Summary
This article introduces the major nonprofit organizations involved in equine-assisted programs across the United States and Canada, including groups that set standards, support instructors, provide training frameworks, and operate community-based centers.
Across North America, nonprofits play an important role in the equine-assisted landscape. Some create certification pathways for instructors, others connect member centers, and many operate barns that offer riding lessons, horsemanship activities, or community programs. Together, these organizations help shape the structure, education, and accessibility of equine-assisted work.
This overview highlights the main types of nonprofits involved in the field and what each contributes.
The Nonprofit Landscape at a Glance
Equine-assisted work includes a mix of instructional, educational, and community-based programs. Nonprofits support this environment in three broad ways:
- Standard-setting and membership organizations that publish guidelines, create certification pathways, and maintain directories.
- Training and practice organizations that offer educational frameworks for professionals.
- Direct-service nonprofits that operate barns and provide programs to local communities.
Each group serves a different purpose, and together they strengthen the field.
Standards and Membership Organizations
These organizations focus on certifications, accreditation, professional resources, and connection across centers.
PATH International (United States)
PATH International is a nonprofit membership organization that supports equine-assisted programs through instructor certifications, center accreditation, and educational resources. Its network includes hundreds of member centers and credentialed professionals across the United States and beyond.
PATH Intl. offers widely recognized credentials — such as the Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) — and maintains a public directory that lists member centers.
Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association (CanTRA)
CanTRA is Canada’s national nonprofit for therapeutic riding. It promotes inclusive riding experiences, provides instructor education and certification, and supports a network of accredited and member centers throughout the country.
CanTRA also participates in international conversations about equine-assisted activities and maintains educational resources for its members.
Training and Practice Frameworks
Several nonprofits provide models, training, or membership structures for professionals who integrate horses into various educational or relational programs.
Eagala
Eagala is a global nonprofit organization that offers training in an equine-assisted framework used by a wide range of professionals. It focuses on structured, ground-based work and provides resources, membership options, and continuing education.
Arenas for Change (ARCH)
ARCH is a nonprofit community of professionals who use nature- and equine-based approaches as part of their work. The organization provides training, a shared practice framework, and a collaborative network for facilitators, educators, and other practitioners.
These groups focus on professional development rather than operating local barns.
Direct-Service Nonprofits
Direct-service organizations operate barns, create community programs, and often rely on volunteers and donor support.
Horses4Heroes
Horses4Heroes is a Las Vegas–based nonprofit that provides affordable equestrian programs, horsemanship experiences, camps, and community events. The organization also maintains a network of affiliate locations in several states.
BraveHearts
BraveHearts is a U.S. nonprofit that offers riding and horsemanship programs through two primary locations. It is best known for its outreach efforts and free-of-charge programs for certain communities.
These organizations typically run local programs, host events, and create opportunities for people to participate in equine activities.
Why These Organizations Matter
Together, these nonprofits contribute to the stability and growth of equine-assisted programs by:
- offering education and training to instructors and facilitators
- maintaining membership networks and public directories
- supporting community programs and volunteer opportunities
- helping create shared terminology and expectations
Their combined work strengthens the field and provides structure for professionals, centers, and participants.
What This Means for Our Site
We will continue adding profiles of notable nonprofits and frameworks, including:
- PATH International
- CanTRA
- Eagala
- ARCH
- Horses4Heroes
- BraveHearts
Each profile will explain the organization’s mission, history, training options, and role within the equine-assisted community.
Future features will include a directory that highlights program locations, organizational affiliations, and instructor credentials where applicable.
Conclusion
Nonprofits across North America contribute to equine-assisted programs in different but complementary ways. Whether they focus on standards, training, or direct programming, these organizations help shape a field that spans many disciplines and communities. Understanding who they are — and how they fit together — offers a clearer picture of the broader equine-assisted ecosystem.
