Question 1Knowledge Check

Which of the following best describes Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) as distinct from other equine-assisted modalities such as equine-assisted learning, therapeutic riding, and hippotherapy?

A riding-based program focused on improving motor function and balance

A goal-setting approach facilitated without a licensed mental health professional

A ground-based therapeutic modality co-facilitated by a licensed mental health professional and an equine specialist

A vocational training program using horses for personal development

Question 2Knowledge Check

In a co-facilitated EAP session, what is the primary clinical role of the Equine Specialist (ES)?

To direct the client's therapeutic process and interpret emotional patterns

To ensure equine and human safety while observing and communicating horse behavior to the mental health professional

To lead psychoeducation and provide emotional support to the client

To document clinical notes and manage session logistics independently

Question 3Knowledge Check

Which neurobiological concept — rooted in polyvagal theory — describes the body's capacity to remain regulated enough to engage therapeutically, neither hyperaroused nor hypoaroused?

Bilateral stimulation

Window of tolerance

Somatic transference

Polyvagal reciprocity

Question 4Knowledge Check

Which equine behaviors may carry clinical significance during an EAP session?

Select all that apply.

A horse turning away from a client and facing the arena wall

A horse yawning or licking and chewing after a moment of stillness

A horse eating hay without any acknowledgment of the client

A horse approaching a client and gently nudging them

A horse pinning its ears and shifting its weight away

Question 5Knowledge Check

Which approach is most consistent with trauma-informed practice in an equine-assisted setting?

Moving quickly through exposures to build tolerance and resilience

Minimizing client choice to maintain consistent session structure

Offering gradual exposure, client agency, and predictable relational safety

Focusing primarily on cognitive reframing before engaging in arena work

Question 6Knowledge Check

Which of the following is an example of a somatic grounding technique appropriate for an EAP session?

Assigning a written reflection on the client's relationship to trust

Asking the client to notice where in their body they feel the horse's presence and breathe into that sensation

Reviewing the client's history of previous trauma diagnoses

Having the client verbally list five things they appreciate about horses

Question 7Knowledge Check

The SHINE Model is described as an integrative framework built from five elements. Which of the following correctly names all five?

Somatic, Healing, Integration, Nature, Equine-Partnership

Safety, Honesty, Intuition, Nurture, Empathy

Somatic, Holistic, Intervention, Nature, Ethics

Structure, Healing, Insight, Nature, Empowerment

Question 8Knowledge Check

A well-structured EAP session, as taught in this curriculum, follows a three-phase format. Which of the following reflects that structure?

Assessment, Treatment, Discharge

Opening ritual, Core intervention, Closing

Warm-up, Riding, Cool-down

Intake, Homework, Follow-up

Question 9Knowledge Check

Which of the following best describes the purpose of the TRACE framework introduced in this training?

A model for assessing horse temperament before matching with clients

A clinical documentation framework tailored to EAP session notes

A four-step protocol for de-escalating a startled horse

A billing code system used for equine-assisted CE reporting

Question 10Knowledge Check

Which ethical consideration, drawn from the CAMFT Code of Ethics, is most important to establish before beginning an EAP practice?

Ensuring the facility has more than five horses available for sessions

Obtaining additional training in horsemanship beyond what is required by licensure

Establishing clear informed consent that addresses the unique nature of equine-assisted work, scope of competence, dual roles, and horse welfare

Confirming that insurance companies reimburse for equine-assisted services

Question 11Reflection

Which statement best describes your current relationship to somatic or body-based approaches in your clinical work?

I rarely incorporate somatic awareness into sessions — this is new territory for me

I occasionally invite clients to notice body sensations but have not formalized this approach

Somatic awareness is already a regular part of how I work with clients

I am trained in a somatic modality (SE, Hakomi, EMDR, etc.) and integrate it consistently

Question 12Reflection

Which best describes your prior experience with equine-assisted work or animal-assisted therapy?

No prior experience — this training is my first exposure

I have read about it or attended a presentation, but have not participated directly

I have observed or participated in an EAP or AAT session as a client or guest

I have co-facilitated or facilitated EAP or AAT sessions professionally

Question 13Reflection

Which clinical population are you most hoping to serve using SHINE-informed EAP after this training?

Children and adolescents

Adults healing from trauma or attachment wounds

Individuals in recovery from addiction or eating disorders

Groups or populations I serve in a residential or IOP setting

Question 14Reflection

Which of the following best captures what drew you to this training?

I want to add a nature-based or experiential modality to my existing clinical practice

I am personally drawn to horses and want to integrate that into my professional work

My clinical supervisor or employer encouraged or required this training

I am building a new practice and want to specialize in equine-assisted psychotherapy

Question 15Open Response

In a few sentences, describe one question or edge you're bringing into this training — something you're curious about, uncertain of, or hoping to explore.

Confidence ScaleSelf-Assessment

Rate your current confidence for each competency covered in the SHINE curriculum.

Competency	1	2	3	4	5
Distinguishing EAP from related equine-assisted modalities
Reading equine behavioral cues as clinical data
Applying trauma-informed principles (polyvagal theory, window of tolerance)
Facilitating somatic grounding techniques in the arena
Designing a three-phase EAP session (opening, intervention, closing)
Documenting EAP sessions to CAMFT standards (e.g., TRACE)

1 = No exposure3 = Some familiarity5 = Confident & applied

Pre-Training Assessment

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Thank you, and welcome.