CERTIFICATION EXAM PREP
PATH INTL CTRI A+
STUDY GUIDE
2026/2027
Official Exam-Aligned Practice Assessment for the Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor Credential
A+ 5 100%
QUESTIONS VERIFIED EXAM DOMAINS COVERED RATIONALES INCLUDED
CATEGORIES
■ 1. Equine Handling
■ 2. Participant and Volunteer Management
■ 3. Lesson Management
■ 4. Risk Management
■ 5. Riding Theory
STUVIAACTUALEXAM
Aligned to the PATH Intl. CTRI Exam Blueprint • Original Practice Content
, SECTION: EQUINE HANDLING
Q1. During a therapeutic riding lesson a horse begins to show repeated head tossing, shortened stride at the trot, and
resistance when asked to move forward from the halt. The instructor must decide the most appropriate immediate action
regarding the equine.
A. Continue the lesson at the walk only and reassess after the session ends
B. Apply a stronger leg aid and ask the rider to use the whip to encourage forward movement
C. Remove the horse from the lesson immediately and have a qualified professional evaluate for possible unsoundness
D. Switch the rider to a different horse and keep the original horse working at the walk with a volunteer
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Repeated head tossing combined with shortened stride and resistance are classic signs of possible pain or unsoundness.
PATH Intl. standards require the instructor to prioritize equine welfare and participant safety by removing the horse from work and
arranging professional evaluation rather than continuing or forcing the horse.
Q2. A lesson horse pins its ears, swishes its tail vigorously, and attempts to nip at a sidewalker while standing at the
mounting block. The rider is already in the saddle. The instructor’s first priority is to:
A. Immediately ask the rider to dismount while the leader stabilizes the horse
B. Instruct the sidewalker to step farther away from the horse’s head
C. Correct the horse with a sharp verbal reprimand and continue mounting procedures
D. Ignore the behavior if the horse has a history of mild irritability
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Ear pinning, tail swishing, and nipping are clear warning signals of escalating equine discomfort or agitation. Safety requires
prompt removal of the rider so the horse can be managed without risk of a more serious reaction during mounting.
Q3. An instructor is evaluating a prospective therapy horse that appears sound at the walk but exhibits a slight head bob
and shortened stride on the right front leg when trotted in a straight line. This observation most strongly indicates:
A. A normal variation in gait related to the horse’s conformation
B. Possible unsoundness that requires further veterinary assessment before the horse can be used in lessons
C. That the horse is simply stiff and will improve with more warm-up
D. A behavioral resistance that can be corrected with ground training
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A consistent head bob and shortened stride at the trot are classic indicators of lameness. Therapy horses must be sound;
any suspicion of unsoundness requires professional veterinary evaluation before the horse is placed in a lesson program.
Q4. When identifying basic equine anatomy relevant to tack fitting and rider safety, the instructor correctly locates the
withers as the:
A. Ridge formed by the dorsal spinal processes of the thoracic vertebrae just behind the neck
B. Highest point of the croup where the tail attaches
C. Joint between the femur and the pelvis on the hindquarter
D. Cartilaginous structure at the end of the muzzle
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The withers are formed by the spinous processes of the thoracic vertebrae and serve as the critical landmark for saddle
placement and balance. Correct identification is essential for safe tack fitting and for recognizing pressure points that can cause equine
discomfort.
PATH INTL CTRI STUDY GUIDE 2026/2027 | Page 2
, Q5. A horse used in a group lesson suddenly stops, plants its feet, and refuses to move forward despite calm aids from
the rider and leader. The most appropriate first management step is to:
A. Have the leader ask the horse to yield the hindquarters and then re-ask for forward motion while checking for
environmental triggers
B. Immediately use a crop behind the saddle to force forward movement
C. Dismount the rider at once and end the horse’s work for the day
D. Ignore the refusal and continue the lesson pattern with the remaining horses
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A sudden plant and refusal often signals a perceived threat, pain, or confusion. Yielding the hindquarters re-establishes
leadership and movement while allowing the instructor to scan for hazards or discomfort before escalating pressure or removing the
horse.
