Trek to Clarity

Understanding the Whys of the PATH Intl. CTRI® Processes and Development

September 1, 2023

This new communication is the first in a series intended to bring clarity to the PATH Intl. CTRI® certification program by providing background and context for the certification requirements. Each communication in the series will address a different topic related to one or more of the CTRI certification requirements and will cover may frequently asked questions. 

Today’s topic:

Why don’t CTRI applicants have to instruct a rider with disabilities for part III of the CTRI application and the video demonstration of riding instruction?

One of the expected competencies for a CTRI is the ability to teach, providing the "‘whats, hows and whys" in a lesson. While it is true that PATH Intl. instructors are expected to adapt their teaching techniques to match the abilities of their riders, the purpose of the video demonstration is for evaluators to objectively and directly assess an applicant’s ability to demonstrate a minimum level of correct instruction and effective communication to any rider they may be called upon to instruct, up to and including intermediate riders.

For this reason, applicants are permitted to choose any rider for the video and are encouraged to choose a rider proficient in the riding skills required to execute the riding pattern. Doing so gives the applicant adequate opportunity to demonstrate the scope of their knowledge, skill and ability to instruct those skills. Along with the other certification prerequisites and exam, which confirm knowledge of disabilities and working with individuals with disabilities, demonstrating the ability to effectively communicate and instruct riding skills will provide assurance that a candidate is equipped to foster a safe and effective therapeutic riding environment according to the criteria for CTRI certification.

What are the expectations for the video demonstration and where are they listed?

Detailed expectations for each component of the riding pattern are provided on pages 48-58 of the CTRI candidate handbook. The video assessment is also on the CTRI webpage as part of the instructions under “Step 2.” The assessment is structured to facilitate objective, direct and quantitative measurement of riding instruction and communication skills.

Raising the bar for instruction

The previous registered instructor certification testing process limited candidates to instruction of only ONE riding skill that matched the abilities of the assigned riders in order to meet the time limit of the teaching demonstration. The PATH Intl. CTRI instruction and communication video assesses applicants’ ability to teach multiple riding skills, including the lope/canter. Being able to instruct and correct a rider as needed at all gaits ensures a rigorous level of assessment for the instruction of riding skills. Demonstrating instruction at all gaits provides further evidence that applicants are capable of assisting a rider and volunteers when downward transitions are more urgently needed after an equine unexpectedly increases speed or changes gaits.

How was the video assessment created?

In 2014, in order to provide a reasonable accommodation to candidates who could not ride due to a documented disability, the PATH Intl. Riding Certification Subcommittee determined that such candidates could instruct an able-bodied rider through the riding pattern in lieu of riding the pattern themselves. In order to evaluate the candidate, the subcommittee developed a rubric to score the candidate’s demonstration. This rubric was used for four years and proved to be an appropriate assessment of candidates. Given the proven performance of the rubric, the PATH Intl. Credentialing Council adopted the rubric as the basis for the video assessment developed in 2018. The council worked to further expand the rubric to include assessment of communication skills. This expansion means that PATH Intl. CTRI candidates are held to a higher expectation for instruction AND communication of riding skills than previous PATH Intl. Certified Registered Therapeutic Riding Instructor candidates.