Equine Journaling for Volunteer Training

Despite the growing recognition of equine-assisted services as a therapeutic modality, equine wellbeing remains inconsistently supported across programs, particularly in how volunteers are trained to observe and respond to equine communication. Many centers rely on volunteers with varying levels of equine experience, yet lack standardized tools to guide their observations or ensure continuity in care. This gap not only risks overlooking subtle signs of equine stress or discomfort, but also limits the ability of teams to make informed decisions about horse welfare and session planning. Equine Journaling offers a solution by introducing a replicable framework that empowers volunteers to document equine behavior with both structure and sensitivity. By combining tracking logs with guided reflection prompts, the method fosters a deeper understanding of horse–human interactions while promoting ethical care practices. It also creates a shared language across interdisciplinary teams, bridging volunteers, therapists, and equine professionals through consistent documentation and communication. As EAS programs expand and diversify, the need for scalable, evidence-informed volunteer training tools becomes increasingly urgent.

About our Presenter:

Olga Surmacheva, PATH Intl. ESMHL, LAMP is the founder of Ground Level Equine, an educational initiative focused on structured observation and documentation. She holds certifications as a PATH International Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL) and as a Large Animal Massage Practitioner. Her work integrates equine biomechanics and behavior tracking with reflective journaling to support ethical care and interdisciplinary communication. Olga develops tools that enhance observation skills and promote equine wellbeing across therapeutic, educational, and bodywork settings. Her current focus is on introducing Equine Journaling as a method for training professionals and volunteers to recognize and document stress signals, movement patterns, and behavioral shifts with clarity and consistency.