by: Michele Bruhn, Executive Director

In 2026, CTRC proudly enters another chapter of excellence as we prepare for reaccreditation as a PATH International Premier Accredited Center, the highest and most respected designation in the equine-assisted services industry.

This isn’t new territory for us. CTRC was first certified as a Premier PATH Center in 1982, and we have continuously maintained Premier accreditation for more than four decades. That longevity matters. It reflects not just compliance but an enduring commitment to safety, ethics, professionalism, and program quality that has guided our work since the earliest days of our organization.

The Gold Standard in Equine-Assisted Services

PATH International (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International) is the global leader in setting standards for the equine-assisted services (EAS) industry. Premier Accreditation is widely recognized as the gold standard in our field.

Being a Premier Accredited Center means that CTRC meets  or exceeds over 160 rigorously developed standards that govern:

  • Participant safety and well-being
  • Equine welfare and management
  • Instructor qualifications and staff training
  • Risk management and emergency preparedness
  • Ethical decision-making and professional boundaries
  • Program design, delivery, and documentation
  • Facility safety, equipment, and accessibility
  • Administrative and business practices

Not all equine programs are created equal. Many barns offer riding or “equine therapy,” but Premier accreditation distinguishes CTRC as an organization that operates under

 nationally and internationally recognized best practices, verified through an intensive peer-review process.

What Elevates CTRC as a Premier Accredited Center

Premier accreditation doesn’t mean every center or facility/ program looks the same; it means every program is safe, intentional, and accountable.

PATH Intl. standards are written to allow for individuality, innovation, and mission-driven programming, while still ensuring consistency in quality and safety across the industry. CTRC’s programs reflect our unique community, horses, and participants, but they are built on a foundation of standards that prioritize doing no harm and delivering meaningful, effective services.

This reaccreditation elevates CTRC by ensuring that:

  • Decisions about who can safely participate are made through thoughtful, team-based risk/benefit analysis
  • Participants are matched with appropriate equines based on temperament, movement, training, and health
  • Safety considerations always outweigh convenience or pressure to serve beyond our capacity
  • Horses are treated as partners, with their physical and emotional welfare central to program planning
  • Policies are applied fairly, consistently, and ethically
  • Staff and volunteers are properly trained, supported, and held to professional expectations

What the Accreditation Process Involves

Our reaccreditation site visit is scheduled for early April, and the preparation process touches every part of CTRC.

For staff and instructors, accreditation means:

  • Ongoing professional education and credentialing
  • Clear scope of practice and collaboration with medical and mental health professionals when appropriate
  • Careful assessment and reassessment of participants
  • Consistent documentation and communication
  • Daily implementation of safety, confidentiality, and ethical standards

For administration and leadership, it means:

  • Robust policies and procedures
  • Transparent governance and risk management
  • Emergency preparedness and incident response planning
  • Facility and equipment maintenance
  • Continuous quality improvement

For our programs, accreditation ensures:

  • Individualized, participant-centered services
  • Thoughtful consideration of precautions and contraindications
  • Adaptability as participant needs change
  • Ethical intake, continuation, and discontinuation of services when necessary

Premier accreditation is not a one-time achievement; it is a living process that requires annual compliance statements, ongoing self-evaluation, and a culture of accountability.

Why This Matters to Our Community

For participants and families, Premier accreditation means trust: trust that safety comes first, that decisions are made carefully, and that services are delivered by qualified professionals within well-defined standards.

 

For donors and partners, it means confidence that CTRC is stewarding resources responsibly and operating with integrity.

For our staff, volunteers, and horses, it affirms that the work we do, often behind the scenes, is guided by best practices developed over decades of collective expertise in the field.

A Legacy of Leadership- and a Commitment to the Future

PATH International standards trace their roots back to 1969, and CTRC has been part of that history for more than 40 years. Our continued Premier accreditation honors the pioneers who built this organization and reflects our responsibility to evolve alongside the field.

As we move into our reaccreditation this spring, we do so with pride, humility, and gratitude for our team, our volunteers, our horses, and our community, who make this work possible.

Premier accreditation isn’t just a designation. It’s a promise. And it’s one CTRC has kept since 1982.