Purpose and Governance

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The Standards for Accreditation of Osteopathic Education Programs Leading to the Equine Osteopath EDO Degree and Maintenance of the EDO Title establish the competencies, ethical responsibilities, and educational framework for registered Equine Osteopaths EDO®. Originally developed under the International Register of Equine Osteopaths (IREO) in 2011, standards commencing in 2024 are now governed by REDOI.

The Standards for Accreditation of Osteopathic Education Programs Leading to the Equine Osteopath EDO Degree and Maintenance of the EDO Title ensures consistency in education, accreditation, and professional practice globally, reinforcing equine osteopathy as a respected professional field held to the highest of standards.

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Definition and Philosophical Foundations

 

Equine Osteopathy EDO® is the adaptation of classical human osteopathic principles as applied to horses. It is a manual discipline designed to support the horse’s natural healing mechanisms by addressing structural and functional imbalances. Based on the principles of A.T. Still, the philosophy emphasizes:
- The equine as a unified whole of body, mind, and spirit.
- The body’s intrinsic ability to self-regulate and self-heal.
- A reciprocal relationship between structure and function.
- Rational care grounded in anatomical and physiological science.

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