Standing Ovation by Ovation Riding

This week’s nominee: PATH International.

Every Friday, Horse Nation teams up with Ovation Riding to spotlight an individual or organization doing good work in the horse world. Today, we recognize the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International, or PATH International.

PATH International is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, originally formed in 1969 as the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association. The mission of the organization has always been to promote equine-assisted activities and therapies for special needs individuals. PATH International is recognized as the credentialing organization for accrediting individual therapeutic centers as well as certifying instructors and specialists.

To date, PATH International has certified over 4,800 instructors and counts 877 member centers around the world. That includes not only therapeutic riding but hippotherapy, equine-facilitated mental health, driving, interactive vaulting, competition, ground work and stable management. Students include children, adults, veterans and active military.

Annually, PATH International hosts an international conference as well as regional conferences to keep its members informed and to build community. Additionally, PATH International maintains a Disaster Relief Fund to assist member centers in the event of catastrophic loss during a declared federal or state disaster.

Promoting education and excellence, a PATH International certified instructor or member center is held to high standards and maintains core values.

To learn more about PATH International, please visit the organization’s website. You can search here for member centers to find a therapeutic facility near you.

Many thanks thanks to Ovation Riding for their support of both Horse Nation and individuals and organizations that are doing good work in the horse world. If you know someone who deserves a Standing Ovation, we would love to recognize them in a future post. Email the name of the person or organization along with a message about the good work they do to [email protected]. Photos/videos are always welcome, and include a link to their website if applicable.