Name Change

What is the association's new name?

Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International.

That's a mouthful! Is there an abbreviation to use verbally and in print?

It is acceptable to say PATH International and even abbreviate it to PATH Intl. in print, although we encourage people for a great long while to use the full name until it becomes more familiar.

What is the objective of the new name?

The new name will communicate the essence of the organization and promote future growth and expansion. The new name is comprehendible and recognizable.

What is the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International tagline?

Ensuring excellence and changing lives through equine-assisted activities and therapies.

Why was the name change necessary?

• The previous name was deemed obsolete because of the word "handicapped," which is inappropriate, outdated terminology
• The previous name did not convey the breadth of the organization and its disciplines, previously limited to riding
• The previous name did not convey international growth
• The previous name did not include the mental health field

What was the process for determining the new name?

The board of trustees appointed a name change task force to explore new names and taglines and to validate them through research.

The board agreed a new name should communicate the essence of the organization and promote future growth and expansion. They concurred that the name must be more effective at communicating in order to achieve strategic goals for growth and expansion. The intent was to have a name that allowed for potential support and funding from untapped resources.

The name change initiative had already been in progress for many years, and preliminary work had been done. The organization had already reached out to membership for input. The World Café process was administered at the regional meetings and at the 2009 National Conference. An on-line survey was also deployed to the membership and responses were captured. Four groups were included in the survey test: 1) NARHA membership, 2) MDs/PTs/OTs/ Psychiatrists/ Psychotherapists, 3) Equine Enthusiasts, 4) Mass Consumers outside the industry. (Email lists were purchased and/or donated.)

The name change research results were conclusive in that the name Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International is comprehendible and recognizable.

What were the research findings?

Responses were compiled at the NARHA headquarters and qualitative responses were grouped for quantitative analysis and interpretation. This data was compiled and ranked in order of importance.
Name: Based on the clear and concise findings (39% of total respondents chose this name), the board of trustees approved to changed the name to Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International. This choice was reinforced by the second ranked choice (31% of total respondents chose this name), Therapeutic Horsemanship International, since it shares the same core terminology “therapeutic horsemanship.” All stakeholder groups selected the names in the same rank order in the additional analysis by key stakeholder groups.

Tagline: The top ranked tag-line was "Ensuring excellence and changing lives through equine-assisted activities and therapies." The only group that chose a different tagline was the non-member group. They chose “Helping People with Special Needs through the Healing Power of the Horse.” The task force determined that “Raising Standards of Excellence and Changing Lives through Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies” was the second choice among non-members and does a better job of defining the role of the organization inside of the industry. One of the core guidelines was that the branding and naming help position the organization within the industry and not confuse the organization with a center. The tagline results were somewhat polarized between the medical professionals and the non-members. Medical professionals preferred the recommended language at 45% opposed to 22% for “Helping People with Special Needs through the Healing Power of the Horse.” For these reasons, the task force recommended using the modified tagline which is supported by members and the    medical community, two very important stakeholder groups.

How will the name change impact me (general)?

All members will see changes to the website, publications and educational materials as the roll-out continues. Other than that, and some getting used to regarding using the new name in conversation (Hey, a 40-year habit could be hard to break!), everything will be business as usual.

As an instructor or equine specialist, what changes will I see?

You will see changes to the association website, publications and educational materials as the new name is rolled out. Other than that, everything will be business as usual. All instructors and Equine Specialists in good standing should watch their mail for an instructor’s name change tool kit binder.

How will the name change impact our center?

You will see changes to the website, publications and educational materials as the new name is rolled out. Other than that, everything will be business as usual.

Centers have the freedom to update their materials as current supplies are exhausted and capacity allows. All we ask is that you do what you can to include the new name and logo, whenever you can. Centers are definitely NOT required to implement the change immediately. In        their 2011 renewal packet, centers will receive a PATH Intl. metal center sign and new logos on their Standards for Certification and Accreditation CD mailing, coming soon. We hope you will hang it in a prominent place in your facility, and when you see it pause and reflect with pride on the storied history and dynamic group of colleagues to which your center belongs.    

Announcing to the world the new, contemporary and accurately reflective name for your association should be great fun. It is not intended to create hardships for any centers or members, instead it will hopefully help you better explain the wonderful services your center offers.

In fact, as the association plans comprehensive and widespread media outreach to announce the launch, we encourage the centers to consider the same thing. The name change is a fun and exciting conversation starter. Take the opportunity to share with community members the fact that your center belongs to a progressive and growing industry and why the center is a member of a professional membership association. A name change press release template will be available for download from the My Center Membership section of www.pathintl.org.

Why is the word ‘international’ in the name?

The word international may not have been an accurate reflection of the association years ago but it currently is accurate and we hope to continue to grow that influence. For instance, during one week in April 2011, PATH Intl. was host to two unrelated visits from delegations representing colleges in both Japan and South Korea.

PATH Intl. currently has members on all continents except Antarctica.

PATH Intl. staff members speak on a weekly basis to individuals from all over the world looking for direction, membership, certification or center information. The standards are purchased by foreign entities regularly. International corporations make inquiries, and international media representatives frequently contact PATH Intl. for EAAT information.

