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Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.), formerly the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) is a non-profit organization based in Denver, Colorado that promotes the benefits of therapeutic horseback riding and other equine-assisted activities and therapies for people with physical, emotional and learning disabilities. PATH Intl. is a 501(c)(3) organization. The PATH Intl. mission statement: “PATH Intl. changes and enriches lives by promoting excellence in equine-assisted activities and therapies.” The association was originally formed in 1969 as the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) to promote equine-assisted activities for individuals with disabilities. The name was changed to PATH Intl. in July 2011. With more than 800 member centers, a total of more than 43,000 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 riding instructors. In addition to horseback riding, a center may offer any number of equine-assisted activities such as driving, vaulting, trail riding, competition, hippotherapy, equine-facilitated psychotherapy, ground work, or stable management. Through a wide variety of educational resources, the association helps individuals start and maintain successful programs. There are more than 29,000 volunteers, 1,900 instructors, 5,800 program equines, and thousands of contributors from all over the world making a difference in people’s lives at PATH Intl. centers. Beginning in 1969 PATH Intl. has ensured that therapeutic riding is both safe for, and accessible to, those in need. Since that time the field of therapeutic riding has expanded along with the numbers of individuals profiting from involvement with horses. Today PATH Intl. represents a growing number of equine-assisted activities, including recreational riding for individuals with disabilities, driving, vaulting, competition and other recreational and educational interactions with horses. PATH Intl. provides opportunities for people with varying ability levels to challenge themselves physically and emotionally and to set goals to improve their quality of life via the horse. Training professionals to support and facilitate this process, educating the public about the positive impact of the human/animal bond and setting national standards for safe and effective equine assisted activities are part of PATH Intl.'s long-range goals. == PATH Intl. benefits == 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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