Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship

According to the PATH Intl. Strategic Plan (refreshed in 2016), the following are the organizations's goals:
1. Credentialing. We are recognized by the EAS (Equine Assisted Services) industry, health and wellness and education communities and the public for our excellent and rigorous credentialing and standards that enhance the professional credibility of individuals and centers.
2. Continuing Education and Knowledge Management. In order to promote professionalism and support sustainability of EAS, PATH Intl. connects members and provides access to resources, information and networks.
3. Quality Assurance. Our quality assurance program enhances instructors' and centers' ability to deliver safe, superior services and programs.
4. Capacity Building. Our financial model enables us to meet our strategic goals.
5. Brand Awareness and Partnerships. PATH Intl. advances awareness of our brand with communication efforts, partnerships, alliances and relationships.
6. Center Sustainability. Every PATH Intl. Member Center has access to the tools, education and resources available to be a sustainable business.

Goal 1: 1) Become an accredited credentialing program that validates the quality of our standards, certifications and accreditation. 2) Evolve to meet the credentialing needs of the industry. 3) Increase the awareness and value of PATH Intl. credentialed programs that result in highly trained PATH Intl. Certified Professionals and Accredited Centers. 4) Increase marketing and communications to targeted audiences related to the credentialing process.

Goal 2: 1) Identify and promote internal and external educational opportunities that support PATH Intl. standards and result in highly trained equine-assisted services (EAS) professionals and excellent service delivery. 2) Create partnerships with higher education and other organizations to cultivate future generations of highly trained EAS professionals.

Goal 3: 1) Develop and implement programs that promote compliance with the PATH Intl. Standards for Certification and Accreditation, membership and quality assurance to enhance industry safety and optimal outcomes. 2) Increase awareness and communicate the value of a quality assurance program so that all consumers and constituents recognize the professionalism and excellence of PATH Intl. standards, certifications and accreditations.

Goal 4: 1) Develop strategies to address financial issues resulting from organizational changes associated with the implementation of accredited credentialing. 2) Develop strategies to address human resource issues due to organizational evolution as a result of accredited credentialing.

Goal 5: 1) Promote the PATH Intl. brand as the premier organization for EAS. 2) Identify and align with key organizations in order to educate them on the importance of PATH Intl. standards and credentialing.

Goal 6: 1) Determine and share proven, effective and sustainable business practices for centers in the EAS industry. 2) Monitor and track overall results to continuously refine best business practices.

PATH Intl. is committed to assessing the needs and overall satisfaction of its members. One of the best ways to reach more than 8,000 members is by survey. As the association continues working toward the goals set by the PATH Intl. Strategic Plan, surveys are also one of the best ways for the members to provide feedback to the association.

Two surveys recently conducted were the Membership Survey, which related to education and member benefits; and the Center Employment Survey, a professionally led survey that provided a general overall picture of employment at PATH Intl. Member Centers, including benefits offered, staffing hours and general compensation.

PATH Intl. formed a Strategic Planning Committee comprised of PATH Intl. Board of Trustees members. A strategic planning consultant was also contracted to provide research and analysis. Further, input was gathered from members and stakeholders who provided invaluable feedback and information that informed the final strategic plan and goals.

International/Regional Conferences and Virtual Conference: The PATH Intl. Conference and Annual Meeting offers academic sessions, hands-on demonstrations in sessions that utilize equines and networking opportunities. PATH Intl. Region Conferences offer a more intimate, local conference experience within each region for members to attend educational seminars, connect with others in their geographical region, receive updates on safety standards and share teaching ideas. The region conferences are also excellent outreach opportunities to gain new members and promote awareness of PATH Intl. The PATH Intl. Virtual Conference, launched in May 2017, provides education opportunities completely online for those unable to attend the annual conference.

Communications: PATH Intl. Strides quarterly magazine, PATH Intl. eNews and other publications provide valuable educational information and updates to the PATH Intl. membership. Additionally, www.pathintl.org offers an indispensable tool for communication with the PATH Intl. membership and the general public.

Industry and Association Awareness: Through attendance at tradeshows and conventions, the PATH Intl. presence is furthering awareness of equine-assisted services (EAS) in general and most importantly the vital role PATH Intl. plays in credentialing member centers and professionals. PATH Intl. has presented at or had a booth at the American Academy of Family Physicians annual conference, the American Psychological Association convention, the US Pony Club convention, Equine Affaire-Massachusetts, the Rocky Mountain Horse Expo, and the Council for Exceptional Children convention, resulting in approximately 200,000 individuals having an increased awareness of the industry and association.

Mentor Training: The PATH Intl. Mentor Training Workshop assists Instructors-In-Training to link with highly qualified PATH Intl. Certified Instructors to fulfill the required 25 mentored hours for the certification process. This is accomplished by training current PATH Intl. Certified Instructors about the needs of mentees and the responsibilities of being a mentor.

Distance Education: Several online courses are currently being offered along with webinars and in-person workshops and many session recordings from PATH Intl. conferences. More online offerings are continuing to be made available through this ever-growing initiative.