Volunteer Orientation
We are hosting volunteer orientations for people interested in learning more about the program. Orientation will be held at the farm located at 1549 Old Hillsboro Road in Franklin, Tennessee. Please check our Calendar for dates for the next volunteer orientation.
What is PATH? Many times you will see a reference to PATH in Saddle Up!’s literature. PATH (formerly NARHA) is a non-profit organization founded in 1969 to promote and support therapeutic riding in the United States and Canada. Saddle Up!’s founders based our organization on their directives, and we are proud to be a PATH Center. We continue to follow their leadership in areas of certification, accreditation and best practices for safety. At over 650 PATH centers, more than 30,000 individuals with disabilities find multiple benefits through contact with over 5,500 special horses. In addition, PATH helps interested people start and maintain successful programs. PATH centers range from small, one-person programs to large operations with several instructors, licensed therapists and many volunteers. Over 80% of all people working at these centers are volunteers.
In addition to therapeutic riding, PATH centers may offer any number of equine assisted activities such as driving, vaulting, equine facilitated psychotherapy, trail riding, and competition or stable management. PATH is the accrediting organization for Easter Seals' camps with equine activities. Other organizations participating in PATH riding programs include the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Multiple Sclerosis Society, Special Olympics, Spina Bifida Association and United Cerebral Palsy. The benefits that PATH membership provides for Saddle Up! include:
Center accreditation to ensure the highest safety standards
An instructor certification program
Leadership and guidance in organizational management
Standards to maintain a safe environment for all participants
Guidelines to select riders suitable for equine assisted activities
Educational resources including regional workshops
In addition to therapeutic riding, PATH centers may offer any number of equine assisted activities such as driving, vaulting, equine facilitated psychotherapy, trail riding, and competition or stable management. PATH is the accrediting organization for Easter Seals' camps with equine activities. Other organizations participating in PATH riding programs include the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Multiple Sclerosis Society, Special Olympics, Spina Bifida Association and United Cerebral Palsy. The benefits that PATH membership provides for Saddle Up! include: