Media Room
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July 2017
PATH Intl. Conference: Remember the Learning, the Networking, the Fun!
Registration Now Open
Denver – Grab your boots and ten-gallon hats and come to the PATH Intl. Conference and Annual Meeting, sponsored by Purina, November 8-11, in San Antonio, Texas, home of the Alamo, Gatorade and the famous San Antonio River Walk.
Equine-assisted activities and therapies (EAAT) is a rapidly growing field, and PATH Intl. is responding with its certifications for therapeutic riding, driving and vaulting and its equine specialist in mental health and learning certification. Certification means that children and adults, including veterans, with physical, cognitive, emotional and social challenges are getting the very best in instruction and safety for themselves and loved ones when seeking EAAT through PATH Intl. accredited centers. The CEUs earned at the annual conference ensure that credentialed professionals stay current with teaching methods while being inspired and re-invigorated by this work. But the conference is also a great way to learn more about this burgeoning field.
The sessions at the PATH Intl. Conference, grouped into five tracks, appeal to a wide range of interests and experience. The Administration Track is perfect for those wanting information on the center side of EAAT. If you are thinking of starting a center, these sessions are a must! Sessions include information about the Equine Activity Liability Acts, board management and financial stability. The Instructor and the Program Tracks feature sessions for those interested in teaching and offer opportunities to earn CEUs. Sessions include information on serving people with dementia, broadening the educational horizons for children on the autism spectrum, being an instructor with a disability, veterans programs and lesson plans. The Mental Health Track offers a wide range of sessions including working with the Law Enforcement Officer Support Project, how the brain and body work together in equine-facilitated psychotherapy and youth in foster care. The Equine Track focuses on our equine partners with sessions on hoof health, compassionate collaborations and transitioning new equines into a program. The PATH Intl. Horse Expo will continue the equine focus on Saturday, November 11, with hands-on sessions at the Kendall County Youth Agriculture and Equestrian Center.
A moderated panel discussion, “Hurdles or Opportunities: Trends, Innovations and Disruptions in the EAAT Industry,” will kick off the conference on Wednesday, November 8. The panel will include PATH Intl. Board President and CEO of the American Horse Council Julie Broadway. The PATH Intl. Awards Luncheon on Friday gives everyone the opportunity to see what we are all about as we celebrate the accomplishments of certified professionals, equines, volunteers and veterinarians, and as we listen to the incredible stories of our equestrian winners who overcame challenges through the unique bond developed between horse and human at PATH Intl. Member Centers.
Early registration is currently offered online on the conference page at www.pathintl.org, as well as more information about conference sessions (click on the registration book), the Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk and things to do in San Antonio (“Remember the Alamo!”). The early registration discount ends September 15, so register now at the lowest conference price in a decade.
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About PATH Intl.:
The Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International® (PATH Intl.®) was formed in 1969 to promote safety and optimal outcomes in equine-assisted activities and therapies (EAAT) for individuals with special needs. At 881 member centers, more than 66,000 children and adults—including 6,200 veterans—may find improved health, wellness, fun and a sense of pride and independence through involvement with horses. Therapeutic horsemanship at member centers may include hippotherapy, equine-facilitated mental health, driving, interactive vaulting, trail riding, competition, groundwork and stable management. Through a wide variety of educational resources, the association helps individuals start and maintain successful EAAT programs. There are more than 62,000 volunteers, 5,011 instructors, 7,800 equines and thousands of contributors from al