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PATH Intl. History

A visionary future begins with an innovative past.

Walk the “path” with us from PATH Intl.’s beginnings in a Virginia tavern to becoming a global leader in equine-assisted services.

1969
North American Riding for the Handicapped Association was founded at a meeting at the Red Fox Tavern, Middleburg, VA
1969
1975
Center accreditation process was developed.
1975
1979
North American Riding for the Handicapped Association becomes one of the first groups in the world to offer a full-fledged program to certify instructors in “riding for the handicapped” 1980 The first seminars, a forerunner of today’s international conference, was a 4-day event, with 115 members attending.
1979
1980
The first seminars, a forerunner of today’s international conference, was a 4-day event, with 115 members attending.
1980
1985
Guidelines for vaulting and driving were established.
1985
1989
James Brady endorsed North American Riding for the Handicapped Association, and the James Brady Professional Achievement Award became an annual award.
1989
1990
The Regional Representatives program was instituted and includes 11 regions.
1990
1992
A new logo was unveiled.
1992
1994
Registered level of instructor certification was added, making three levels available: registered, certified and master.
1994
1995
First issue of PATH, Intl. Strides was published.
1995
2000
Premier Accredited Center program established.
2000
2006
  • First Premier Accredited Center outside of North America: Fundacio Terapia a Cavall in Barcelona, Spain.

  • Horses for Heroes (later to be renamed PATH International Equine Services for Heroes®) task force assembled.
2006
2007
  • First international workshop and certification held in South Korea.

  • First Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning workshops offered
2007
2008
North American Riding for the Handicapped Association offers mentor training.
2008
2010
PATH Intl. Society of Visionaries and Legacy donor program established.
2010
2011
  • Name changed from North American Riding for the Handicapped Association to Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International.

  • PATH Intl. Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning certification created 2013 Equine-Assisted Learning guidelines developed.
2011
2015
PATH Intl. Board of Trustees greenlights the process for pursuing National Commission for Certifying Association accreditation of the PATH Intl. Registered Therapeutic Riding Instructor Certification 2017 First PATH Intl. virtual conference.
2015
2018
In response to the membership's desire to professionalize PATH Intl. credentials, the PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) certification is developed in accordance with third-party accreditation standards to replace the registered therapeutic riding instructor certification.
2018
2018
Launch of first independently accredited certification in equine-assisted services, the PATH Intl.
2018
2021
Publication of the consensus document, Optimal Terminology For Services That Incorporate Horses To Benefit People: A Consensus Document.
2021