Trust & professional assurance
How our standards are evidenced
A practical framework designed to strengthen professional accountability, horse-owner confidence and responsible entry into equine intimate health practice.
Our principle
Professional standards are strongest when they combine credible education, independent quality assurance, appropriate insurance, clear professional policies and continuing development.
The framework
What the Federation asks of its members
Seven commitments that sit behind every name on our register, from the training route in to the ongoing expectations after qualification.
Externally accredited training
Harris Equine Training provides an externally accredited professional pathway for people entering the sector. Practitioner training is accredited by UK Rural Skills, providing independent external quality assurance rather than relying solely on internally declared standards.
Training and certification records
Student learning, assessment and certification are recorded, creating an auditable record of the training pathway completed and the knowledge and competence demonstrated through assessment.
Insurance verification
EIHF members must provide evidence of appropriate professional insurance when joining. Evidence of cover is required again annually so that continued membership is supported by current insurance documentation.
Professional policies and terms
Members are expected to operate with appropriate business documentation, including their own bespoke terms and conditions and relevant professional policies. The aim is to support clear expectations, responsible practice and better protection for both practitioner and client.
Defined CPD commitment
The EIHF has a documented continuing professional development commitment. Members are expected to maintain and develop their professional knowledge rather than treating initial training as the end of their learning.
Inclusive professional membership
Membership is not restricted because another member operates within the same geographical area. Appropriately trained and insured practitioners can apply regardless of location. The EIHF's focus is professional competence, accountability and horse welfare, not the protection of individual commercial territories.
Professional pathway beyond qualification
The framework connects structured entry-level education with continuing professional expectations after training, including certification, insurance, policies and CPD. This creates continuity between learning, professional practice and ongoing assurance.
Why an open, externally verified pathway matters
The equestrian industry depends on credible routes through which the next generation of grooms, yard owners, coaches and specialist service providers can acquire knowledge and demonstrate competence. Equine intimate health should be no different. The purpose of the Harris Equine Training and EIHF framework is to ensure that people who choose to enter this profession can access structured education, understand their professional responsibilities, obtain appropriate insurance and continue developing after qualification.
Industry connection
Harris Equine Training has worked collaboratively with the wider equestrian community, including the British Grooms Association and KBIS. Approximately 80% of Harris Equine Training students have historically come through direct KBIS referral, reflecting the importance of a structured training route for people seeking to enter this specialist field and obtain appropriate insurance.
For horse owners
What Federation membership tells you
- A practitioner has followed a structured professional training pathway.
- Training is supported by external accreditation and quality assurance.
- Professional insurance is evidenced and re-verified annually for EIHF membership.
- Members operate within defined professional expectations, policies and CPD requirements.
- Professional membership is based on standards and eligibility, not geographic exclusivity.
Our commitment
To support an inclusive, credible and accountable profession where knowledge is accessible, standards can be evidenced and horse welfare remains central to practice.
Equine Intimate Health Federation (EIHF) | Professional assurance framework | August 2026