Publicity ERASMUS project 2020-2023

Project Reference:
2020-1-CZ01-KA204-078277

Project presentation
at the 18th HETI International Congress,
Budapest, Hungary

The ERASMUS+ international project 2020-1-CZ01-KA204-078277 intellectual output "Evaluation System of Equines taking part in Equine Assisted Services (EvaSE)" was presented at the 18th HETI International Congress on 20th of June 2024 by Helena Costa from Portugal and Lina Šarkienė from Lithuania, on behalf of CEFTA.

HETI, which stands for the Federation of Horses in Education and Therapy International, is a global organisation dedicated to promoting and supporting Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies.

The project result EvaSE is a collaborative effort among countries such as the Czech Republic, Finland, Portugal, Lithuania, Spain and Türkiye aimed at enhancing the standards and methodologies used to evaluate horses involved in equine-assisted services. The primary goal is to ensure the well-being of equines while maintaining high-quality service delivery.

Equine Assisted Services (EAS) encompass a range of activities and rely heavily on the physical and psychological health of the horses involved. The EvaSE project addresses the need for a standardised evaluation system to assess and monitor the welfare of these equines systematically.

One of the key intellectual outputs of this project is the development of comprehensive evaluation criteria. These criteria cover various aspects of equine welfare, including physical health, behaviour, and suitability for specific tasks. By implementing these criteria, service providers can better ensure that the equines are fit for their roles and that their well-being is prioritised.

The project also emphasises the importance of continuous monitoring and reassessment. Regular evaluations help detect any issues early on, allowing for timely interventions and adjustments to the horses' care and training. This proactive approach contributes to the overall effectiveness and sustainability of EAS.

Additionally, the EvaSE project includes the creation of educational materials and training programs for service providers. These resources aim to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to conduct thorough and accurate evaluations. Training modules cover topics such as equine anatomy, common health issues, and behavioural assessment techniques.

Collaboration is a cornerstone of the EvaSE initiative. The project brings together experts from various fields, including veterinary medicine, training, equine science, and therapeutic services. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that the evaluation system is robust and comprehensive, reflecting the latest research and best practices.

The presentation of the EvaSE project at the 18th HETI International Congress attracted considerable interest from the audience. Attendees and service delivery professionals expressed positive opinions about the project's potential impact. Many appreciated the detailed approach to equine welfare and the emphasis on continuous monitoring.

Audience feedback highlighted the value of standardised evaluation criteria in improving service quality. Several attendees noted that the evaluation system's comprehensive nature would help them address specific welfare concerns more effectively. The educational materials and training programs were also well-received, with participants eager to implement these resources in their own practices.

The EvaSE project's impact extends beyond the immediate participants. By setting a high standard for equine evaluation, the project aims to influence the broader field of EAS. Service providers worldwide can adopt and adapt the evaluation system to enhance the quality and safety of their programs.

In summary, the EvaSE project is a vital contribution to the field of equine-assisted services. Through the development of standardised evaluation criteria, continuous monitoring, and comprehensive training, the project aims to ensure the well-being of equines and the quality of services provided. This initiative not only benefits the equines and service providers but also enhances the overall impact and credibility of EAS globally. The positive reception and enthusiasm at HETI Congress further underscore the importance and potential of the EvaSE project in shaping the future of EAS.

#ProjectErasmus20201CZ01KA204078277

Cooperating organisations:

  • Česká hiporehabilitační společnost
  • TheKidsFellows- Research Group in Anthrozoology
  • Suomen Ratsastusterapeutit-SRT ry
  • Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli Üniversitesi
  • Neįgaliųjų jojimo asociacija
  • Proyecto Caballo

Written and presented by Helena Costa and Lina Šarkienė

Project presentation by partners

Facebook posts - #ProjectErasmus20201CZ01KA204078277

Project was presented at:

  • 6/2021 The XVII HETI International Congress, Seoul - poster
  • 9/2021 The European Conference on Equine Facilitated Therapy - Prague - poster and live presentation
  • 5/2023 The Horses & Humans Research Foundation – Connect, Learn & Inspire Symposium, Deauville, France “Pôle international du Cheval” - live presentation
  • 9/2023 3rd European Equine Assisted Therapy meeting in Stockholm, Sweeden
  • 9/2023 1st SPSAE conference, Lisbon, Portugal
  • 10/2023 HETI UK Forum, Aberdeen, UK
  • 11/2023 Hipoterapie Türkiye, Ankara, Türkiye 
  • 11/2023 Konference o Hiporehabilitaci, ČHS, Brno, Czech Republic

ČHS - CEFTA

Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli Üniversitesi - Türkiye

The Kids Fellows Research Group - Portugal

The Finnish Association of Equine Facilitated Therapies -  Finland

Přehráním videa souhlasíte se zásadami ochrany osobních údajů YouTube.

Zjistit vícePovolit video

Horse Riding Association of People with Disabilities - Lithuania

2022-05 article in the magazine "Our horses" for horse lovers about our association "EFT in Lithuania" and work in project ERASMUS+

A photo from the first lithuanian Hippoterapy program courses in Klaipeda university extended study center on 05-16 June 2023, where Irma Jazdauskaite with Jurgita Rutkiene presented "Horse reaction to other animal and environmental trigers" this same presentation Irma Jazdauskaite presented in ERASMUS+ in Finland. We share knowlege.

Proyecto Caballo Association - Spain

Presenting Erasmus Project at the conference BIENESTAR EQUINO 2022 in Girona, Spain

Conference in Girona 'Horse Life Experience' July 2023