We Are a PATH Member Center — And Why That Matters

When you’re looking for equine-based services, safety and quality should be at the top of your list. One of the most important things to look for is whether a center is connected to PATH Intl. (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International).

At Butterfly Dreams Farm Equine Therapy, we are proud to be a PATH Member Center with PATH certified instructors—and that directly impacts the level of care across both our therapeutic riding and hippotherapy services.

So what does that actually mean?

Being a PATH Member Center means our program aligns with nationally recognized standards and best practices in equine-assisted services. While membership is different from accreditation, it reflects a commitment to professionalism, ongoing education, and maintaining a safe and effective program environment.

PATH certified instructors take that a step further.

Every PATH certified instructor has completed specialized training and testing to safely work with individuals with a wide range of needs. This includes knowledge of disabilities, adaptive teaching strategies, horse handling, and risk management.

For our therapeutic riding program, this means riders are receiving structured, adaptive instruction in a safe and supportive environment.

For our hippotherapy services, which are provided by licensed therapists, PATH certification plays an important role in ensuring the safety, handling, and selection of the horse, as well as the overall treatment environment.

Why this matters for your child

Horses are powerful, and the environment is constantly changing. That’s what makes equine-based services so effective—but it’s also why safety and structure are critical.

At our center:

• Safety is built into every aspect of the program

• Staff and volunteers are trained and supervised

• Emergency procedures are in place and practiced

• Horses are carefully selected and monitored for suitability

This allows participants to build confidence, independence, communication, and physical skills in an environment that is both supportive and secure.

Not all programs are the same

It’s important to understand that not every program offering equine-based services follows the same standards or training pathways. Being a PATH Member Center with certified instructors reflects a commitment to doing things the right way.

Our commitment at Butterfly Dreams Farm

At Butterfly Dreams Farm Equine Therapy, our commitment is simple: provide the highest quality care in the safest environment possible.

Whether a child is participating in therapeutic riding or receiving hippotherapy services, our training, standards, and approach are part of how we uphold that promise every single day.

Interested in getting started?

We would love to help you determine which service is the best fit for your child.

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Every rider and every patient deserves a safe place to grow—and we’re honored to provide that.