Horses and Humans in a Changing Field
May 11, 2026Green Chimneys’ Partnership with the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International
By Valerie Castracucco, Green Chimneys Equine Program Teacher
Throughout history, horses have been recognized as faithful companions in work, battle, and most recently, in therapeutic interaction. An innate sensitivity to people – our energy, our emotions, and even our biology – lays the foundation for the relationship. Since its founding, Green Chimneys has incorporated horses, ponies and donkeys into educational and therapeutic programs to support children’s learning and emotional development. In this time, philosophies on relationships with equines, knowledge of equine welfare, and professional standards for service programs have continued to evolve.
For decades Green Chimneys has benefited from its membership and regular collaboration with the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl) in a partnership that guides our equine program to meet the highest standards, and effectively support the well-being of our students and equines.
Leadership in Best Practices
PATH Intl. is one of the leading organizations in Equine-Assisted Services (EAS) in the United States, serving as an authority on training and certification of EAS instructors and practitioners, as well as program accreditation. Established in 1969 as the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA), the organization created a foundation for incorporating equines into work with individuals with special needs. While focused on therapeutic riding and hippotherapy at its conception, the agency evolved into development of industry standards to include all aspects of partnering with equines, including unmounted activities, driving and vaulting; all implemented by credentialed professionals.
In 2011, the more inclusive “PATH Intl.” name was adopted to better reflect the wide range of Equine-Assisted Services being provided across the field. Core standards requiring regular review of facility, administrative and program operations ensure that the best possible care is being provided to equines, and that the most up-to-date practices are offered to clients. Adherence to these standards has earned Green Chimneys designation as a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center (PAC).
Program Strength through Partnership
As a PAC, Green Chimneys creates an environment for staff, students and equines that promotes self-improvement, empowerment and a safe environment to explore ways to evolve the program, while keeping a firm focus on welfare for both children and equines. Equine care staff maintain individual certification through PATH Intl. and its various credentialing options, including but not limited to Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL); Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL); and Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI). These certifications require continuing education and ensure the learning and adaptation that must go hand-in-hand with an evolving industry.
At Green Chimneys, one such adaptation was a transition from a program of mostly mounted activities for therapeutic and recreational riding, to one comprised solely of groundwork. This change was prompted by new consideration of the varied needs and abilities of our students, the health and safety of our equines, and optimal program operation, further accelerated by some accommodations during the COVID pandemic. Instead of teaching our students how to ride horses, our program now focuses on equine care in the barn, educational interactions with horses on the ground, and task-based activities such as learning to lead a horse through an obstacle course, and building a bond with the animals.
Now, two years after implementation, the culture and framework of an equine program focused on building relationships has brought about a more inclusive environment for the children and animals. The ground-based program has greatly increased participation in equine activities across our entire campus.
The Future of EAS
PATH Intl. members are implementing many different types of programs around the world and evolution of the equine-assisted service field continues. It’s a community that is eager for information exchange and one unexpected result of our new program has been intense interest from other EAS providers and PATH Intl. centers that acknowledge the benefits of unmounted work with equines. Some seek to supplement mounted programs with groundwork, while others are contemplating a complete switch. There are inquiries about the practical considerations of making the change, the impact on services, and the perception of recipients.
Green Chimneys shares its experience with the community in order to promote beneficial and professional human-animal interactions, which is our primary goal in working with PATH Intl. and providers world-wide. Together, we can learn from each other, expand the equine-assisted service industry and promote best practices for the benefit of all involved.
This content appeared in Institute Insights, the official newsletter of The Sam and Myra Ross Institute at Green Chimneys. The Ross Institute serves as a model and training site for the varied facets of human-animal and nature-based interactions, grounded in evidence-based practices for implementing diverse and ethically responsible educational and therapeutic interventions and activities.
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