Q6. During a pre-lesson soundness check an instructor notes a firm, cool, non-painful enlargement on the medial aspect
of a horse’s forelimb just below the knee. This finding is most consistent with a:
A. Fresh bowed tendon requiring immediate rest and veterinary care
B. Active infection that contraindicates any riding activity
C. Fracture of the splint bone that must be radiographed before further use
D. Blemish such as a splint that does not necessarily preclude work if the horse moves soundly
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A firm, cool, non-painful bony enlargement on the medial cannon is characteristic of an old splint (a blemish). Blemishes do
not affect soundness; the horse may still be suitable for therapeutic work if the gait remains symmetrical and pain-free.
Q7. A therapy horse that has been reliable for months begins to display repeated kicking at the belly, looking at its flank,
and lying down and getting up frequently in the stall before a lesson. The instructor should recognize these signs as most
suggestive of:
A. Normal post-feeding behavior that will resolve once the horse is exercised
B. Boredom that can be addressed by increasing turnout time later in the day
C. A mild behavioral protest against being caught for work
D. Possible colic or abdominal discomfort requiring immediate veterinary attention and cancellation of the horse’s lesson
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Kicking at the belly, flank watching, and repeated lying down are classic early signs of colic. Equine welfare and safety
demand immediate removal from work and veterinary evaluation rather than proceeding with a lesson.
Q8. When teaching volunteers how to lead a therapy horse safely through a turn in the arena, the instructor emphasizes
that the leader should:
A. Walk ahead of the horse’s shoulder and pull the horse around the corner with the lead rope
B. Drop the lead entirely and allow the horse to self-steer while the sidewalker provides direction
C. Stand directly in front of the horse and back it around the corner
D. Position themselves at the horse’s shoulder, look in the direction of the turn, and use the lead to guide the horse’s head
while maintaining consistent contact
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Correct leading position at the shoulder with clear directional intention and light, consistent contact allows the leader to
guide the horse safely without pulling or crowding, reducing the risk of the horse stepping on the leader or becoming unbalanced.
PATH INTL CTRI STUDY GUIDE 2026/2027 | Page 3
PATH INTL CTRI A+
STUDY GUIDE
2026/2027
Official Exam-Aligned Practice Assessment for the Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor Credential
A+ 5 100%
QUESTIONS VERIFIED EXAM DOMAINS COVERED RATIONALES INCLUDED
CATEGORIES
■ 1. Equine Handling
■ 2. Participant and Volunteer Management
■ 3. Lesson Management
■ 4. Risk Management
■ 5. Riding Theory
STUVIAACTUALEXAM
Aligned to the PATH Intl. CTRI Exam Blueprint • Original Practice Content
, SECTION: EQUINE HANDLING
Q1. During a therapeutic riding lesson a horse begins to show repeated head tossing, shortened stride at the trot, and
resistance when asked to move forward from the halt. The instructor must decide the most appropriate immediate action
regarding the equine.
A. Continue the lesson at the walk only and reassess after the session ends
B. Apply a stronger leg aid and ask the rider to use the whip to encourage forward movement
C. Remove the horse from the lesson immediately and have a qualified professional evaluate for possible unsoundness
D. Switch the rider to a different horse and keep the original horse working at the walk with a volunteer
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Repeated head tossing combined with shortened stride and resistance are classic signs of possible pain or unsoundness.
PATH Intl. standards require the instructor to prioritize equine welfare and participant safety by removing the horse from work and
arranging professional evaluation rather than continuing or forcing the horse.
Q2. A lesson horse pins its ears, swishes its tail vigorously, and attempts to nip at a sidewalker while standing at the
mounting block. The rider is already in the saddle. The instructor’s first priority is to:
A. Immediately ask the rider to dismount while the leader stabilizes the horse
B. Instruct the sidewalker to step farther away from the horse’s head
C. Correct the horse with a sharp verbal reprimand and continue mounting procedures
D. Ignore the behavior if the horse has a history of mild irritability
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Ear pinning, tail swishing, and nipping are clear warning signals of escalating equine discomfort or agitation. Safety requires
prompt removal of the rider so the horse can be managed without risk of a more serious reaction during mounting.
