With growing developments in the field of Equine Assisted Services, this presentation will review the recent developments impacting Recreation Therapists and how we can best advocate for our involvement. This includes examining the role of a recreation therapist in equine-assisted services, populations served, pathways to training and credentialing. Recently, the results of a terminology task force was published outlining the new language used to describe the professionals who facilitate equine-assisted work, the branches of services and their definitions. This module provides the foundation from with recreation therapy can define its stake in the growth of equine-assisted services. An application of foundational RT concepts to the process of EAAT will be provided and a summary of an upcoming position white paper and the survey will be reviewed.

Upon completion of the module, participants will be able to:
1. Explain an overview of the field of EAS using the new accepted terminology
2. Define the role of Recreation Therapists within the field of EAS and the populations they serve
3. Examine the application of the APIED process in the EAS 4. Articulate why formal positions are necessary for the advancement of practice.