Fall SemeSter 2025 | PatH InternatIonal
CertIFIed tHeraPeutIC rIdIng InStruCtor (CtrI)
exam PreP | 240+ VerIFIed PraCtICe QueStIonS
wItH CorreCt anSwerS & detaIled ratIonaleS |
ComPlete uPdated 2025/2026 Study guIde For
eQuIne-aSSISted tHeraPy CertIFICatIon SuCCeSS
Question 1:
What is the primary goal of therapeutic riding programs?
A. To provide recreational horseback riding
B. To enhance physical, emotional, and social well-being through horseback riding
C. To train horses for competition
D. To promote equestrian sports
Correct answer: B. To enhance physical, emotional, and social well-being through
horseback riding
Rationale: The primary goal of therapeutic riding programs is to use horseback riding as
a means to improve participants' overall health and quality of life.
Question 2:
What are the key components of a therapeutic riding session?
A. Only riding techniques
B. Horse grooming and feeding
C. Goal setting, riding activities, and evaluation
D. Competition preparation
Correct answer: C. Goal setting, riding activities, and evaluation
Rationale: Effective therapeutic riding sessions incorporate goal setting, engaging
activities, and ongoing evaluation to ensure the needs of participants are met.
Question 3:
What is the role of the instructor in a therapeutic riding program?
A. To train horses for competition
B. To facilitate the riding experience while ensuring safety and therapeutic benefits
C. To manage the facility
D. To organize competitions
Correct answer: B. To facilitate the riding experience while ensuring safety and
therapeutic benefits
,Rationale: Instructors play a critical role in ensuring that the riding experience is safe,
supportive, and therapeutic for participants.
Question 4:
What is adaptive riding?
A. Riding in competitive events
B. Modifying riding techniques to accommodate individual needs
C. Training horses for specific tasks
D. Traditional horseback riding
Correct answer: B. Modifying riding techniques to accommodate individual needs
Rationale: Adaptive riding involves tailoring riding techniques and equipment to meet
the unique needs of each rider, enhancing their experience.
Question 5:
What should be considered when selecting a horse for therapeutic riding?
A. The horse's competitive history
B. The horse's temperament, size, and training
C. The horse's breed
D. The horse's color
Correct answer: B. The horse's temperament, size, and training
Rationale: Horses used in therapeutic riding programs should have suitable
temperaments and training to ensure the safety and comfort of participants.
Question 6:
Which of the following is a benefit of therapeutic riding?
A. Increased competition success
B. Improved horse training techniques
C. Enhanced physical coordination and balance
D. Reduced horse care costs
Correct answer: C. Enhanced physical coordination and balance
Rationale: Therapeutic riding can help improve participants' physical coordination,
balance, and overall motor skills through interactive activities.
Question 7:
What is the importance of safety in therapeutic riding?
A. It is secondary to achieving therapeutic goals
B. It is paramount to ensure the well-being of both riders and horses
,C. It can be overlooked if riders are experienced
D. It only applies to riding and not groundwork
Correct answer: B. It is paramount to ensure the well-being of both riders and
horses
Rationale: Safety is crucial in therapeutic riding to protect participants and horses,
preventing accidents and ensuring a positive experience.
Question 8:
What are the typical qualifications for a PATH International CTRI?
A. Only experience with horses
B. A high school diploma
C. Completion of specific training and certification through PATH International
D. A degree in veterinary science
Correct answer: C. Completion of specific training and certification through PATH
International
Rationale: PATH International requires instructors to complete training and certification
to ensure they have the necessary skills and knowledge for therapeutic riding.
Question 9:
What is a key aspect of participant assessment in therapeutic riding?
A. Focusing solely on riding ability
B. Ignoring medical history
C. Evaluating physical, emotional, and cognitive needs
D. Using standardized tests only
Correct answer: C. Evaluating physical, emotional, and cognitive needs
Rationale: Assessing participants holistically ensures that their individual needs are
considered, allowing for tailored therapeutic approaches.
Question 10:
How can therapeutic riding help individuals with disabilities?
A. By providing competitive opportunities
B. By improving confidence, social skills, and physical abilities
C. By offering traditional riding lessons
D. By training for horse shows
Correct answer: B. By improving confidence, social skills, and physical abilities
Rationale: Therapeutic riding programs aim to enhance various life skills, leading to
improved overall well-being for individuals with disabilities.
, Question 11:
What type of equipment is commonly used in therapeutic riding?
A. Competitive riding gear
B. Adaptive saddles and reins
C. Standard English saddles only
D. Racing equipment
Correct answer: B. Adaptive saddles and reins
Rationale: Adaptive equipment is often used in therapeutic riding to accommodate the
unique needs of participants and enhance safety.
Question 12:
What is the main purpose of ground work in therapeutic riding?
A. To prepare horses for competition
B. To develop riding skills only
C. To build trust and communication between the rider and horse
D. To teach grooming techniques
Correct answer: C. To build trust and communication between the rider and horse
Rationale: Groundwork helps riders develop a bond with the horse, promoting effective
communication and trust before mounting.
Question 13:
What is the role of volunteers in therapeutic riding programs?
