This program is ideal for:

• Aspiring therapeutic riding instructors planning to pursue PATH Intl. CTRI certification.
• Individuals passionate about equine-assisted services who want structured mentorship and experience.
• Prospective REINS staff or professionals seeking a strong foundation for careers at REINS or similar centers.

Mentorship typically spans about one year, depending on:

• How many days per week you participate in internships or advising sessions.
• Your prior equine and instructional experience.
• How quickly you complete required milestones (e.g., supervised hours, teaching videos).

Mentees should expect to:

• Participate regularly in in-center training and hands-on instructional practice.
• Collaborate with an assigned mentor for guidance and feedback.
• Complete mentorship milestones (teaching hours, instructional video, practice lessons).

Time commitments vary by individual but typically involve weekly participation and periodic progress check-ins with mentors.

While the mentorship itself is not PATH Intl.’s certification, it supports several key CTRI requirements like:

• Gaining supervised teaching experience.
• Preparing for required instructional videos.
• Understanding standards, safety, lesson design, and disability-related considerations.

PATH Intl. certification itself requires additional steps outside the mentorship, including formal application and passing an exam.

To pursue CTRI certification through PATH Intl., candidates must (among other things):

• Be 18 years or older.
• Hold current adult and child CPR and first aid certifications (online accepted)
• Complete the PATH Intl. Standards course and exam.
• Accumulate supervised instructional experience.
• Submit an application with documentation and an instructional video.
• Sit for and pass a proctored certification exam.

The REINS mentorship supports preparation for these requirements.

Applications for the mentorship are typically accepted on a rolling basis through a Jotform.
To apply, you will:

1. Complete a mentorship interest form (provided by REINS).
2. Submit your background/experience.
3. Attend an introductory meeting with program staff.
4. Volunteer in the lesson program. 
5. Confirm schedule and goals with your assigned mentors.
6. Attend scheduled check-in meetings with your mentorship team
7. Attend an exploratory meeting with program staff.

Mentees can expect to:

• Gain practical, supervised teaching experience.
• Build confidence and skills aligned with CTRI competencies.
• Receive personalized mentor feedback and professional development.
• Network with industry professionals, including potential future employers.
• Be better prepared for PATH Intl. certification and future staff roles.

Yes — completing the mentorship demonstrates:

• Practical experience and dedication to therapeutic riding.
• A solid understanding of industry standards and best practices.
• Initiative and commitment to professional growth — qualities valued by REINS and many other therapeutic riding centers.

While completion of the mentorship alone does not guarantee a job, it strengthens your qualifications significantly.

The mentorship includes guidance on:

• Study strategies for the PATH Intl. CTRI exam.
• Practice with instructional skills and real-world scenarios.
• Understanding core content areas likely to be covered in the exam.