Events

Registration for this event closes 30 days prior to the start date of each workshop – late registrations will not be accepted.

PATH Intl. Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning Workshop (ESMHL)

September 9-11, 2026

EQUI-KIDS Therapeutic Riding Program

2626 Heritage Park Dr.

Virginia Beach, VA 23456

PATH Intl. Evaluators scheduled for this event:

Nancy Beers

Martha Dubensky

*Evaluators may be subject to change without notice*

Candidates must register for this event through PATH Intl.

To be eligible to register for this event candidates must:

1. Have read and understand all the information provided on the Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning page on pathintl.org/certification/mental-health-and-learning/
2. Have current PATH Intl. Professional Membership ($110/year)
3. Have purchased and completed the PATH Intl. Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning Certification Application ($150)(either through the portal or using the application in the handbook)
4. Have purchased the PATH Intl. ESMHL Student Manual download ($75)
5. Have submitted proof of current adult and child CPR and first aid certification(s) to
6. Have successfully completed the PATH Intl. Standards Course and Exam (access will be sent via email within 72 hours of purchasing the PATH Intl. Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning Certification Application)
7. Have successfully completed the EFMHA History Video (access will be sent via email within 72 hours of purchasing the PATH Intl. Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning Certification Application)

Once all these requirements are met, the candidate will be eligible to register for an event via the “Events” tab in their portal. The workshop fee is $650.  Food will be available for $30 per person for the 3-day workshop. Please contact the host site directly for details about food. Please submit questions about the certification to . 

*Recommended experience PRIOR to attending an onsite equine specialist in mental health and learning workshop or attempting the horsemanship skills test:

• 100+ hours handling various equines in a variety of settings with skills comparable to those described in the PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor criteria, Pony Club C or CHA Level 1.
• 20+ hours of education/training on equine behavior, particularly body language and senses
• 20+ hours drafting lesson plans for a variety of client goals
• 10+ hours reviewing PATH Intl. mandatory, medical and mental health standards and EAL guidelines.

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 PATH Intl. ESMHL works alongside a mental health professional or educator in typically unmounted activities.

The PATH Intl. Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning certification:

1. Has prerequisites that must be completed to be eligible to register for an event including PATH Intl. Professional Membership, Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning Certification Application purchase and submission, Student Manual purchase, PATH Intl. Standards Course/Exam and EFMHA History Video.
2. Has an onsite PATH Intl. Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning Workshop.
3. Has a portfolio including a horsemanship skills test video that must be submitted within two years of attending a workshop.
4. Has an online exam (access will be sent after the portfolio has been reviewed and accepted).

Please refer to the PATH Intl. Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning Certification Program Handbook on the Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning page at  pathintl.org/certification/mental-health-and-learning/ for details, forms, and additional information. Please submit questions about this certification to .