With the proliferation of media attention about equine-assisted activities and therapies (EAAT), the timing is perfect for those who want more information. The PATH Intl. Conference and Annual Meeting, sponsored by Purina, November 6-9, 2013, in Orlando, FL, offers a superb opportunity to learn more, to become involved and to meet the people and a few participants who are the faces behind the stories.
Equine assisted opportunities for everyone
Innovative PATH Intl. programs include a literacy support program that targets at-risk children and a program that focuses on the animal-human bond and the movement of the horse to help participants who have Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia.
The sessions at the PATH Intl. Conference are set up to appeal to a wide range of interests and experience. If you are not familiar with EAAT and wish to get an overview of some of what PATH Intl. does, you might try, for example, the session “The Power of Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy in Working With Military Veterans,” which will discuss the unique needs of military veterans and how EFP can promote healing from post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety and other mental health concerns.
“Education of Therapeutic Riding Instructors in the United States: Past, Present and Future” gives an overview of EAAT and includes data and information over the past 23 years.
Attendees will be able to learn about innovative programs, such as a literacy support program that targets at-risk children in order to reduce school drop-out rates or a program that focuses on the animal-human bond and the movement of the horse to help participants who have Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia.
The PATH Intl. Horse Expo on Saturday, November 9, provides attendees with hands-on demonstrations.
Don’t expect to sit in your seat the entire time, though. There are plenty of opportunities for networking, including the PATH Intl. Exhibitorland Party on Wednesday night, November 6 to officially kick off the conference.
The PATH Intl. Awards Banquet on Friday night gives everyone the opportunity to see what we are all about as we celebrate the accomplishments of certified professionals, equines, volunteers and veterinarians, and as we listen to stories of our equestrian winners overcoming challenges through the power of the horse.
Early registration is currently offered online on the Path Intl. conference page as well as more information about conference sessions, the Caribe Royale, the conference travel deals and fun things to do in Orlando. The early registration discount ends September 17, so register now and discover for yourself what all the media attention is about.
About PATH Intl.:
Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) was formed in 1969 to promote equine-assisted activities and therapies for individuals with special needs. At nearly 850 member centers, more than 56,000 children and adults find a sense of independence through involvement with horses.
These member centers range from small, one-person programs to large operations with several certified instructors and licensed therapists. In addition to therapeutic equitation, a center may offer any number of equine-assisted activities including hippotherapy, equine-facilitated mental health, driving, interactive vaulting, trail riding, competition, ground work or stable management.
Through a wide variety of educational resources, the association helps individuals start and maintain successful equine-assisted activities and therapies for individuals with special needs. There are nearly 52,000 volunteers, 4,232 instructors, 7,503 equines and thousands of contributors from all over the world helping people at PATH Intl. centers.
Recipient of the 2013 Equine Industry Vision Award, sponsored by Zoetis, presented by American Horse Publications