The current PATH Intl. strategic plan outlines Goal 1, Objective 2: Identify, analyze, prioritize, develop protocol and actively seek emerging national and international opportunities.

Many countries may not need or choose to include PATH Intl. in their educational, operational or organizational goals. However, many, many countries that are still developing their EAAT industries are coming to PATH Intl. for leadership direction in certification and accreditation.       The goal of PATH Intl. is to be a resource for those who need one.

On June 7, 2011 we added a flag counter to the homepage of narha.org. In less than 24 hours we had unique visitors from 26 countries!!! As of 9 a.m., June 20, 2011 there are almost 80.

Is PATH Intl. competing with FRDI/HETI?

PATH Intl. has no intention of competing with HETI/FRDI. PATH Intl. is a certifying and accrediting body. HETI/FRDI does neither, nor do they have standards, educational workshops or materials. HETI/FRDI is an association/federation of associations. PATH Intl. has no interest in pursuing that mission.

The two organizations have non-competing mission specifics:
• HETI/FRDI mission: Our mission is to facilitate the worldwide collaboration between organizations and individuals whose objectives are philanthropic, scientific and educational in the field of equine assisted activities.

• PATH Intl. mission: PATH Intl. changes and enriches lives by promoting excellence in equine-assisted activities and therapies.

Why is the term ‘therapeutic’ being used?

While PATH Intl. will continue to use the industry accepted umbrella term equine-assisted activities and therapies (EAAT) to describe the services provided by professionals in the industry, a broader, shorter, easily comprehended term was required to quickly and effectively  convey the mission of the association. The word therapeutic is used, not therapy which can only be provided by a licensed professional such as an OT/PT/SLP/Psychologist. Based upon the following terminology, therapeutic horsemanship was proposed and accepted for inclusion in the name.

Terminology FYI
•    The term Therapeutic Horsemanship as defined in the PATH Intl. Standards for Certification and Accreditation: equine activities organized and taught by instructors specifically trained to work with people with disabilities or diverse needs. The intent is for students to progress in equestrian skills while improving their cognitive, emotional, social and/or behavioral skills.
•    Therapeutic Activity as defined in the PATH Intl. Standards for Certification and Accreditation: an activity from which a participant derives benefit. An activity can be therapeutic without being considered a therapy or treatment. In general, equine assisted activities may be described as therapeutic, but are not considered treatment without fulfilling specific requirements.

General

Do I need my member number to log in?

No. On the old website, you used your member number and password to get in. Now, you will need your unique email address and password. If you are logging in for the first time, the password is Password1 (case-sensitive and no spaces). You will not need your member number, and your member number will not work in the email field.

I'm having trouble logging in. What do I need to do?

We've all had times of trying to log in to a webpage and didn't notice that our caps-lock was on. Here are a few of the more common mistakes:

• caps-lock was on
• didn’t capitalize when they should (e.g. “password1” instead of “Password1”) -- it’s case-sensitive
• had the username and password flipped
• using a numeric value for their user name (not an email address) -- in other words, don't use your member number
• not filling in the username

I have a horse I would like to donate to PATH Intl. How do I go about that?

Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) Member Centers depend on the generosity of horse owners to acquire horses and ponies for therapeutic riding programs. Many horses are donated to PATH Intl. Centers because owners outgrow them. Some are retired competitors whose owners want them to lead less strenuous lives. And some horses are donated because the owner's tax credit is more of a benefit then selling the horse. Whatever the reason for the donation, each horse must meet a PATH Intl. Center's needs and pass a trial testing and training period before he is mainstreamed into the program. Read PATH Intl.’s standards regarding horse donations. PATH Intl. partners with DonateMyHorse.com to provide a platform for horse donations to therapeutic riding centers nationwide.

I’m interested in starting a PATH Intl. center. How do I begin?

The idea of starting an equine-assisted activities and therapies program or opening a PATH Intl. center can seem overwhelming at first, and many questions immediately come to mind. Find the answers here.

How do I return or exchange PATH Intl./EFMHA merchandise?

http://www.pathintl.org/policies

How soon will merchandise I purchased be shipped?

Items are usually shipped within 5-7 days. However, items do not ship without a receipt of payment. Read our shipping policies here.

Membership

What does a PATH Intl. membership cost?

For an individual member, the cost is $50 annually. For individuals residing outside North America, an Individual International Membership is available for $90 annually. The benefits are the same.

What does an individual membership include?

An individual membership includes a subscription to PATH Intl. STRIDES (our quarterly news magazine) and PATH Intl. News (our industry newsletter distributed twice monthly via email). You also have the opportunity to receive one of PATH Intl.'s industry publications: Administrator Voice, for those who administer PATH Intl. centers; Instructor Voice, with tips and articles especially written by and for PATH Intl. instructors; and EFMHA News, the magazine of the Equine Facilitated Mental Health Association.

Why can I not access the Foundation Directory?

The Foundation Directory is a center benefit, not a member benefit. Therefore, only a center's executive director or primary contact may access the Foundation Directory.

Where is the Standards Manual?

