Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International

What Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International does

Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) is a federally registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1969 and headquartered in Denver, Colorado. It functions as the leading membership-based professional association for the equine-assisted services (EAS) industry, serving individuals with disabilities, military veterans, certified therapeutic riding instructors, EAS operating centers, and higher education institutions that train EAS practitioners. The organization supports a network of 721+ member centers across 11 geographic regions, nearly 4,000 individual members, and more than 5,000 certified professionals who collectively serve over 71,000 participants annually.

PATH Intl.'s core product platform consists of credentialing and accreditation services. The flagship offering is the NCCA-accredited Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) certification, administered through Pearson VUE testing centers, alongside specialized credentials for Equine Specialists in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL), Therapeutic Driving Instructors, and Interactive Vaulting Instructors. The Premier Accredited Center program provides a five-year peer-review accreditation against the PATH Intl. Standards Manual. Education offerings include a 13-week Fundamentals of Equine-Assisted Learning online course co-developed with Strides to Success, EAL Facilitator Microcredentials, a CTRI Skills Clinic, and grant programs (EAS Participant Fund, Disaster Relief Fund). Technology infrastructure comprises a Salesforce-based membership portal and the Member Connection community platform.

The revenue model is diversified across recurring individual membership dues ($80-$190/year across three tiers), center membership dues (tiered by operating budget), one-time CTRI certification application and exam fees ($175-$675 depending on member status), corporate sponsorships (Platinum through Pewter tiers), advertising in Strides Magazine and eNews, conference registrations, EAL course fees ($425-$499), and grants/donations. Go-to-market is community-led, leveraging the 11-region structure, biennial international conference, regional conferences, the Find-a-Program directory, and partnerships with entities such as Wounded Warrior Project (veterans services) and corporate sponsors including Zoetis, Purina, and Tribute Equine Nutrition.

Name

Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International

Legal name

Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International

Website

https://pathintl.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1969

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

PATH Intl. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1969 that serves as the leading membership association for equine-assisted services, credentialing instructors and accrediting 721+ centers that serve over 71,000 participants with disabilities and veterans annually.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Association / Therapeutic Horsemanship Certification

NAICS

Educational Support Services (61171), Sports and Recreation Instruction (611620), All Other Schools and Instruction (61169), Professional and Management Development Training (611430)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Equine Care & Stable Management (EDAOAOAE)

Keywords

• Professional certification services
• Therapeutic riding accreditation
• Equine-assisted services
• Nonprofit membership association
• Veteran services program

Headquarters

HQ city

Denver

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Membership Dues: Annual membership fees at three tiers: Participating Member ($80/year), Professional Member ($110/year), and Professional Plus Member ($190/year). Provides access to standards, Strides magazine, member connection platform, discounts on certifications and conferences.
2. Center Membership Dues: Annual center membership with dues tiered based on the center's annual operating expense budget. Includes directory listing, resources, discounts, and eligibility for grants and accreditation.
3. CTRI Certification Fees: Application fees of $175 for Professional/Professional Plus members and $275 for Participating/non-members. Certification exam fees of $550 for Professional/Professional Plus members and $675 for Participating/non-members. Additional revenue from certification prep materials and continuing education.
4. Advertising and Sponsorships: Revenue from advertising in Strides Magazine (mailed to ~4,000 members and 721+ centers), eNews advertising (distributed to 13,000+ contacts), classified ads, and corporate sponsorships at multiple tiers from Copper ($1,000) to Platinum ($15,000+).
5. EAL Course Fees: The Fundamentals of Equine-Assisted Learning online course priced at $425 for members and $499 for non-members. 13-week facilitated course requiring weekly equine access.
6. Conference Revenue: International conferences (in-person and virtual) with registration fees, with member discounts. Also includes regional conference registrations.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

PATH Intl. is a nonprofit professional association that delivers the NCCA-accredited Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) certification, complementary instructor certifications (ESMHL, Therapeutic Driving, Interactive Vaulting), and a five-year Center Accreditation (Premier Accredited Center) program for equine-assisted services providers. It also sells tiered individual and center memberships, online education courses including the Fundamentals of Equine-Assisted Learning program, and runs the Member Connection community platform and the PATH International Equine Services for Heroes veteran program.

