The 2025 PATH Intl. Conference Promises an Exceptional Experience!
The organization is always pleased when able to deliver exactly what members and certified professionals have requested and need: professional development, quality CEUs to maintain certifications, networking with colleagues and perhaps even a break from the day-to-day hard work of running and working at a center. The 2025 conference is shaping up to be an outstanding education and networking event in beautiful Denver, CO. We look forward to seeing you there!
Vaccines are not required to attend the conference.
Masks are not required but are encouraged especially for those who are not vaccinated and anyone who might feel more comfortable wearing one.
If you experience symptoms of COVID-19 during the conference, please stay in your hotel room.
If you need a home test, please email . PATH Intl. staff have a limited number of home tests available that can be delivered to your room.
If you test positive for COVID-19 during the conference, please stay in your room and email . We will not release your name, but we will let conference attendees know that someone has tested positive, so they can choose to take a home test or get a PER test before returning home to keep family members safe.
10600 Westminster Blvd.
Westminster, CO 80020
Phone: (303) 410-5000
ATTENTION:
At this time, the Westin Westminster only has rooms available on Thursday, November 6th, and Saturday, November 8th. You are no longer able to book for the whole event at the discounted rate at this hotel. Please see our alternate hotel options for the next best hotel!
Check-in is 3:00 PM and Check-out is 12:00 PM.
Early check-in and late check-out requests will be based on hotel availability.
PATH Intl. has negotiated a discounted hotel rate of $169 plus 12.5% sales tax. The contracted rate is good until either the room block sells out or until October 16, 2025. Availability and rate cannot be guaranteed once the room block is sold out or after this date.
The hotel conference rate includes:
- Complimentary self-park
- Complimentary pool access
- Complimentary access to the 24-hour fitness center
Hotel reservations can be made online or by phone.
Click here to make your group reservations online.
You may call the hotel directly at 1-303-410-5000. Please identify yourself as attending the 2025 Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International’s Conference to secure the conference contracted hotel rate.
Hotel Accessibility Information may be found here.
For additional information, you may contact the hotel at 303-410-5000.
The contracted conference block at the Westin Westminster has sold out! PATH Intl. will not be contracting an overflow hotel. However, the following nearby hotels are options and may have a shuttle available for transportation to the Westin. Please check with the hotel directly.
7000 Church Ranch Blvd,
Westminster, CO 80021
(.8 Miles)
Make your Reservation Online >
Note: Availability and rates are not guaranteed, and are at the hotel’s discretion.
6865 W 103rd Ave,
Westminster, CO 80021
(1 mile)
Make your Reservation Online >
Note: Availability and rates are not guaranteed, and are at the hotel’s discretion.
10179 Church Ranch Way,
Westminster, CO 80021
(1.3 Miles)
Make your Reservation Online >
Note: Availability and rates are not guaranteed, and are at the hotel’s discretion.
PATH Intl. has partnered with United Airlines to provide discounted airline pricing for all PATH Intl. conference attendees. The discount is available for PATH Intl. attendees flying into Denver over the conference dates.
To make your reservation, click here.
You may call the United Airlines Reservation desk Monday – Friday, at (800) 426-1122 and provide the group/discount code ZRJG808425.
Booking fees are waived for Meeting reservations. International customers may contact their local United Reservation Desk.
Note: The rates you see when you click on the link are the discounted rates. The page does not show how much you are saving. To see the savings, you will have to look on the regular united.com site and then select the same flight using the link above.
The Denver International Airport is located 25 miles from the hotel. Transfer time will range from 30-45 minutes depending on the time of day.
Taxi is approximately $75 one way.
Uber/Lyft – approximately $45 one way.
All parking at The Westin Westminster is complimentary!
Click here for directions from Denver International Airport.
Exploring the Surrounding Areas
Downtown Denver
(11 miles from the Westin Westminster)
Denver is known as the Mile High City because its official elevation is 5,280 feet (1,609 meters) above sea level, which is exactly one mile. It is a vibrant urban city known for its mix of cultural attractions, entertainment, restaurants, shopping, and historical landmarks. For additional information click here and be sure to check out the events page, a three-day sample itinerary and the things to do page.
Not renting a car or not interested in navigating through a new city? Check out this guide for transportation options to explore Denver, here.
Golden, Colorado
(17 miles from the Westin Westminster)
Golden is a city and former gold rush town located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains that offers a combination of history, nature, and culture. It’s home to the first state capital of Colorado and offers several museums, including the Golden History Museum and the Buffalo Bill Museum. With a combination of history, nature, and culture, Golden provides a perfect blend of activities for those looking to explore Colorado’s charm. For additional information on things to do and restaurants click here.
Boulder, Colorado
(20 miles from the Westin Westminster)
Set against the beautiful backdrop of the iconic, sharp rock formations, the Flatirons, Boulder has a laid-back, welcoming vibe. Pearl Street Mall is Boulder’s pedestrian-friendly downtown filled with boutique shops, local cafes, restaurants, street performers, and galleries. For additional information on things to do and restaurants click here.
