Trek to Clarity

Understanding the Whys of the PATH Intl. CTRI® Processes and Development

October 18, 2023

The Trek to Clarity series is intended to bring clarity to the PATH Intl. CTRI® certification program by providing background and context for the certification requirements. Each communication in the series will address a different topic related to one or more of the CTRI certification requirements and will cover many frequently asked questions. 

Today’s topic:

What is the difference between a mentor and a supervising instructor for CTRI candidates?

Many PATH Intl. Certified Professionals have been in the habit of using the term “mentor” to refer to a certified instructor who provides any scope of training, guidance and/or supervision to certification candidates. As a result, the term mentor is used in a variety of ways and can seem rather vague, particularly to CTRI applicants seeking qualified individuals to supervise them and sign-off on their application documentation. To help delineate the role of a mentor versus the role of supervising instructor, PATH Intl. has created some tools to define the qualifications and typical (though not necessarily all encompassing) responsibilities of mentors and supervising instructors for CTRI candidates:

• Specific job descriptions with side-by-side comparison of qualifications and responsibilities offer clarity on the roles of mentor and supervising instructor.
•  The supervising instructor qualifications checklist is designed for CTRI applicants to ensure they understand the qualifications required for the supervising instructor(s) signing off on each part of their CTRI application.

Both mentorship and supervision are invaluable to CTRI applicants as they learn to effectively and safely perform the job of a therapeutic riding instructor. PATH Intl. encourages CTRI applicants to seek out mentors in addition to supervising instructors for a comprehensive and well-rounded approach to preparing for a career in therapeutic riding services. 

Questions? Contact Bret Maceyak, Director of Credentialing.

Are you a current CTRI who has completed 120 hours of teaching therapeutic riding lessons since earning your CTRI credential? Document those hours using this form and send it to PATH Intl. so that you can be marked as “Eligible to Supervise CTRI Applicants” in the PATH Intl. Certified Professional online directory.