Across the United States and Canada, nonprofit organizations keep equine-assisted therapy accessible. Some run local programs for families and veterans. Others set national or international standards, train professionals, and help the public find reputable centers.
This page offers a plain-language tour of who is doing what, so you can see how the landscape fits together and where to look next. It is educational only and does not replace medical or mental health advice.
Ready to explore programs with confidence? Start with our Decision Guide: Is This for Me?
The Big Picture
Think of the nonprofit space in three layers.
- First are membership and standard-setting bodies that accredit centers and certify instructors, giving you a way to check quality.
- Second are direct-service nonprofits that operate barns and deliver sessions to communities.
- Third are training and practice organizations that focus on mental health models or specialized methods and support the professionals who use them. Each layer makes it easier for the others to do good work.
Standard-setting and membership bodies
In the United States, the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) supports equine-assisted services through center accreditation, professional certification, and public resources like “Find a Center.” These functions help families and referrers locate vetted programs and trained instructors.
In Canada, the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association (CanTRA) is a registered charity that promotes therapeutic riding, provides instructor education and certification, and supports a nationwide network of member centres. CanTRA’s public updates and events make it easier to connect with programs across the provinces.
Training and practice organizations in mental health
For psychotherapy and coaching models that integrate horses, you will see nonprofits and member frameworks that train and support clinicians. Eagala offers education and standards for equine-assisted psychotherapy providers worldwide, while Arenas for Change (ARCH) promotes a nature- and equine-assisted practice framework for therapists, coaches, and educators. These groups do not typically run local barns for the public; instead, they equip professionals and list trained members you can contact.
Direct-service nonprofits
Local and regional nonprofits deliver sessions, often with scholarship support. A well-known example is Horses4Heroes, which provides affordable programs for military families, veterans, first responders, and community members facing trauma or hardship. Public charity listings and the organization’s own materials describe its mission and service model.
Another example is BraveHearts, a U.S. nonprofit serving veterans and other riders at no cost to veterans and their families. Its programs and outreach projects, such as Trail to Zero, illustrate how direct-service organizations combine therapy, learning, and public awareness.
How these organizations help you choose safely
These nonprofits do a few practical things that matter for families and referrers.
Membership bodies publish directories and maintain accreditation standards so you can check whether a center follows recognized safety and instructor-training practices. Training frameworks give mental health providers a shared language and peer network. Direct-service nonprofits lower barriers through scholarships, volunteer programs, and partnerships with schools, hospitals, and veteran services. When you combine those layers, you get a clearer path to safe, affordable sessions.
If you want to verify an instructor’s certification, look for credentials such as PATH Intl. CTRI, which is a recognized entry-level riding-instructor credential in equine-assisted services. Organizations publicize these programs and related accreditations so that families and clinicians can confirm qualifications during intake.
What this means for our site
We will be writing individual profiles for major nonprofits and frameworks, including PATH Intl., CanTRA, Horses4Heroes, BraveHearts, and leading mental-health practice organizations like Eagala and ARCH. Each profile will cover mission, who they serve, what standards or services they provide, and how to get in touch. Where a group lists member centers or credential holders, we will explain how to use those tools to find a good local fit.
We are also planning a find-a-program directory with two options:
- Manual browse: a searchable list curated by our team, organized by region, population served, and service type.
- Auto-location: an opt-in map that shows nearby programs and indicates whether a center is accredited or whether a provider holds recognized credentials.
Our goal is to make it simple to move from reading to taking a next step, with clear pointers to vetted resources.
How to use this information today
First, outline your goals. Then visit a membership body’s directory to see accredited centers near you, and check whether those centers align with your needs. If your goals involve mental health treatment, look for providers trained through a recognized practice framework and confirm licensure. For military- and veteran-focused support, review mission-specific nonprofits in your area and ask about scholarship options.
Want a head start on choosing well? Read What a Typical Session Looks Like and bring our Program Vetting Checklist to your first visit.
Next step and learn more
Next step: Explore Is Equine-Assisted Therapy Right for You? to match your goals with the right service.
Learn more: See our Plain-Language Terminology Guide to understand the difference between therapeutic riding, hippotherapy, equine-assisted learning, and equine-facilitated psychotherapy.
Educational note: This page is for education only. It is not a substitute for medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified clinician about safety, contraindications, and treatment plans.
