PATH INTERNATIONAL

Thank you for your interest in the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) Registered Therapist program. The PATH Intl. Registered Therapist is a licensed therapy professional (OT, COTA, PT, PTA, SLP or SLPA) who provides occupational therapy, physical therapy or speech language pathology services incorporating hippotherapy at a PATH Intl. Member Center. This is not a certification; it is recognition of completion of the relevant American Hippotherapy Association, Inc. (AHA, Inc.) courses and your ability to incorporate hippotherapy into treatment as a part of your patient's larger total plan of care.

Requirements include:

• Completion of the AHA, Inc. Level 1 and Level 2 Hippotherapy Treatment Principles courses Please visit the AHA, Inc. calendar of events to locate upcoming courses.
• Completion of 20 hours of patient treatment using equine movement supervised by a PATH Intl. registered therapist, AHCB certified therapist or Hippotherapy Clinical Specialist®/HPCS
• Passing score on PATH Intl. Standards course and exam
• Submit application to PATH Intl. including course certificates of completion, $20, proof of current professional license, documentation of patient treatment hours, PATH Intl. member # or application for PATH Intl. membership

Recommended is a working knowledge of:

• PATH Intl. Standards for Certification and Accreditation Manual – defines core standards and medical and mental health specialty standards-related daily operations and the use of hippotherapy in treatment at a PATH Intl center. Per PATH Intl. Standards, a PATH Intl. Certified Riding Instructor must be present on-site during all mounted activities conducted at a PATH Intl. center. This includes occupational therapy, physical therapy or speech therapy mounted treatment activities.
• Best Practice Statements (2017) from the American Hippotherapy Association, Inc. – an outline of professional practice standards for therapists that incorporate equine movement into patient treatment. 

For questions, contact the certification department at (800) 369-7433.

Click here to download the Registered Therapist program application.