Equine Specialist in Mental Health & Learning Certification
Work alongside mental health and education professionals to ensure the equine’s safety.
A PATH Intl. Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning ensures the safety and well-being of the equine participating in mental health or equine-assisted learning sessions and serves as the equine expert during equine-human interactions. The ESMHL works alongside a mental health professional or educator in typically unmounted activities.
Steps to Certification
- You must be 21 years of age or older
- Read the PATH Intl. Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning Certification Program Handbook in its entirety to be sure you understand the purpose, all the requirements, and all the fees before purchasing the application or registering for an event
- Create a portal and purchase a PATH Intl. Professional Level Membership ($110 annually)
- Purchase PATH Intl. ESMHL Application and Student Manual bundle ($225)
- Submit completed PATH Intl. ESMHL Application
- Submit proof of current adult and child CPR and first aid certifications (100% online courses are acceptable)
- Complete online PATH Intl. Standards Course and Exam (valid for 1 year)
- Complete online EFMHA History Video
- Attend a PATH Intl. on-site Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning workshop ($650 – valid for 2 years)
GI Bill® Reimbursement: As of March 1, 2026, Veterans, Servicemembers, National Guard members, Selected Reserve members and eligible dependents can now submit VA form 22-0803 to utilize their VA education benefits to be reimbursed up to $20 for the online standards exam and $50 for the online Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL) exam! Learn about all resources PATH Intl. Offers for veterans and military service members at /programs/veterans/.
*GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
Submit Portfolio with:
- Beginning November 1 ,2025 – Submit Horsemanship Skills Test video via dropbox ($125 – review instructions in ESMHL Candidate Handbook)
- Proof of current PATH Intl. Membership
- Proof of current adult & child CPR and first aid certifications
- Copy of PATH Intl. on-site ESMHL workshop certificate of completion (maximum of 2 years old)
- Signed PATH Intl. Certified Professional Code of Ethics
- References from a Mental Health or Educator Professional and an Equine Professional
- Documentation of 20 hours of education in equine behavior and management
- Documentation of 60 total hours of paid or volunteer experience at a PATH Intl. Center or under the supervision of a PATH Intl. Certified Professional in:
- Option One: Paid or volunteer experience at a PATH Intl Center or under the supervision of a PATH Intl Certified Professional in equine-assisted psychotherapy sessions or equine-assisted learning sessions
- Option Two: 30 hours of paid or volunteer experience at a PATH Intl. Center or under the supervision of a PATH Intl. Certified Professional in any equine assisted services session, AND 30 hours of experience in the mental health or special education field
- Option Three: 30 hours of paid or volunteer experience at a PATH Intl. Center or under the supervision of a PATH Intl. Certified Professional in equine-assisted psychotherapy sessions or equine-assisted learning sessions AND 30 hours of paid or volunteer time at a PATH Intl. Center or under the supervision of a PATH Intl. Certified Professional in Therapeutic/Adaptive Riding Sessions
Upon acceptance of portfolio and Horsemanship Skills Test video:
- Complete the online Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning exam (Passing score 85%)
ESMHL Certification Candidate Handbook
ESMHL Criteria Booklet
PATH Intl. Professional Code of Ethics
Accommodations
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We all know how horses can create spaces where participants can feel listened to, safe and calm. Seeing how transforming this can be for so many individuals who are hurting has propelled me even further in my own personal journey.