PATH Training and Education

Overview (PLEASE READ FIRST)

Welcome! This page will provide information about all PATH Intl. workshops and certifications hosted by Pegasus Therapeutic Riding. All sessions are held at Pegasus Farm in Brewster, N.Y., approximately one hour north of New York City. A link for directions is provided below

PATH Intl. offers three therapeutic riding Instructor Certification levels: Registered, Advanced and Master. General workshop and certification information from PATH Intl. will always be available on this page for reference. If Pegasus has any upcoming workshops or certifications scheduled, they will be posted in the scheduling section below.

We have made every effort to provide complete information as it relates to our hosting of workshops and certifications. If you require additional general details regarding instructor certifications, visit pathintl.org.

PATH Intl. Registered Instructor Certification

PATH Intl. offers three therapeutic riding Instructor Certification levels: Registered, Advanced and Master. The following workshops are for the Registered Level. Visit pathintl.org for additional information on Advanced and Master Level certifications.

To become a Registered Instructor, you must successfully complete two phases of the certification process:

PHASE ONE (PATH Intl.)

Contact PATH Intl. directly at pathintl.org or (800) 369-7433 to request a Registered Certification Application Booklet.

PHASE TWO (host site)

After successfully completing Phase One, you will receive a letter from PATH Intl. confirming your status as an Instructor-In-Training (IT). Within 12 months of the date of your confirmation letter, you must successfully complete all of the components of Phase Two.

Phase Two Requirements

1. Completion of 25 hours of teaching mounted therapeutic riding lessons under the supervision/mentorship of a PATH Intl. Certified Instructor.

2. Attendance at a Registered Instructor On-Site Workshop (this must be done prior to the Registered Instructor On-Site Certification).

3. Successful completion of a Registered Instructor On-Site Certification.

Visit pathintl.org if you would like further information on Phase Two.

PATH Intl. Advanced Instructor Certification

To become a PATH Intl. Advanced Instructor, you must successfully complete the Advanced Certification packet and return it to Pegasus with copies of your PATH Intl. membership card, your CPR certification and your First Aid certification.

The Advanced Certification packet is available at pathintl.org/resources-education/certifications/advanced-riding. It includes a list of application criteria and outlines the certification process.

PATH Intl. Interactive Vaulting Certification

If you would like to become a PATH Intl. Certified Vaulting Instructor, you must attend a PATH Intl. Interactive Vaulting Workshop to learn all the necessary skills and precautions. After participating in the PATH Intl. Interactive Vaulting Workshop and practicing the skills taught, you may be ready for certification.

You can sign up to attend a vaulting certification, which is conducted at a host site, once you have completed all the following prerequisites:

1. Attend a PATH Intl. Interactive Vaulting Workshop within a two-year time frame.
2. Complete and document 30 lungeing hours and 20 Interactive Vaulting Teaching hours.
3. Hold current certification as a PATH Intl. Registered Level Instructor.
4. Reach 21 years of age.
5. Submit complete application materials with payment.

Once you have met these requirements, the Interactive Vaulting Certification process will consist of the following components:

1. Lungeing test: Candidates will have 20 minutes to show their ability to warm up, work the horse in both directions in side reins at all three gaits, and cool down. Immediately following the practical component, candidates will be asked to evaluate their horse and their lungeing performance. As safe and correct lungeing is the basis for interactive vaulting, candidates who do not pass this portion will not be permitted to continue testing.
2. Compulsories on the vaulting barrel: Candidates will have 15 minutes to teach the compulsory movements to an uneducated vaulter, with an emphasis on safety and empathy for the horse. The candidates will then perform the compulsory movements themselves on the barrel.
3. Interactive vaulting lesson: Candidates will have 20 minutes to teach a lesson to three vaulters. All three gaits should be shown and use of the barrel is required. Focus should be on safety, consideration for the horse, teaching new skills and fostering interaction within the group. Candidates will receive profiles on the vaulters and the horse the evening before they are scheduled to teach. A lesson plan should be provided to the evaluators.

At the conclusion of the certification each candidate will be notified of results and given written and oral feedback from the evaluators in a one-on-one setting.

Visit pathintl.org if you would like further information on Interactive Vaulting.

2017 PATH Intl. Workshop and Certification Schedule at Pegasus

There are no workshops scheduled yet for 2017. All 2017 Pegasus-hosted workshops will be posted to this page as soon as they are scheduled.

Additional Information

Pegasus has a weight limit of 180 lbs. Please contact PATH Intl. for further instructions if you exceed this limit.

Registrants planning to only attend a Registered Instructor On-Site Certification must have proof of attendance from a PATH Intl. Approved Workshop.

For additional information on PATH Intl. workshops and certifications, visit pathintl.org.

Refund policy: Cancellations prior to the registration deadline will be charged a $150 service fee and receive a refund for the balance. No refunds will be given after the registration deadline.

Directions to Pegasus Farm are located on the Locations & Directions page on this site. There are numerous restaurants, retail stores and hotels within a few miles of Pegasus Farm. The closest hotels are:

Hilton Garden Inn, Danbury, CT

Holiday Inn Express, Danbury, CT

Crowne Plaza, Danbury, CT

SpringHill Suites, Danbury, CT

If you have any additional questions, contact Syreeta Jones at (845) 669-8235 x101 or sjones@pegasustr.org.