CFI
Level 4
QN: 610/4727/2
Curriculum Active
CFI Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Riding Instruction for Mental Health
Official qualification regulated by Ofqual, awarded by CFI. Classified as a Vocationally-Related Qualification. Total guided learning hours: 120 hours.
Qualification Level
Level 4
Awarding Body
CFI
Syllabus Units
8 Units
Guided Hours
120 hrs
Instant access to interactive lessons, quizzes, and spaced revision.
Course Syllabus & Study Modules
Complete breakdown of verified curriculum topics and learning objectives.
1
An Introduction to Riding Instruction
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Assess the rider’s general riding ability, horse-handling knowledge and safety knowledge
- Demonstrate how to safely begin and end a riding session
- Explain the general safety requirements that apply when conducting a riding session
- Plan and deliver a basic riding lesson (non-therapeutic) to demonstrate understanding of horse and rider welfare
- Demonstrate the ability to conduct a riding session (both lead rein and non-lead rein)
- Demonstrate an ability to problem-solve common issues such as horse suitability, lameness and issues with equipment
2
Assessment, Intervention & Evaluation
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Summarise a rider’s goals based on an assessment carried out with the individual
- Plan a session that appropriately responds to these goals
- Reflect on the effectiveness of the session once completed and whether the stated goals were met
- Appropriately collate formal and informal feedback from clients
- Explain ways in which feedback will be used to inform future sessions
3
Creating a Therapeutic Environment
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explain what contributes to making an environment psychologically safe.2.
- Demonstrate how to foster a therapeutic riding environment that reflects the above definition
- Reflect on their own feelings, thoughts and behaviours, and the impact these may have on their work as a therapeutic riding instructor
- Reflect on how a session may have impacted themselves (both positively and negatively) and what self-care steps can be taken
4
Ethical Practice
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explain the scope of practice, using appropriate terminology
- Explain the ethical frameworks, limits of competence and duty of care that might apply when faced with a difficult situation such as, but not limited to, a young client disclosing self-harm, taking into consideration Gillick competence
- Summarise risk factors, both to self and others and how to mitigate or handle the risks
5
Mental Health & Therapeutic Relationships
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Describe a range of common mental health presentations falling within the category of mild-moderate
- Summarise key theories of therapeutic relationships
- Explain how these key theories can be applied to therapeutic riding
- Demonstrate how to form a therapeutic relationship in the context of therapeutic riding
- Critically reflect on their ability to forge therapeutic relationships within therapeutic riding
6
Physical Experiences
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Analyse how the physical riding experience impacts on mental health
- Demonstrate how to use a person-centred approach to facilitate the physical experience, responding to verbal and non-verbal cues
- Explain how to recognise signs of distress and/or discomfort and bring the client to a place of physical and psychological safety
- Adapt the focus of the physical experience to meet the client’s needs
- Demonstrate how to encourage and support the client to reflect on the immediate physical experience and how this can be linked to any current coping strategies
7
The Therapeutic Riding Horse
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Demonstrate how to assess a horse for suitability for general therapeutic riding
- Demonstrate how to match a rider to a suitable horse based on traditional requirements such as weight/height/experience along with therapeutic needs and goals
- Demonstrate the ability to nurture a safe relationship with an emphasis on protecting the physical and mental wellbeing of all three beings
- Demonstrate understanding of the horses’ individuality and how to work with them to enhance clients’ experiences
8
Working with Difference & Diversity
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Summarise key theories of difference and diversity
- Adapt therapeutic sessions according to the client’s needs
- Reflect on their own differences and how this may influence therapeutic riding sessions
- Evaluate how difference and diversity may influence relationships in therapeutic riding
Regulatory & Verification Details
- Qualification Number (QN)
- 610/4727/2
- Regulated Status
- Available to learners
- Awarding Body
- CFI
- Qualification Type
- Vocationally-Related Qualification
- Operational Start
- Sept 2024