HorseWork | PATH Intl Dual Credit Training
This work can be hard to explain — because it’s felt more than taught. Here are answers to the questions people ask most about equine-assisted learning, the HorseWork program, and how to get started.
What is equine assisted learning?
Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) is an experiential approach that uses guided interactions with horses to support the development of life skills — including emotional regulation, self-awareness, communication, and relational presence.
EAL is not therapy or horsemanship instruction. It’s a facilitated learning process grounded in connection and reflection, where the horse is an active participant — not a tool, but a partner.
PATH Intl. defines EAL as:
“An experiential learning approach that promotes the development of life skills for educational, professional, and personal goals through equine-assisted activities. EAL is facilitated by a PATH Intl. Certified Professional, in partnership with equines.”
What is HorseWork?
HorseWork is the education and training arm of Strides to Success, a nonprofit organization that has been shaping the field of equine-assisted learning for over 20 years.
This professional training program was created for educators, therapists, coaches, CTRI’s and ES’s, and horse professionals — who want to gain the confidence, skill, and support to offer effective EAL sessions with integrity and heart.
Strides has played a key role in developing the field through training, research, and policy, including the terminology consensus project, partnerships with PATH Intl., the VA, and national briefings on the power of equine-assisted services.
HorseWork offers a fully supported dual credit training combining:
PATH Intl Fundamentals of EAL course
PATH Intl approved specialty microcredentials
Required hands on practice with horses
Mentorship + feedback
Professional community
A direct pathway to credentialing
How is HorseWork connected to PATH Intl.?
Debbie Anderson and Dr. Blair McKissock — the educators behind HorseWork — were contracted by PATH Intl. to write and develop the Fundamentals of EAL course.
Because of their role in creating the content, HorseWork can offer the course in a comprehensive, hands-on format supporting students all the way through the process
HorseWork continues to collaborate with PATH Intl. and other leading organizations around the globe to support professional standards and best practices in EAL around the world.
Do I have to be PATH Intl. certified to take this program?
No. HorseWork is open to both certified professionals and those just beginning. You don’t need to have any previous credentials or degrees to start this journey — just willing to learn, show up, and stay curious.
Who is this training for?
HorseWork is for people called to support others through a relationship with equines— educators, therapists, horse professionals, helpers, and leaders of all kinds.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional looking to integrate equine interaction into your existing work or just taking the first step — this program can meet you where you are.
Do I need horse experience?
Not necessarily. While it helps to be comfortable around horses, you don’t need to ride or be an expert. All work is primarily done on the ground. The focus is on presence, not performance. It is required that you have access to horses during the course of he program to gain the necessary expereince to work capably with horses and other equines. It takes time.
What's included in the program?
HorseWork is a comprehensive, guided training experience that gives you everything you need to confidently pursue your PATH Intl. Equine-Assisted Learning credential — and stay connected long after.
Here’s what’s included:
✅ The full Fundamentals of EAL course
✅ A personal concierge to guide you step-by-step through the credentialing process
✅ Mentorship from Blair McKissock and Debbie Anderson — the co-creators of the PATH Fundamentals of EAL course
✅ Biweekly community calls for support, discussion, and integration
✅ Lifetime access to monthly alumni calls
✅ Practicum support: guidance through facilitation practice and experience-building
✅ Workbooks, tools, and resources to help you clarify your role and grow your business
✅ One PATH Intl.–approved microcredential course (included), plus 50% off two others
✅ A curated package of books and goodies to make the learning journey smoother and more enjoyable
✅ Portfolio and video review to prepare you for credentialing with confidence
✅ Dedicated consulting hours to support your unique path
✅ Opportunities to collaborate on research and consulting projects as a HorseWork affiliate
It’s everything you need to not just complete your training, but to step into this work competently, confidently, and in community.
Where is the program held?
The program is a hybrid program including both online and in person learning. You are required to document practice work at your site and attend a 4-day hands on intensive at Strides to Success located just minutes from the Indianapolis airport.
HorseWork believes real learning happens in real life — with horses, humans, and authentic experiences. You cannot learn this work in an online only format. The setting is part of the work.
Will I be certified after this program?
Yes! You earn 3 credentials in one program. Completing HorseWork fulfills the training requirement for the PATH Intl. Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) credential. You also earn the HorseWork EAL Facilitator Certification and your specialty microcredential on one of 3 areas: personal development, organizations or education.
PATH Intl and HroseWork credentials are accepted by most insruance companies, check with your to make sur earns For many, this program is the most comprehensive and supported way to move from interest to true readiness into the field with confidence.
How long does it take?
The full program on average take 9 months to complete all 5 phases though we have people who finish sooner and those who take a while longer. There is no time penalty. Out program has 5 phases:
- Online PATH Intl Fundamentals course.
- Practical work
- 60 hours of facilitation practice at your site of choice (does not have to be a PATH affiliated center)
- 4-day intensive onsite at Strides to Success
- Online Specialty microcredential course
- Virtual mentoring
- PATH Intl portfolio submission including video and lesson plans
Can international students participate?
Yes! HorseWork has affiliate programs in 3 different countries. If you are from a country where we do not have an affiliate, both Blair and Debbie are approved remote mentors for PATH Intl. We can work with you to fulfill your hands on requirement through remote supervision.
Are payment plans or scholarships available?
Yes! We require a $650 deposit to secure your spot in the cohort. From there you can make arrangements to pay the balance monthly after the program begins. We do offer discounts for people who sign up as a staff or with a buddy and if you are paying in full. Partial scholarships are sometimes available. Now you know why we don’t use tactics like pricing programs with amounts like $1997. One it’s just false to make it psychologically seem cheaper and two, we want to make it easy to break fees up into payments that work for you. We want this professional credential to be accessible. We do ask that all fees are paid in full before you submit your portfolio to PATH Intl.
Who is this program for?
If you’re here, something in you feels called to facilitate meaningful relationships between horses and humans.
HorseWork is for people who want to hold space where growth, regulation, and connection can happen — not through techniques or tricks, but through relationship.
This path is for:
Therapists
Coaches
Teachers and school-based professionals
Therapeutic riding instructors
Equine specialists and equine professionals
And anyone who feels drawn to this work — regardless of degree or background
You don’t need a license or years of experience to begin.
What you do need is a willingness to learn, reflect, and commit to doing this work with depth and integrity.
This is not a weekend training or surface-level certification.
HorseWork is a rigorous, experiential training grounded in research, real practice, and over 50 years of combined facilitation experience — built for those who want to earn a respected credential from a respected organization like PATH Intl.
We are looking for people who:
Are committed to learning the depth of this work
Believe the horse is not a prop or tool, but a partner and teacher
Want to grow the skills and presence it takes to walk beside others — with humility, courage, and care
If that sounds like you, you’re in the right place.
How do I get started?
Get started by completing the HorseWork application so we can get to know you. Then let’s talk.
We offer free Info Chats — no pressure, just space to ask questions, get clarity, and explore whether HorseWork is the right next step for you.