EAFPN Conference 2024

The Equine Assisted and Facilitated Practitioner's Network (EAFPN) is proud to host their fourth Conference since 2012. Our theme is 'The DEEPENING CONNECTIONS - Exploring the space between horse and human to enrich the space between human and human'.

This 2 day conference is a chance to come together, reconnect and share a heart-felt space with one another, whilst developing your professional knowledge and skills.

Friday 7th June:-

Mary Berkery - Body Centred Soul Coach, EAL Facilitator and Speaker. 'Freedom to choose - A journey to enlightenment 1 & 2'

Fay Manvell - Coach Capability Manager, NatWest Group 'Compassionate Leadership' - sharing research from her Thesis and feedback from corporate leaders who have taken part in Equine Assisted leadership sessions

Vicky Bennett - CEO at HorseHeard Walking the razor's edge (of Facilitation) (Breakout Session)

Lynda J. Watson - Director at Horsetouch, Canada, and Editor of Equine Leadership magazine One question/No agenda - based around what we need to do to support people? (Breakout Session)

Claire Misson Eafpn - Director at Equanimity Equine Assisted Services (EAS) and Founder of EAFPN What does a 'Safety Agreement' mean to us as facilitators and for our clients and horses? (Breakout Session)

Dr Rosie Jones-McVey - Exeter University 'Don't be lazy in language' - the challenge of choosing our words carefully when referring to our work and facilitating clients (Breakout Session)

Sarah Vivian - Director at Horserenity, Dorset 'Trust the horses, trust the process' - Exploring personal stories of stepping back from agenda to a place of flow (Breakout Session)

Jo Montague Fuller - UKCP accredited Psychotherapist reporting on her Equine Assisted MSc Research Dissertation - 'An interpretative phenomenological analysis of EAS Therapists' experience of change in their clients'

Dr Rosie Jones-McVey, Exeter University' How our Cultural and Emotional baggage affects the overall picture of our work'

Saturday 8th June :-

Jennifer Geach and Graeme Green of Athena Introducing the Professional Standards Authority accredited Accredited Practitioner Register

Roly Owers - CEO of World Horse Welfare 'What is Social Licence to operate and why is it relevant to all those who work with horses, and EAS in particular, to reassure the public that our work with horses is ethically acceptable.'

Debbie Busby - Certified Clinical Animal Behaviourist, MSc, BACP Registered Psychotherapist, Dr Clare Thomas Pino Clare Thomas - Hartpury College and A N Other!! - PANEL DISCUSSION

• horse behaviour signals and practitioner awareness
• safety issues from missed signals and 'unconscious incompetence'
• the therapeutic process and allowing the horse/client interaction
• practitioner self-awareness and fitness to practice
• horse perspective and social licence to operate.

Dr Clare Thomas Pino - Hartpury College New courses and trainings at Hartpury College including an MSc for qualified Therapists and the growing importance of degree and higher level training and qualifications

Debbie Woolfe - Managing Director of Stable Relationships A report on the Pilot Scheme and programme developed to support young people by developing the relationship with one key adult and trialled at 6 different Riding for the Disabled Centres.

Claire Misson Eafpn - Update on Diversity, Equality and Inclusion from Conference 2022 - Policies, procedures, outreach programmes.

There are a number of ticket options including a Volunteer ticket at a significantly reduced price. This ticket option requires that you are prepared to assist with the setting up, running, clear down of the event, food organisation, people marshalling and anything else required. But you do get a Hi Viz waistcoat to wear (lol!).

A 'grab bag' lunch will be included on both days and dietary considerations will be confirmed following booking and as part of the 'Welcome Pack' emailed to all attendees.

Over the two days there will be the opportunity to sign up and attend breakout groups and take part in open discussions as part of the experience thereby experiencing learning and Continuing Professional Development. CPD Certificates will be issued to all who require them.

We welcome everyone who works in or has a professional interest in equine assisted/facilitated/guided work encompassing therapy, learning, coaching and leadership, and therapeutic riding.

Based at the excellent facilities of the Unicorn Centre, Stow-on-the-Wold, Gloucestershire this event is a great opportunity to enjoy time with peers and make new connections.