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Therapeutic Riding Instructor Mentoring and Training Program
Would you like to get started on the exciting journey of becoming a professional therapeutic riding instructor but don't know where to start? Do you want to obtain an internationally-recognised therapeutic riding instructor certification but are unable to attend an onsite training course?
Certification courses can be prohibitively expensive and not designed for people who might need time and space to learn at their own pace due to a disability, neurodivergence or mental health condition. People with small children or caring responsibilities and those who cannot travel or take time off work to attend an onsite course are often also excluded.
At With Horses, we train students from all around the globe and are constantly searching for ways to open up the industry to a more diverse range of people because we know that people with lived experience of disability, disadvantage and discrimination make the very best equine assisted professionals. So, we're removing every obstacle by launching a new accessible, affordable and inclusive completely online training, mentoring and supervision package for trainees working towards PATH International certification. Now you can help build participants’ skills in and out of the arena by becoming a PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor!
What is PATH International Certification?
The PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) is an entry-level credential for individuals in the equine-assisted services (EAS) profession who provide riding instruction of therapeutic value to people with disabilities (which can include both mental and physical health conditions). CTRIs provide mounted or unmounted work ethically partnering with an equine and have met established criteria and standards of practice in the field. They must pass both written and practical exams to become certified to teach equine-assisted services, demonstrating their knowledge of disabilities, health related conditions, horse management and equestrian skills expertise and instruction, teaching and human-animal interaction. This certification program is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), the accrediting body of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence. The requirements needed for the CTRI can be found at the PATH International website.
Why choose PATH International?
PATH Intl leads the advancement of professional equine-assisted services through rigorously developed standards, credentialing and education. They safeguard the public by identifying qualified individuals through validated measurement of knowledge, skills and abilities to ensure that certified individuals possess the skills necessary to provide the highest level of service in equine-assisted services. They aim to elevate the equine-assisted services profession by providing qualified individuals with the international credibility and competitive advantages that come with achieving PATH Intl. certification.
To date, PATH Intl. has certified nearly 5,000 instructors to support 873 member centers in confidently providing equine-assisted services according to PATH Intl. standards. You can locate PATH Intl. Certified Professionals around the world via the online certified professionals directory and, once certified are eligible to join this directory.
PATH Intl. certifies professionals according to a set of field-tested standards to ensure the highest levels of safety, ethics and effectiveness in the industry. Participants and their families can be confident that PATH Intl. Professionals deliver safe and effective EAS programming.
The Process
The PATH Intl CTRI assessment process consists of three phases:
Phase 1
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Locate a supervising instructor.
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Complete the PATH Intl. Standards course and exam (score valid 1 year)
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Obtain or share proof of current adult and child CPR and first aid certifications (100% online courses are acceptable)
Phase 2
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Submit a CTRI application. These materials include:
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Application paperwork (parts 1-5)
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Video demonstrating riding skill instruction and communication skills.
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Phase 3
Take the CTRI exam at a Pearson Vue Testing Centre. It consists of 5 content areas* with multiple-choice questions on Equine Handling, Participant and Volunteer Management, Lesson Management, Risk Management and Riding Theory.
Entry Requirements:
Our professional courses are for learners over the age of 18 who have experience of working with or caring for horses. A background as an equine professional or human services professional (teacher/social worker/therapist) is advantageous but not essential. There are complex Health and Safety issues working with large animals, that require confidence, experience and maturity, and this course is aimed at the learner who is used to working with Equines and who requires minimal supervision in practice You may already work with horses and want to add learning experiences or therapeutic value to your services.
The With Horses Training and Mentoring Package
The With Horses Path Intl. Training and Mentoring Package is provided by a specially trained and certified mentor who will guide you through the entire process of becoming a CTRI. It includes:
-A Downloadable PATH Intl. Instructor Education Guide
This comprehensive, 200 page, full-color book created by a team of industry experts is filled cover to cover with important industry considerations. Included are chapters on: the equine partner, tack and equipment, participants, teaching in a therapeutic setting, behavior and emotional regulation, volunteers, entering the ring, considerations for instructors, instructor development and a glossary.
- PATH Intl. Principles of Therapeutic Riding Workshop and Student Manual
Perfect for instructors in training, this on-demand workshop series is comprised of six, separate segments designed to build on each other, starting with a macro-level view of therapeutic riding and evolving as the workshop progresses to a micro-level view of the specific knowledge, skills and abilities required for professionals to deliver therapeutic riding sessions effectively and safely.
-Remote Mentoring
Your mentor will assist you through each step of training and certification. The level of mentoring needed is specific to your personal skill level and the process can take six-months to two-years depending upon your previous experience and the pace that you wish to work . You will have an initial evaluation call with a Certified Mentor to decide where you should start the process. A Path Intl Certified Instructor Mentor will then guide you remotely through 25 hours of teaching practice as part of the PATH International CTRI Instructor Certification process. You record your practice lessons from the comfort of your home arena using a smart phone or camera and then send them to your mentor of upload to a sharing platform for review and professional feedback. You meet monthly with your mentor using Zoom for a one-on-one, custom video call where we go over your submitted lesson plan and ride video in real time together. We can pause and talk about moments that were great or delve into what, why, and how to refine certain aspects of the lesson. You receive detailed feedback that summarizes our Zoom meetings and give you customised “challenges” to help you focus your efforts on key areas to develop and refine as an instructor as well as practical tips and applications to help you be the most prepared you can be for certification.
-Teaching Readiness Assessments
When you feel confident that you have taken in all of the information contained in the educational resources provided and sufficiently built your confidence and excellence in teaching through mentored practice hours, you may start thinking about submitting your application for certification. At this stage, your mentor will take the time to review the CTRI Criteria with you to ensure that you are ready to put yourself forward for assessment.
-Certification Video Pre-submission Review
Part of instructor certification application consists of a video demonstrating your riding skill instruction and communication skills. You have the option to share this video with your mentor prior to submission so that they can review it and recommend any changes or additions that need to be made, ensuring that you have the best chance of being successful.
TESTIMONIAL
"Lindsey is a trainer that I trust. I know that I can ask her anything and she won't judge or be harsh. She will be kind and give me a really balanced answer. I think that if we can create that atmosphere of trust and open conversation at our own centre, we'll be onto a winner!"
Sue Woods