Description

Therapeutic Riding Apprentice Program (TRAP)

Build your knowledge. Strengthen your skills. Become a more confident therapeutic riding instructor.

The Therapeutic Riding Apprentice Program (TRAP) is a comprehensive, self-paced online training program designed to prepare aspiring therapeutic riding instructors with the knowledge and competencies aligned with the PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) certification pathway.  This course is also good for those who may not be pursuing a credential or who are working with a non PATH organization.

Developed by experienced PATH CTRI professionals with more than 20 years experience, TRAP combines equine science, disability awareness, adaptive teaching strategies, horsemanship, safety, and professional practices to build a strong foundation for effective therapeutic riding instruction.

TRAP is designed to complement hands-on training, not replace it. The program is most beneficial when completed alongside practical experience working with horses, participants, and experienced instructors.

What You’ll Learn

• Equine Knowledge & Welfare: Horse behavior, health, handling, and selection for therapeutic riding programs.
• Disability Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Understanding diverse abilities, precautions, contraindications, and individualized teaching strategies.
• Lesson Planning & Teaching Skills: Developing safe, engaging mounted and unmounted activities, instructional progressions, and adaptive lessons.
• Safety & Risk Management: Mounting and dismounting procedures, adaptive equipment, volunteer management, and emergency preparedness.
• Professional Practice: Ethical responsibilities, PATH Intl. standards, and preparation for the CTRI certification process.

Learn at Your Own Pace

TRAP is offered entirely online, and includes detailed assignments for hands on experience. It is recommended that you have access to a horse to practice elements and complete the assignments.  The asynchronous format allows you to enroll anytime and progress at your own pace. Assignments are reviewed as they are submitted, with individualized feedback to support your learning and skill development.

Upon successful completion, participants receive a TRAP Certificate of Completion.

Getting Started

After completing your purchase, you will receive an order confirmation email containing a registration code and instructions for accessing the course.

You can begin anytime and work through the curriculum at your own pace.

If you do not receive a response within 48 hours of submitting your course registration, please contact us at 317-838-7002.

Start Your Journey

Whether you’re preparing for PATH Intl. CTRI certification or strengthening your existing instructional skills, TRAP provides the knowledge, resources, and practical applications to help you become a capable, adaptable, and horse-centered therapeutic riding instructor.

Enroll Today and Start Anytime!

TRAP is an independent educational program designed to support preparation for PATH Intl. CTRI certification. Completion does not confer PATH Intl. certification or replace required practical experience, skills assessments, or other certification requirements.