ABSTRACT
Ethical consideration is needed for both the human who is being served and the animal who is doing the serving. Specifically, there are three key foundational ethical concerns of providing equine-assisted interventions. In discussing acceptance as a guiding principle, this chapter suggests that the "therapist accepts the clients and the animals for who they are". It focuses on meeting both client and animal and accepting and appreciating the attributes and skills that the individuals bring to the setting. In researching the human–horse relationship, Hausberger. M and colleagues suggested the Hinde theoretical framework as an important tool in understanding these relationships. Most ethical codes for the helping professions focus on the needs of humans. In addition to general frameworks like the one offered by the American Counseling Association, there are a number of existing organizations that have also outlined a set of ethical guidelines and principles for their organizations.
