NDSU Bison Strides recently hosted an equine specialist in mental health and learning workshop and skills test for certification by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International, known as PATH Intl. The event was held Aug. 19-22 on the NDSU campus.

The workshop and test were facilitated by two PATH Intl. faculty, one from Kansas and the other from Pennsylvania, for 17 attendees from eight different states.

Half the attendees were affiliated with Bison Strides, including five students who are minoring in equine-assisted activities and therapies at NDSU.

All attendees successfully completed the practical skills test component, completing the first step toward earning certification. Certified individuals are qualified as equine specialists in ground-based social-emotional educational programming incorporating equine. PATH Intl. equine specialists also may partner with a mental health professional to offer psychotherapy incorporating equine to address mental health treatment goals.

For additional information, contact Erika Berg at erika.berg@ndsu.edu or call 701-231-9611.

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