What is PATH Intl.?Why does it matter?
PATH Intl., a federally registered 501(c)3, leads the advancement of professional equine-assisted services by supporting our members and stakeholders through rigorously developed standards, credentialing and education.
About PATH Intl.
From yesterday to a successful today.
PATH Intl. was founded in 1969 to promote safe and effective therapeutic — also known as adaptive — horseback riding throughout the United States and Canada. Today, PATH Intl. has 794 member centers, nearly 4,000 individual members and more than 4,800 certified professionals in countries all over the world who help and support more than 46,600 children and adults — including 5,200 veterans — with special needs each year through a variety of equine-assisted services.
PATH Intl. Mission
We lead the advancement of professional equine-assisted services by supporting our members and stakeholders through rigorously developed standards, credentialing and education.
PATH Intl. vision
To ensure universal recognition of professional equine-assisted services and the transformative impacts that enrich lives.
PATH Intl. Core Values
Access and Inclusion
Promoting diversity and opportunity in equine-assisted services.
Compassion and Caring
Providing a culture of safety, understanding and ethical treatment of both humans and horses.
Cooperation and Collaboration
Connecting and partnering with those who share the PATH Intl. vision in a mutually beneficial manner.
Education
Sharing valued knowledge with our constituents to facilitate their success.
Excellence
Promoting quality in all undertakings.
Innovation
Encouraging and supporting creativity, inquiry and cutting-edge research.
Integrity and accountability
Ensuring that all business is based on ethical principles and conducted with transparency.
Professionalism
Enhancing the value and credibility of the industry.
Service
Providing effective and responsive information and programs to our constituents.
Holism
Promoting an awareness of body, mind and spirit in equine-assisted services.
What we do
PATH Intl., a federally registered 501(c)3, accredits centers and certifies professionals so you have the best and safest services our industry offers. PATH Intl. accredits centers and certifies professionals so participants can experience the best and safest services in the EAS industry. Granting a PATH Intl. Member Center the privilege of your trust will enable you or your loved one to reach health and wellness goals – as well as experience fun and hope – by partnering with horses. In addition to safety standards, PATH Intl. provides over 150 standards to help centers sustain viable programs using best business practices, provide compassionate, humane equine management, program- specific standards, facility maintenance and precautions and contraindications for disabilities.
PATH Intl. Member Centers provide:
Therapeutic/Adaptive Horsemanship
Related to the broad area of horsemanship, equine professionals may offer four distinct non-therapy services that are adapted from traditional equine disciplines of horseback riding, driving, and vaulting. These include adaptive equestrian sport, adaptive riding or therapeutic riding, driving and interactive vaulting.
Equine-Assisted Learning
Related to the broad area of learning, specially trained or certified professionals may incorporate horses in three distinct non-therapy services: equine-assisted learning in education, equine-assisted learning in organizations and equine-assisted learning in personal development.
Therapies Incorporating Equines
Related to the broad area of therapy, licensed therapy professionals may incorporate horses in five distinct therapies: counseling, occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychotherapy and speech-language pathology.
Equine-Assisted Services for Veterans
PATH International Equine Services for Heroes® assists military personnel and veterans through services provided by PATH International members and by providing leadership and guidance for equine-assisted services. Veterans of any age, branch, war or area of conflict can benefit from the program.
Educational Resources
You are not alone in reaching your goals. We provide a variety of educational resources all at your fingertips. For a complete listing of educational materials, visit the store.
Nancy Leslie
Member
Contact us
Questions? We’ll help you find answers.
If you have a question, a problem, an issue or a comment, we’re here for you! Reach out and let us know what’s on your mind.
I belong to PATH Intl. because I love the education, support and connection with other like-minded/gifted individuals with a love for helping others and their equine partners.