FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

To become a member, applicants are required to get in touch with our secretary. The application process entails completing a form and having a virtual meeting with committee members. On acceptance into SAEFIA, a joining fee of R300 is due. To maintain membership, an annual fee of R300 is payable at the beginning of each year. 

Equine facilitated intervention: is a form of counselling, coaching, psychotherapy, life skills training, education and support provided by a credentialed human facilitator and a horse as co-facilitator in a process oriented activity that takes place outside in nature and that improves human wellbeing.

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EFI is applied in the fields of behavioural, psycho-social and mental health, to address and support client cognition, mood, judgment, insight, perception, social skills, communication, behaviour, and learning.

Yes, absolutely. We encourage you to join one of our opresentation meetings to get to know us and see/hear how we do things with no strings attached.

SAEFIA is a voluntary association and as such it is governed by a committee which is responsible for the legal aspects of the Association, as well as managing and steering, based on the constitution and members input. A new committee is elected on an annual basis: any paid up member may stand for election. Becoming a committee member is a voluntary position- there is no remuneration involved. SAEFIA is not a certification body of any kind; in this context it is important to take note that professional members who offer a service to the public are responsible for their own certification and registration to the relevant statutory boards. 

Equine facilitated interventions are a specialised field requiring high levels of ethical practice, moral judgement, confidentiality and skill. Therefore, we highly recommend that anyone that has interest in this type of work has been educated and trained by skilled professionals in the domains of horsemanship, mental health and coaching skills. 

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Partnering with horses to deliver EFI of any kind requires years of experience and attuned observational skills. Years of horse riding are beneficial, this is not sufficient however in developing a competent level of skill as an EFI practitioner. Mentorship and guidance by an experienced horse and mental health professional can assist in honing the required skills.

Yes, we have an open Facebook group where we encourage conversations and sharing amongst all. 

The association creates a safe space for anyone across the world who would like to join us, irrespective of nationality, culture, gender or profession. We live and work by the values of inclusivity and equality and all that are drawn to our organisation are welcome. 

There are a variety of training programs available in the field of EFL. These vary depending on which area you prefer working with clients. For example, if you wish to work in the capacity of psychology with horses, training in the fields of psychology are required. Please reach out to anyone of us and let us share our unique journeys to EFL with you, as well as help you find other organisations that may be of service in your quest. 

People can join the association even if they have no knowledge of horses, or if you do no own a horse or live on a farm. All members are different and unique in their own field and background. We learn from each other and teach each other. This is a place to learn and grow together and feel supported to expand your knowledge of horses even if it is not your profession.