The first objective of the project was to connect organizations from different sectors and embark upon together a journey to better the quality of the work, activities and practices of the entities in the field of YEAT. That had to open up professional organizations to new actors, not naturally included in the sector. Involving other parties in equine-assisted therapy had to create a network that spread the method and ensure the effective participation of young people, especially with diverse abilities. Secondly, the project had to build the capacity of the organizations to work transnationally and reach to other sectors beyond equine-assisted therapy with special focus on youth. Thirdly, through the partnership common needs and priorities in YEAT had to be addressed. The equine-assisted therapy field was in great need of involving young people both from the providers’ and beneficent’s side. Finally, the cooperation and the end result had to lead to transformation and change of parties involved in the project, thus leading to improvements and new approaches in YEAT. YEAT is such an innovative concept that only through providing valuable resources it can grow to involve and serve much more youth in need.
Equine-assisted therapy /EAT/ has proven to be beneficial to children and young people with disabilities among which the most common are Cerebral Palsy, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, Attention Deficit Disorder, Behavior Disorder, Subluxation and Dislocation, Hypotonia, Hypertonia, Spinal Cord Injury, recent surgery, and others. PQHFB provides equine-assisted therapy with a qualified personnel and regularly updated practices. Unfortunately, many other centers in Europe offer similar services in spite of the lack of accessible professional resources, methodologies, and records of good practices. The innovative method of therapy is slowly gaining popularity and people with disabilities are seeking information and professionals. The role of young people in EAT is yet to be established but has great potential. PQHFB has developed the YEAT project to respond to the emerging need of current and future professionals in EAT, other service providers in related fields, and young people with disabilities for reliable, professional, and easily accessible information on YEAT. By creating an international partnership we were able to collectively respond to those needs on a larger scale.