Hi again, There is another question. The past certified therapeutic center I am volunteering at is interested in this expanding their programs to mental health and learning services. If they get a grant, they are willing to pay for me to take the PATH equine specialist in mental health and learning certification! This means that I could team up with a “ mental health professional, or educator” to offer sessions. The path website doesn’t give detail details about what they mean by mental health professional or educator and they haven’t responded to my email. Does anyone know the answer? If you know anything else about this certification, I’d love to connect. Thanks, Alex

Hi everyone, especially those of you in the US: I’m happy to say that I feel that I almost feel ready to experiment with the first equine, assisted learning/coaching/service session!!! I can’t believe I’m even saying that!!! The therapeutic riding center where I volunteer is interested in expanding our program so I have access to facilities and horses. Now I’m stuck with the insurance question and getting mixed messages 😖 I am an ICF certified coach and have professional liability insurance through Westminster, which is affiliated with the international coaching Federation, so a reputable provider. I called to ask what I needed to do to start offering services including horses. They said I only need to add a general liability policy, which I did. But then another person who is already in the horse industry told me that is wrong and I need a specific policy to cover working with horses. She is an instructor and trainer. She goes to peoples houses to work with their horses. Maybe that’s the difference? I don’t know who to believe and who to trust!!! I would work as an independent contractor with a business registered as a coach and consultant in the state of Vermont. (I already checked that I’m not required to change my business registration to work with horses.) I would lease the arena and the horse at a PATH accredited center that I know has their own liability insurance, but that doesn’t matter for me as a contractor. Can anyone please help me figure this out? I am not a risk taker and really want to have a straight answer before doing anything. Thanks!!! Alex

Hi, The therapeutic riding program where I have been volunteering these past two years is hosting a premiere of the documentary, Where the horses heal the soul, on Saturday at the a local theater, followed by a Q&A!!! This is an amazing opportunity to raise awareness about the magical power of horses. It's a fundraiser for our program too and I would appreciate any help spreading the word. I hope that in the near future, I will be able to host meet & greets or equine assisted learning/coaching there. I know you may not be local but getting the word out about this film is just as important, and of course, any small donation helps. Here are a few ways you can share if you'd like: Rhythm of the Rein website: https://rhythmoftherein.org/ Instagram Facebook If you have ideas about how to get the word out, let me know. Or it may inspire you to host a benefit showing!!! Thanks so much! Alex

🐴🍷 Community Question: Equine & Wine Virtual Edition? 🍷🐴 Hey friends! I’ve been thinking about starting an Equine & Wine connection time — just a relaxed virtual space to gather, sip something cozy (wine, tea, sparkling water… whatever suits your boots), and connect with members. Before we jump back in, I’d love to know: 💬 Would you want to join in for a regular Equine & Wine? 🔄 Should we do this weekly or monthly? ⏰ What days/times are best for you? 👇 Comment below and let me know what you think! Can’t wait to hear from you! Delena

Hi, I am starting to take riding lessons but it’s really more about learning about horses and building my confidence to be able to one day offer equine-assisted services to clients. But… that could be far off, I’m not sure. Would you consider this a business expense? I’m a “by the book person” but sometimes so much so that I miss out on what i actually deserve fair and square! Advice? Thanks