How Long Is Therapeutic Riding Training?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Complete at least

120 hours

instructing riders with disabilities at a current PATH International member center.

What does PATH certified mean?

Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor​

The PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) is

a voluntary, entry-level credential for individuals in the equine-assisted services (EAS) profession who provide riding instruction and therapeutic value to people with disabilities

.

What is the difference between therapeutic riding and hippotherapy?

Physical, occupational or speech therapy in which hippo- therapy is utilized, is reimbursable by medical insurance (third party).

Therapeutic riding is recreational horseback riding lessons adapted to individuals with disabilities

.

What makes a good therapeutic riding horse?

Desired traits include: soundness; three good, clear gaits at the walk, trot and canter; nice temperament; ability to tolerate attention by many people; low flight response; and a height of 14 hands to 16 hands in order to serve children and adult riders.

What horses are best for equine therapy?

Among the most frequently used horses for hippotherapy and therapeutic riding centers are

American quarter horses

. Quarter horses have the ideal temperament for working in therapeutic riding programs. They are calm, even-tempered and friendly.

What is a therapy horse expected to do?

Equine Therapy can help the individual

build confidence, self- efficiency, communication, trust, perspective, social skills, impulse control, and learn boundaries

.

How many therapeutic riding centers are there in the US?

Through a wide variety of educational resources, the association helps individuals start and maintain successful programs. As of December 31, 2018, there are

873 centers

that are members of PATH Intl.

What does hippotherapy stand for?

Hippotherapy consists of the words meaning “horse” “hippos”, and “treatment” “therapy” in ancient Greek. It is defined as

equine-assisted treatment

.

What is path riding?

Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.), a federally-registered 501(c3) nonprofit, was formed in 1969 as the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association to

promote

equine-assisted services (EAS) for individuals with special needs.

Is equine therapy good for anxiety?

Although

equine-assisted therapy has been shown to be helpful in the treatment of anxiety

, a client may fear being around a large horse and not feel motivated to attend this type of treatment. There may also be a traumatic memory involving animals that would prevent someone from being willing to participate.

Does hippotherapy help autism?

Autism Hippotherapy has been shown to

improve one’s balance, strength, and motor coordination

. It has also been proven to be effective in promoting language, sensory regulation as well as improving social skills as students often form an emotional bond with the horses they ride on.

Does Medi cal cover equine therapy?

Hippotherapy or equine therapy is a covered benefit for a member who: Has received clearance from their primary care provider. Participates in a case or disease management program. Has a diagnosis of a substance use disorder.

How long has equine therapy been around?

In

1946

Equine Therapy was introduced in Scandinavia after an outbreak of poliomyelitis. Hippotherapy, as currently practiced was developed in the 1960s, when it began to be used in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland as an adjunct to traditional physical therapy.

Is equine therapy effective?

Research shows that Equine-Assisted Therapy is effective for treating adolescents experiencing depression, anxiety, and/or trauma-related symptoms, as well as ADHD, autism, dissociative disorders, and other mental health diagnoses.

Are horses good for mental health?

Research has confirmed many equine therapy benefits. It lowers your blood pressure and heart rate, alleviates stress and reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Equine therapy also helps people struggling with addictions or mental illness

. There are several life skills that horse teaches better than a person.

What does PATH International stand for?


Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International

(PATH Intl.) is committed to the advancement of equine-assisted services for lifelong impact.

What is Hippo therapist?

Hippotherapy involves

a specially trained therapist who uses the horse as a “live” treatment tool

. The movement of the horse is used to achieve long term and short term treatment goals that are individualized to each patient.

What is hippotherapy autism?

Hippotherapy is

a horse-aided therapy

. Horse movements provide motor and sensory inputs that are used in the treatment of conditions ranging from autism spectrum disorder and cerebral palsy to attention deficit disorder and developmental delays. The term hippotherapy comes from the Greek word “hippos” meaning horse.

What is a horse therapist called?

The term

hippotherapy

refers to how occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech-language pathology professionals use evidence-based practice and clinical reasoning in the purposeful manipulation of equine movement as a therapy tool to engage sensory, neuromotor and cognitive systems to promote functional outcomes …

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.