Close to Boulder
Chautauqua Park
The park’s name, “Chautauqua,” is a reference to the Chautauqua movement in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which promoted education, culture, and community gatherings. The park offers a combination of scenic beauty, historical significance, and recreational opportunities. For additional information click here.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is a year-round destination for anyone who loves nature, hiking, photography, or simply taking in breathtaking views. It is one of the most popular and scenic national parks in the United States. The park is located just outside of Boulder, Colorado, and spans over 265,000 acres. For additional information click here. The park has a timed entry permit system during some months so please check the website well in advance.
Estes Park
(56 miles from the Westin Westminster)
Nestled in the Colorado Rockies, Estes Park downtown is filled with quaint shops, art galleries and restaurants, and offers breathtaking mountain views. Estes Park offers an array of outdoor activities in every season. Estes Park is also home to the Stanley Hotel a historic and iconic hotel, famous for inspiring Stephen King’s novel The Shining. Estes Park serves as the primary eastern entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. For additional information click here.
Exhibitor Information
The 2025 PATH Intl. Conference promises to be an event filled with networking, exceptional education sessions and fun. You won’t want to miss the excitement of this conference. The exhibitor’s center is a great place to promote your products and services to key decision makers in the equine-assisted services industry. Only 10 spaces still available, reserve by September 15, 2025 to save your spot. Be sure to take advantage of PATH Intl. Member and local-to-conference discount options as applicable. Contact Sara Conant, Communications Supervisor, at with any questions.
PATH Intl. would like to thank the following organizations for choosing to exhibit at the 2025 PATH Intl. Conference to share their products and services with members and professionals in the equine-assisted services industry. The Exhibitor’s Center will be the gathering spot for attendees during the opening reception on Friday night and the host location for Temple Grandin’s book signing on Saturday, as well as the spot to be to get PATH Intl. merchandise, participate in the silent auction, or share knowledge during the fireside chats all throughout the weekend! There are still a couple of exhibit spaces left. Interested organizations should contact for more information and to reserve a space.
Scholarships - Closed for 2025
As leaders in the industry, PATH Intl. is committed to providing members with the ability to pursue their continuing education and professional development through the PATH Intl. Conference.
PATH Intl. is pleased to offer The Pat & Jackie Mullins International Conference scholarship, The Marjorie V. Kittredge Psychotherapy Incorporating Equines and Equine-Assisted Learning Scholarship, The Teresa Morris New Generation Scholarship and the PATH Intl. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Scholarship.
Applications will only be accepted online and must be submitted no later than May 6, 2025.
Applicants will be notified by July 1, 2025.
- Pat & Jackie Mullins International Conference Scholarship Application
- Marjorie V. Kittredge Psychotherapy Incorporating Equines & Equine-Assisted Learning PATH Intl. Conference Scholarship Application
- Teresa Morris New Generation Higher Education Learning International Conference Scholarship
- PATH Intl. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Scholarship
2025 Call for Abstracts - Closed
Please read about presenting at the 2025 PATH Intl. Conference in the 2025 Call for Abstracts document below. This document will outline the submission guidelines and process to join industry experts with fascinating industry wide topics. These experts can consist of credentialed and mental health professionals, equine-assisted learning professionals, researchers, program directors and many more who may wish to share their education with approximately 500 attendees. The PATH Intl. Health and Education Committee will review and select the presentations from the submissions collected. For abstract specific questions, please reach out to the PATH Intl. Conference Team at internationalconference@pathintl.org.
Awards Nomination Process and Ceremony
Awards Nominations are Closed for 2023
Do you have a talented equestrian at your PATH Intl. center? Do you admire a particular instructor or an equine specialist in mental health and learning? Does a special horse, mule or mini that has a priceless attitude call your center home? Do you know of a volunteer or veterinarian who generously gives time at a PATH Intl. center?
Now is the time to submit an award nomination for these special individuals and animals.
2023 PATH Intl. Awards Process
In 2018 as part of the strategic plan and from member input, staff reviewed processes related to the international conference, and one of the areas reviewed was the PATH Intl. Awards Program. We understand that time is a resource that many member centers do not have enough of, and we have heard that is one reason centers do not always nominate for the awards program. Because all our equines, volunteers, veterinarians, and credentialed professionals are deserving of recognition, the nomination forms were streamlined into a short form so member centers can nominate in less time. In 2023 all award nominations will be scored, and in the event of a tie, the winners will be selected randomly out of those with the highest tied score. Also, recognizing that travel to the PATH Intl. Conference may pose financial worries and that family and friends are not always there to share in the excitement, the regional awards will be presented at the regional conferences. This may be more convenient and less expensive for the award winners, families, and friends to attend. International winners in all categories, including the equestrian winners, will be honored at the international conference.
