of horse behavior and does not tell the client what to think.
Think about what "Feel" is right for you? What questions should you ask?
Completeness of the program
Does this program provide everything you need? Not just how to coach with horses, but how to coach? How to market and build your business? How to set yourself apart from other coaches? Does it provide some detailed session plans for when you're first staring out? Does it provide additional ideas on how to modify those plans? Are there continuing education requirements, and are they accessible? The best programs want their certified practitioners to stay up-to-date, and they'll offer an easy method for you to do just that.
Is there an application and acceptance process?
This is your chance to ask your questions. Any program of real value will also value you and your fit for the program. The application and acceptance process is a time for you and the certifying organization to get to know each other. This will help ensure that you are a good fit for each other. It will increase your chances for success in the program and beyond, and it will increase their program completion rates. A win/win. The application process gives you the chance to ask your questions and see how the program responds. When I was searching for the right certification for me, I searched online, read a lot of information, attended a few free webinars, asked friends, and narrowed my search down to 2 organizations. They both seemed to be exactly what I was looking for. So I applied and had interviews with both. After those interviews, one program was a hands down "no" and the other was a definite "yes." After this I felt really good about my investment.
I know it sounds like a lot! Keep in mind this is your future, the future of the clients you will serve, and the future of your horses. Finding the right program will make all the difference in your practice.
Did this help you? I'd love to hear how. Still have questions? I'm happy to help. Drop me a note and let me know what you think.
With hooves on the ground and heart open,
Roz
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