The Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH International) is one of the best-known names in equine-assisted services. It sets voluntary industry standards, certifies professionals, and accredits centers so that lessons and sessions with horses are delivered safely and consistently.
If you are deciding whether equine-assisted work is right for you or someone you care about, understanding what PATH International does can help you evaluate programs with confidence.
A Brief History
The organization began in 1969 as the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association. Its early focus was simple and ambitious: promote safe, effective riding opportunities for people with disabilities and give programs a common framework to follow.
In 2011, the name changed to PATH International to reflect a broader mission across equine-assisted services. Today, PATH International supports a large network of member centers and credentialed professionals that reach tens of thousands of participants each year.
What PATH International Does
PATH International’s role in the field centers on three pillars: standards, certification, and accreditation.
Standards for the Field
PATH International publishes the Standards for Certification and Accreditation, a manual that outlines voluntary best practices for equine-assisted services, including safety procedures, administrative policies, and a summary of precautions and contraindications. These standards give programs a common language for quality and risk management, and they help families ask informed questions.
Professional Certification
The association credentials practitioners, most notably through the Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) program. CTRI is an entry-level, voluntary credential for instructors who deliver riding instruction of therapeutic value. Candidates complete education, pass written and practical exams, and maintain their skills over time.
For the public, seeing a PATH International credential signals training that aligns with established safety and instructional benchmarks.
Center Accreditation
PATH International runs a peer-review accreditation process. Trained evaluators visit programs and assess them against the standards; centers that meet requirements earn Premier Accredited Center status for five years.
Accreditation ties program policies, facilities, and teaching practices to an external review, which is especially helpful for newcomers comparing options in their area.
Scale and Impact
From its original North American focus, PATH International has grown into a global network. Current overview materials describe hundreds of member centers and thousands of credentialed professionals serving more than seventy thousand children and adults annually, including many veterans.
While precise counts change year to year as organizations join or renew, the scale underscores PATH International’s reach and its role as a hub for practitioners and participants.
Where PATH International Programs Operate
PATH International itself is not a single barn. It is an association that connects and supports member centers.
If you are looking for a program, the “Find a Program” directory on the PATH International website lets you search by location and service type, and the regional map shows how centers are grouped across the United States and Canada.
Many centers also welcome participants from nearby communities or collaborate with local clinicians and schools.
How This Helps You Choose a Program
When you visit a PATH International member or accredited center, you should expect clear boundaries, steady instruction, and attention to both human and horse welfare. The standards manual and accreditation process emphasize documented policies, volunteer training, facility and equipment checks, and appropriate screening for activities. That structure supports safe participation and makes it easier to compare centers side by side.
Three practical steps as you evaluate options:
- Use the PATH International directory to locate centers near you, then confirm whether a site is a member or a Premier Accredited Center.
- Ask who will be leading sessions and what credentials they hold, such as the CTRI for adaptive riding instruction.
- Request a plain-language explanation of how the program follows PATH International standards day to day, from helmets and tack to horse selection and rest.
How PATH International Fits with Other Credentials
PATH International focuses on adaptive horsemanship and equine-assisted services program quality. Clinical services remain the domain of licensed healthcare or mental health professionals.
Many high-quality barns operate with a mix of roles: PATH International–credentialed instructors for lessons and activities, and separately licensed clinicians for services that are medical or psychotherapeutic in nature. Clear scope protects participants and horses while keeping goals realistic and measurable. (For a primer on service types, see our “Types of Equine Therapy” article.)
The Bottom Line
PATH International gives families, riders, and care teams a reliable framework for finding and evaluating equine-assisted programs. Its standards, certifications, and accreditation processes create shared expectations across a diverse field.
If you are new to equine-assisted work, starting with a PATH International member directory search and asking about certification and accreditation status is a straightforward way to focus on programs that prioritize safety, education, and welfare.
Can i get some help as to how I can become an equine therapist please? I see that PATH has certified centers, but I am not seeing how to find one near me. I am not seeing any information as to what I should do after high school. Where can I apply?