Understanding Seizures in EAS: Balancing Safety with Inclusivity
1 CE or 1 DE per PATH Intl.
🚨 This is a 48 hour rental only.
Instructions for how to access will be sent to the email provided at checkout. Simply log on to our educational platform to come and go from the content for 48 hours only.
Abstract:
Seizures are complex neurological events that can affect individuals of all ages and backgrounds. As the equine-assisted services (EAS) industry continues to expand its reach, there is an increasing number of participants seeking our services that are at risk for seizures due to various medical diagnoses, including epilepsy, cerebral palsy, brain injuries, and complex genetic conditions. Therefore, it is crucial for EAS professionals to develop a comprehensive understanding of seizures, their potential impacts on safety, and how they may influence equine behavior, participant well-being, staff response protocols, and center liability.
This presentation aims to equip attendees with foundational knowledge of seizure pathology, focusing on the most common types of seizures and their physiological effects. While seizures can affect the brain and body in complex ways, the information presented in this session is designed to be easily digestible and relevant to EAS contexts. Attendees will learn essential “need-to-know” concepts, enabling them to better support participants living with seizures while fostering safety and success with their equine partners.
In addition to building foundational knowledge, this session will offer practical insights into developing and implementing personal, professional, and organizational policies that balance safety management with inclusivity and minimized liability. Participants will explore strategies for risk assessment, particularly when interacting with horses, whether mounted or on the ground. Additionally, we will discuss alternative programming options that may be suitable for individuals with increased seizure risks, as well as strategies to mitigate risks while maximizing the therapeutic benefits.
Attendees will also gain valuable guidance on crafting clear, effective protocols and policies that promote open communication between staff, families, and medical professionals. By fostering transparent collaboration and establishing evidence-based practices, EAS centers can optimize participant safety and enhance program efficacy.
This presentation is suitable for a diverse audience within the EAS industry, including instructors, therapists, program directors, administrators, and support staff responsible for policy development, personnel training, and risk management. Expect to deepen your understanding of how seizures impact the body, while building a safer, more inclusive environment for all participants.
Objectives:
- Acquire a foundational knowledge of seizure pathology, with a focus on safety considerations in EAS. This session presents essential information in a clear and accessible format, tailored for instructors and therapists.
- Develop Comprehensive Safety Protocols: Learn how to create and implement safety protocols that address seizure management while promoting participant inclusion.
- Create Effective Organizational Policies: Gain practical strategies for drafting clear, inclusive policies that balance safety, liability reduction, and participant accessibility.
Presenter: Dr. Kaiti Otte, OTD, OTR/L, PATH Intl. CTRI
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Kaiti Otte, OTD, OTR/L, PATH Intl. CTRI
Education Coordinator at HETRA
Dr. Kaiti Otte is a licensed occupational therapist and CTRI at HETRA (Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Center). She has a background in pediatric clinical therapy, specializing in hippotherapy the last 8 years. She is the Lead Therapist at HETRA, training and managing a staff of 11 full and part time therapists. She is also the Education Coordinator at HETRA, where she is responsible for mentoring professional students and producing content for HETRA University, the educational arm of HETRA. She has coordinated the efforts to produce numerous educational webinars, host live HETRA University workshops and produce HETRA’s exclusive educational podcast, “Not Just a Pony Ride”. In 2025, she was honored to be named the PATH Intl. Region 7 ‘Credentialed Professional of the Year’.