Product overview

PATH Intl. operates as a membership-based professional association offering a platform of equine-assisted services certifications, accreditations, education programs, and member resources. The core offerings include the NCCA-accredited CTRI certification for therapeutic riding instructors, along with specialized certifications for Equine Specialists in Mental Health and Learning, Therapeutic Driving Instructors, and Interactive Vaulting Instructors. Center accreditation (Premier Accredited Center status) provides a peer-review quality assurance mechanism. Education offerings include the 13-week Fundamentals of Equine-Assisted Learning online course and various EAL microcredentials. The organization supports members through the Member Connection platform, Strides Magazine publication, grant programs (EAS Participant Fund, Disaster Relief Fund), and veteran services through the PATH International Equine Services for Heroes program. The Standards Manual provides industry guidelines for certification and accreditation.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) Certification Entry-level, NCCA-accredited voluntary credential for professionals providing therapeutic riding instruction to people with disabilities, delivered via application, computer-based Pearson VUE exam, and skills requirements.
• Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL) Certification Certification for equine specialists working in mental health and learning settings within equine-assisted services.
• Therapeutic Driving Instructor Certification Certification for professionals providing therapeutic driving instruction adapted from traditional equine driving disciplines for participants with disabilities.
• Interactive Vaulting Instructor Certification Certification for instructors teaching vaulting activities adapted for participants with disabilities within equine-assisted services programs.
• Center Accreditation / Premier Accredited Center Status Voluntary peer-review accreditation process in which trained volunteers visit and review member centers against PATH Intl. standards; successful centers receive five-year Premier Accredited Center status.
• Fundamentals of Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) Online Course 13-week facilitated online course covering core competencies to facilitate EAL sessions, offered in collaboration with Strides to Success; priced at $425 for members and $499 for non-members.
• EAL Facilitator Microcredentials Specialty microcredentials in EAL for education, personal development, organizations, and mounted EAL, available to graduates of the Fundamentals of EAL certificate program.
• Higher Education Membership Program Institutional membership program for colleges and universities offering equine-assisted services education, providing members access to industry resources, student discounts, and reduced CTRI fees for students.
• Individual Membership Tiers (Participating, Professional, Professional Plus) Annual individual membership tiers at $80, $110, and $190 that provide access to the Standards Manual, Strides Magazine, Member Connection platform, certification discounts, conference discounts, perks program, and member directory.
• Center Membership Annual center membership with dues tiered on the center's annual operating expense budget, providing directory listing, resources, discounts, grant eligibility, and accreditation eligibility.
• PATH Intl. Standards Manual Comprehensive proprietary manual detailing voluntary standards for equine-assisted services, precautions and contraindications, glossary of industry terms, and sample forms, sold as a standalone reference resource.
• PATH Intl. CTRI Skills Clinic Educational skills clinic designed for CTRI certification preparation and professional development.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 71,000 individuals served annually through member centers
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Wounded Warrior ProjectcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership providing scholarships for equine-assisted services to registered wounded warriors. WWP has made significant grants to PATH Intl. for this purpose. Reimbursement of $85/hour for EAS and $150/hour for EAP/EAC to Premier Accredited Centers serving registered warriors.
• Strides to SuccesscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPremier Accredited Center collaborator on the Fundamentals of Equine-Assisted Learning online course. Jointly developed 13-week facilitated course covering core competencies for EAL facilitation.
• Temple Grandin Equine Center (Colorado State University)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerGold-level sponsor and education partner. Logo displayed on PATH Intl. website sponsors section.
• ZoetisminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPlatinum-level corporate sponsor in the equine health/pharmaceutical space.
• Purina (Land O'Lakes)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerPlatinum-level corporate sponsor providing horse feed products and sponsorship.
• Tribute Equine NutritionminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPlatinum-level sponsor focused on equine nutrition products.
• CommonTeri ServicesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGold-level sponsor providing therapeutic services support.
• Markel InsuranceminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGold-level sponsor specializing in horse and farm insurance for therapeutic riding centers.
• Adequan (Innoventivet)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver-level sponsor providing equine joint health products.
• Killian Insurance AgencyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBronze-level sponsor providing farm and equine insurance services.
• Mad BarnminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBronze-level sponsor providing equine health and nutrition products.
• BreyerminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPewter-level sponsor providing horse-related products and merchandise.
• Chariot InnovationsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPewter-level sponsor providing equine therapy equipment.
• American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-sponsor of the AQHA PATH Intl. EAS Horse of The Year Award.
• BenefHub (Abenity)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner providing member perks program with over $4,500 in savings on products and services including travel, wellness, dining, and entertainment.
• Pearson VUEcoreTechnology or IntegrationTesting center partnership for computer-based CTRI certification exams administered globally at Pearson Vue centers.
• GrantStationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner providing free access to GrantStation for center members to search for grant opportunities.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• EAGALA (Equine-Assisted Growth and Learning Association): Global professional association offering the EAGALA Model certification for equine-assisted learning and psychotherapy. Competes directly with PATH Intl.'s EAL and ESMHL certification tracks for the same professional and corporate training market.
• HETI (Federation of Horses in Education and Therapy International): The international umbrella federation of which PATH Intl. is a member country. HETI coordinates standards, research, and accreditation across national equine therapy associations worldwide, serving as the global peer counterpart to PATH Intl.
• Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA): The other major US equestrian instructor certification body. CHA certifies riding instructors across many disciplines; PATH Intl. specializes in the therapeutic/disabilities segment, making CHA a direct peer in credentialing infrastructure.
• American Hippotherapy Association: Professional association for therapists integrating horses into clinical practice. Directly comparable to PATH Intl. as a peer professional/credentialing body in the equine-assisted services field, with overlapping therapist and instructor membership.

Emerging players

• Pet Partners (formerly Delta Society): Leading animal-assisted interventions organization with therapy animal certification across species. Comparable to PATH Intl. as an adjacent professional/certification body in the broader animal-assisted services space.
• Horses & Humans Research Foundation: Nonprofit that funds and disseminates research on equine-assisted services. While not a credentialing body, it shapes the evidence base that PATH Intl. and competing associations rely on for standards - making it an emerging peer with partial overlap.

Broad incumbents

• American Horse Council: National trade association for the US horse industry, conducting economic impact studies and policy advocacy. Source of the 2023 EAS economic impact data PATH Intl. relies on; functions as a broad incumbent across the equine services industry.
• US Equestrian Federation: The national governing body for equestrian sport in the US. While not focused on therapy, USEF sets baseline riding standards and competition pathways that intersect with PATH Intl.'s adaptive riding and driving programs.

Regional players

• Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA UK): UK-based charity providing therapeutic horsemanship with member centers, instructor training, and accreditation. Directly analogous to PATH Intl. in mission, structure, and revenue model, but operating in a different geography.
• Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association (CanTRA): Canada's national therapeutic riding association, offering instructor certification and center accreditation analogous to PATH Intl.'s CTRI and Premier Accredited Center programs. A regional peer serving the same market north of the border.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/path_intl
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/pathintlvideo
• Facebookfacebook.com/pathintl
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/path-intl-
• Instagraminstagram.com/path.intl

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International