ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) - Project R.I.D.E., Inc. in Elk Grove, once again, recently earned the designation of Premier Accredited Center by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.).

Project R.I.D.E., Inc. partners individuals who have special needs, and others, with certified professionals and equines to achieve health, wellness and learning goals. By earning PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center status, Project R.I.D.E., Inc. has demonstrated it is operating in accordance with nearly 200 Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International standards for the equine-assisted services (EAS) industry.

Out of the more than 760 PATH Intl. Member Centers, only 250 hold this prestigious distinction. To become a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center, Project R.I.D.E., Inc. successfully passed an evaluation by trained PATH Intl. site visitors. Center evaluations cover a wide range of topics such as horse management, participant safety, equipment, quality of instruction, facility operations, volunteerism and best-business administrative practices, all with specific standards that must be met.

These standards were developed and adopted by the PATH Intl. membership to ensure that centers follow procedures essential to safe, quality equine-assisted services programming. PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center is a designation indicating to the public that a center has met a rigorous set of quality and safety standards. PATH Intl. requires that Premier Accredited Centers be re-accredited every five years to maintain this designation.

“By reattaining its PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center status, Project R.I.D.E., Inc. has demonstrated a commitment to the highest standards when introducing individuals with special needs to a variety of equine-assisted services,” said PATH Intl. Chief Executive Officer Kathy Alm. “PATH Intl. Accreditation is a respected benchmark in the EAS industry. It demonstrates leadership and a commitment to safety and to the highest professional standards.”

For more details about Project R.I.D.E., Inc., contact community outreach manager, Emily Calanchini, [email protected] or visit projectride.org. For more information about the PATH Intl. Premier Accreditation process, visit pathintl.org/accreditation.

The Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) was formed in 1969 to promote safety and optimal outcomes in equine-assisted services (EAS) for individuals with special needs and others. At 767 member centers, more than

71,288 children and adults, including 7,427 veterans, may find improved health, wellness and a sense of pride, independence and fun through involvement with horses.

Member centers offer therapeutic horsemanship including riding, driving, interactive vaulting, groundwork and stable management; physical, speech and occupational therapies; mental health services incorporating equines; and coaching and learning programs, among other services. There are 51,995 volunteers, 4,525 PATH Intl. certified professionals, 7,694 equines and thousands of contributors from all over the world helping people at PATH Intl.