The PATH Intl. Standards for Certification and Accreditation Manual is a members only benefit. It can be found here. Please note that you must be logged in as a member first.

What is the Higher Education Membership?

You can read about the Higher Education Membership here. Or click on the FAQ page here.

certification

How do I start the certification process?

The Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH Intl.) offers three levels of certification for therapeutic riding instructors: Registered, Advanced and Master. Specialty Discipline Certification is also available for driving and interactive vaulting. Therapeutic riding instructors who teach at PATH Intl. Centers are required to achieve (one level of) PATH Intl. Instructor Certification status. Instructors may apply for any level of certification they feel they are qualified to achieve, as long as the application criteria for that level are met. Click here to begin the process.

Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy and Equine-Facilitated Learning

How does EFP/EFL fit with PATH Intl.?

EFP and EFL are two specific approaches (equine-facilitated psychotherapy and equine-facilitated learning) for accomplishing the mission of PATH Intl.: to change and enrich lives by promoting excellence in equine-assisted activities and therapies. The PATH Intl. organization provides a set of core safety standards that apply to all equine assisted activities regardless of your techniques or approach. These standards enforce quality risk management considerations so that the clientele, horses, and staff within each program are at a lower risk of injury or harm. All practitioners within the field of equine-assisted activities should have knowledge of and adhere to PATH Intl./EFMHA's field-tested safety standards as an attempt to protect and advance our industry.

What is the PATH Intl./EFMHA Integration

On November 4, 2010, the presidents of the PATH Intl. Board of Trustees and the EFMHA Board of Directors signed a proclamation fully integrating EFMHA into the association. For questions about the PATH Intl./EFMHA integration, please read the Frequently Asked Questions document. Also view the volunteer organizational chart to see EFMHA integration and representation on PATH Intl.'s various committees. 

What is the difference between equine-facilitated psychotherapy and equine-facilitated learning?

Equine facilitated learning experiences are carefully created equine assisted activities that promote human development in an experiential format. Equine facilitated learning may be conducted by an educator, therapist, an equine specialist or a PATH Intl. instructor. Experiential learning refers to a style of learning that occurs when a person is interacting with the environment, including the people, animals and situations involved. It is “learning by doing” and may take place over a short period of time, such as a workshop, or during regularly scheduled sessions.

Equine facilitated psychotherapy provides clinical assessment and treatment of mental health needs through equine assisted activities. EFP denotes an established therapeutic relationship with clearly established treatment goals and objectives developed by the client and his or her therapist. The therapist must be an appropriately credentialed mental health professional to legally practice psychotherapy.

What is an equine specialist?

An “equine specialist” (ES) is defined as an experienced horse handler who is aware of important issues within the fields of mental health and education services, e.g. confidentiality, duty to warn, transference, counter-transference, and projection. This individual is comparable to a therapeutic riding instructor (TRI) but has additional training for understanding the mental health/education issues in addition to the physical components in which the TRI is traditionally trained. It is the equine specialist's job to advocate for the equine and translate the equine's behavior and feedback to the rest of the team.

How do Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy and Equine-Facilitated Learning help clients with psychosocial healing and growth?

EFP and EFL take mental health and learning practices “to the barn” as an experiential approach to personal growth and healing. The partnership that is developed between the clients or students and their horse provides an alternative opportunity to the traditional mental health and education services. The EFP or EFL sessions are goal oriented to meet the clientele’s needs in an individual, group, or family setting. Within the field of equine-assisted activities, EFP and EFL add the emotional and cognitive aspects of treating the whole person and help them with their needs in a multi-dimensional way.

Are there any precautions or contraindications to EFP?

Yes, EFP precautions and contraindications are available in your PATH Intl. Standards for Certification and Accreditation Manual. Another way to enforce a quality risk management system is to adhere to the specific EFP/EFL contraindications and precautions in addition to PATH Intl.’s list of contraindications and precautions. A “contraindication” is defined as a condition or factor that increases the risks involved in using a particular drug, carrying out a medical procedure, or engaging in a particular activity. A “precaution” is defined as increased awareness or steps that are taken to prevent or reduce the likelihood of emotional or physical harm.

What does EFMHA mean by horse partnership?

The equine is a critically important, sentient partner in the four-part team consisting of the equine, a mental health professional or educator, an equine specialist and a client. It is important that the horse is considered a full partner within these sessions, protected from harm and not placed or staged in an environment that could elicit a fear or stress response in hopes of benefitting the client. This philosophy is very important for the center to implement as a whole to ensure that clients are not witnessing horses experiencing undue harm or stress, as well as to ensure quality care, emotional, and physical well being of the program horses.

Donations

How can I support PATH Intl.?

There are several different ways to support PATH Intl. Visit our donations page to learn how.

Is PATH Intl. registered with eBay Giving Works?

Yes! PATH Intl. has signed with MissionFish to raise funds for PATH Intl. with eBay Giving Works. This means if you are selling on eBay, you can give 10 to 100 percent of the proceeds to PATH Intl. The money is deposited directly into PATH Intl.'s bank account. Visit PATH Intl.'s page on eBay to learn more.