Xenophon’s Big Presence at the PATH Region 11 Conference

PATH International is the governing body for equine-assisted therapy in the United States.  It provides credentialing, sets safety standards, and ensures the professionalism and growth of our industry.  In addition, they provide educational opportunities so that certified instructors can meet required continuing education requirements.  One of the ways they do this is through regional and national conferences.

PATH Region 11 ConferenceOn July 27-29, 2018, six Xenophon staff headed down to Shadow Hills Riding Club, just outside  Burbank, CA, for the PATH Region 11 conference.  The regional conferences usually take place at a local therapeutic riding center, with classroom created with tents and practical demonstrations in the arena.  It makes for a lovely setting, but also meant attendees braved 97 degree temperatures, taking advantage of the big fans and misters provided by the host center.  The heat did not prevent attendees from enjoying the diverse, quality presentations offered throughout the weekend.  Topics ranged from information on Veteran’s programs, to offering unmounted lessons, to how to develop a quality 5-year strategic plan.

Mari Parino, our Executive Director, and Wanda Sayuk, a Xen Instructor and Facilitator for Connected Horse at Xenophon, presented on the accomplishments and challenges of our new Alzheimer’s/Dementia program.  Linda Parsons, our Assistant Barn Manager, and Mari, presented a workshop on line lining that included instructional games and the experience of long lining Mari’s two Friesian horses, whom she trailered all the way down to Los Angeles. It was a quality, educational conference, with the experience providing new ideas to augment Xenophon’s wonderful programs.