Q3. An instructor is evaluating a prospective therapy horse that appears sound at the walk but exhibits a slight head bob
and shortened stride on the right front leg when trotted in a straight line. This observation most strongly indicates:
A. A normal variation in gait related to the horse’s conformation
B. Possible unsoundness that requires further veterinary assessment before the horse can be used in lessons
C. That the horse is simply stiff and will improve with more warm-up
D. A behavioral resistance that can be corrected with ground training
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A consistent head bob and shortened stride at the trot are classic indicators of lameness. Therapy horses must be sound;
any suspicion of unsoundness requires professional veterinary evaluation before the horse is placed in a lesson program.
Q4. When identifying basic equine anatomy relevant to tack fitting and rider safety, the instructor correctly locates the
withers as the:
A. Ridge formed by the dorsal spinal processes of the thoracic vertebrae just behind the neck
B. Highest point of the croup where the tail attaches
C. Joint between the femur and the pelvis on the hindquarter
D. Cartilaginous structure at the end of the muzzle
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The withers are formed by the spinous processes of the thoracic vertebrae and serve as the critical landmark for saddle
placement and balance. Correct identification is essential for safe tack fitting and for recognizing pressure points that can cause equine
discomfort.
PATH INTL CTRI STUDY GUIDE 2026/2027 | Page 2
, Q5. A horse used in a group lesson suddenly stops, plants its feet, and refuses to move forward despite calm aids from
the rider and leader. The most appropriate first management step is to:
A. Have the leader ask the horse to yield the hindquarters and then re-ask for forward motion while checking for
environmental triggers
B. Immediately use a crop behind the saddle to force forward movement
C. Dismount the rider at once and end the horse’s work for the day
D. Ignore the refusal and continue the lesson pattern with the remaining horses
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A sudden plant and refusal often signals a perceived threat, pain, or confusion. Yielding the hindquarters re-establishes
leadership and movement while allowing the instructor to scan for hazards or discomfort before escalating pressure or removing the
horse.
Q6. During a pre-lesson soundness check an instructor notes a firm, cool, non-painful enlargement on the medial aspect
of a horse’s forelimb just below the knee. This finding is most consistent with a:
A. Fresh bowed tendon requiring immediate rest and veterinary care
B. Active infection that contraindicates any riding activity
C. Fracture of the splint bone that must be radiographed before further use
D. Blemish such as a splint that does not necessarily preclude work if the horse moves soundly
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A firm, cool, non-painful bony enlargement on the medial cannon is characteristic of an old splint (a blemish). Blemishes do
not affect soundness; the horse may still be suitable for therapeutic work if the gait remains symmetrical and pain-free.
Q7. A therapy horse that has been reliable for months begins to display repeated kicking at the belly, looking at its flank,
and lying down and getting up frequently in the stall before a lesson. The instructor should recognize these signs as most
suggestive of:
A. Normal post-feeding behavior that will resolve once the horse is exercised
B. Boredom that can be addressed by increasing turnout time later in the day
C. A mild behavioral protest against being caught for work
D. Possible colic or abdominal discomfort requiring immediate veterinary attention and cancellation of the horse’s lesson
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Kicking at the belly, flank watching, and repeated lying down are classic early signs of colic. Equine welfare and safety
demand immediate removal from work and veterinary evaluation rather than proceeding with a lesson.
Q8. When teaching volunteers how to lead a therapy horse safely through a turn in the arena, the instructor emphasizes
that the leader should:
A. Walk ahead of the horse’s shoulder and pull the horse around the corner with the lead rope
B. Drop the lead entirely and allow the horse to self-steer while the sidewalker provides direction
C. Stand directly in front of the horse and back it around the corner
D. Position themselves at the horse’s shoulder, look in the direction of the turn, and use the lead to guide the horse’s head
while maintaining consistent contact
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Correct leading position at the shoulder with clear directional intention and light, consistent contact allows the leader to
guide the horse safely without pulling or crowding, reducing the risk of the horse stepping on the leader or becoming unbalanced.
PATH INTL CTRI STUDY GUIDE 2026/2027 | Page 3