Below is information on the awards process and criteria for each award category.
If you have any further questions, email or call (800) 369-7433.
- The awards nomination form for the equines, volunteers and veterinarians will be scored based on criteria, experience, and ranking of attributes as indicated on the form.
- The regional winner will be based on the highest score.
- In the event of a tie for regional winner, the winner will be selected by random from those tied with the highest score.
- The awards nomination form for the credentialed professional will be scored with criteria such as being a member in good standing, minimum length of certification/service, contribution to program and adhering to PATH Intl.
Standards/code of ethics and ranking of attributes. - The regional winner will be based on the highest score.
- In the event of a tie for regional winner, the winner will be selected by random from those tied with the highest score.
- The nominators of regional winners will be asked to submit reference forms that include essays for consideration in selection of the international winner. Regional winner reference forms will need to be submitted by May 29, 2023, to be considered for the 2023 PATH Intl. award in their respective category.
- Nominations for regional award categories must be submitted by January 9, 2023. This is to ensure that regional winners are notified in time for the 2023 region conferences.
- If in Region 7, these nominations must be in by December 26, 2022, to have time to score prior to the Region 7 conference.
- Equestrian of the year awards are national awards, and the nomination deadline for this category is May 29, 2023.
- Nominating centers must be current center members in good standing.
- Only one nomination is allowed per center per category.
- In the Equine, Veterinarian and Volunteer categories, the center is not eligible to submit a nomination if they had a regional winner in that category in 2022.
- The nominee is ineligible if they have won a PATH Intl. award in their respective category in the last five years.
- The equestrian participates in an equestrian activity at a PATH Intl. Member Center in good standing and has a disability/special need.
- The adult equestrian must be at least 18 years old as of January 1, 2023.
- The PATH International Equine Services for Heroes equestrian nominee must be at least 18 years old and a military veteran or currently enlisted in the military.
- The youth equestrian must be at least 4 years old but under the age of 18 as of January 1, 2023.
- The Equestrian of the Year is not a regional award. The equestrian awards will have reference essays judged by a panel of volunteer judges to determine the winner in each category.
- The equine’s previous experience has added value to his/her services in the EAS industry at the nominating center.
- The equine has an excellent attitude for work in the EAS industry.
- The equine’s contributions are significant to the nominating center.
- The equine has good relationships with the participants with whom he/she interacts with at the nominating center.
- The volunteer has been active in the center’s program for the entire year prior to this nomination and is still active at this time.
- The volunteer is not paid for his/her time at the center.
- The volunteer’s contributions to the center are of the highest quality.
- The volunteer is reliable and consistently follows thought with his/her commitments.
- The volunteer’s contributions have helped enhance the ability of the center to provide equine-assisted services.
- The nominee has a long history of volunteer service, either at the center or elsewhere in the community.
- The veterinarian volunteers at least a portion of their time or products to the nominating center.
- The veterinarian is currently licensed in their state or county of practice.
- The veterinarian demonstrates compassion and respect for participants and clients.
- The veterinarian demonstrates safe, ethical, and humane treatment of equines.
- The credentialed professional is a current PATH Intl. member in good standing.
- The credentialed professional holds a PATH Intl. certification or EFP or EAL credentials.
- The credentialed professional has a minimum of two years’ experience in their respective field.
- The credentialed professional demonstrates excellent teaching, facilitating or other related skills.
- The credentialed professional demonstrates compassion and respect for students, clients, staff, and volunteers.
- The credentialed professional demonstrates safe, ethical, and humane partnering with equines.
- The credentialed professional adheres to all applicable PATH Intl. Standards, guidelines, and code of ethics.
- Additional information for the credentialed professional to be submitted will include credentials, certifications, and experience information, and the nominator will be asked to rank certain attributes of the nominee.
- Please be sure to follow the instructions described on the nomination form and fill out the form in its entirety.
The PATH Intl. James Brady Professional Achievement Award is given to a person who has made a significant contribution to the industry of equine-assisted services (EAS). (James Brady was the press secretary to U.S. President Ronald Reagan who was shot during an assassination attempt in 1981. The failed attempt paralyzed Brady who as part of his physical therapy began therapeutic riding with his horse. He said riding helped him improve his balance and muscle control more than traditional therapy. Brady was an ally of then NARHA, and subsequently, the association named its most prestigious award in his honor.)
Winners of this award are recognized for demonstrating the highest ethical behavior in their personal and professional life; for possessing proven leadership and dedication through delivery of service, educational contribution, support, and promotion of the industry; for bringing innovative ideas to fruition; for creating collaborations and partnerships to advance the work of EAS; and for enhancing the success and knowledge of others in the association.
PATH Intl. James Brady Professional Achievement Award criteria and forms:
(The application deadline is May 29, 2023.)
Forms
Equestrians of the Year – Now Closed for 2023
The application deadline is May 29th, 2023
Regional Awards — Now Closed for 2023