A. To compete in shows
B. To assist in various tasks, including horse handling and participant support
C. To train horses exclusively
D. To manage finances
Correct answer: B. To assist in various tasks, including horse handling and
participant support
Rationale: Volunteers play a vital role by supporting instructors and participants,
ensuring smooth and safe operations during sessions.
Question 14:
What should be included in a therapeutic riding lesson plan?
A. Only riding techniques
B. Horse grooming
CertIFIed tHeraPeutIC rIdIng InStruCtor (CtrI)
exam PreP | 240+ VerIFIed PraCtICe QueStIonS
wItH CorreCt anSwerS & detaIled ratIonaleS |
ComPlete uPdated 2025/2026 Study guIde For
eQuIne-aSSISted tHeraPy CertIFICatIon SuCCeSS
Question 1:
What is the primary goal of therapeutic riding programs?
A. To provide recreational horseback riding
B. To enhance physical, emotional, and social well-being through horseback riding
C. To train horses for competition
D. To promote equestrian sports
Correct answer: B. To enhance physical, emotional, and social well-being through
horseback riding
Rationale: The primary goal of therapeutic riding programs is to use horseback riding as
a means to improve participants' overall health and quality of life.
Question 2:
What are the key components of a therapeutic riding session?
A. Only riding techniques
B. Horse grooming and feeding
C. Goal setting, riding activities, and evaluation
D. Competition preparation
Correct answer: C. Goal setting, riding activities, and evaluation
Rationale: Effective therapeutic riding sessions incorporate goal setting, engaging
activities, and ongoing evaluation to ensure the needs of participants are met.
Question 3:
What is the role of the instructor in a therapeutic riding program?
A. To train horses for competition
B. To facilitate the riding experience while ensuring safety and therapeutic benefits
C. To manage the facility
D. To organize competitions
Correct answer: B. To facilitate the riding experience while ensuring safety and
therapeutic benefits
,Rationale: Instructors play a critical role in ensuring that the riding experience is safe,
supportive, and therapeutic for participants.
Question 4:
What is adaptive riding?
A. Riding in competitive events
B. Modifying riding techniques to accommodate individual needs
C. Training horses for specific tasks
D. Traditional horseback riding
Correct answer: B. Modifying riding techniques to accommodate individual needs
Rationale: Adaptive riding involves tailoring riding techniques and equipment to meet
the unique needs of each rider, enhancing their experience.
Question 5:
What should be considered when selecting a horse for therapeutic riding?
A. The horse's competitive history
B. The horse's temperament, size, and training
C. The horse's breed
D. The horse's color
Correct answer: B. The horse's temperament, size, and training
Rationale: Horses used in therapeutic riding programs should have suitable
temperaments and training to ensure the safety and comfort of participants.
Question 6:
Which of the following is a benefit of therapeutic riding?
A. Increased competition success
B. Improved horse training techniques
C. Enhanced physical coordination and balance
D. Reduced horse care costs
Correct answer: C. Enhanced physical coordination and balance
Rationale: Therapeutic riding can help improve participants' physical coordination,
balance, and overall motor skills through interactive activities.
Question 7:
What is the importance of safety in therapeutic riding?
A. It is secondary to achieving therapeutic goals
B. It is paramount to ensure the well-being of both riders and horses
,C. It can be overlooked if riders are experienced
D. It only applies to riding and not groundwork
Correct answer: B. It is paramount to ensure the well-being of both riders and
horses
Rationale: Safety is crucial in therapeutic riding to protect participants and horses,
preventing accidents and ensuring a positive experience.
Question 8:
What are the typical qualifications for a PATH International CTRI?
A. Only experience with horses
B. A high school diploma
C. Completion of specific training and certification through PATH International
D. A degree in veterinary science
Correct answer: C. Completion of specific training and certification through PATH
International
Rationale: PATH International requires instructors to complete training and certification
to ensure they have the necessary skills and knowledge for therapeutic riding.
Question 9:
What is a key aspect of participant assessment in therapeutic riding?
A. Focusing solely on riding ability
B. Ignoring medical history
C. Evaluating physical, emotional, and cognitive needs
D. Using standardized tests only
Correct answer: C. Evaluating physical, emotional, and cognitive needs
Rationale: Assessing participants holistically ensures that their individual needs are
considered, allowing for tailored therapeutic approaches.
Question 10:
How can therapeutic riding help individuals with disabilities?
A. By providing competitive opportunities
B. By improving confidence, social skills, and physical abilities
C. By offering traditional riding lessons
D. By training for horse shows
Correct answer: B. By improving confidence, social skills, and physical abilities
Rationale: Therapeutic riding programs aim to enhance various life skills, leading to
improved overall well-being for individuals with disabilities.
, Question 11:
What type of equipment is commonly used in therapeutic riding?
A. Competitive riding gear
B. Adaptive saddles and reins
C. Standard English saddles only
D. Racing equipment
Correct answer: B. Adaptive saddles and reins
Rationale: Adaptive equipment is often used in therapeutic riding to accommodate the
unique needs of participants and enhance safety.
Question 12:
What is the main purpose of ground work in therapeutic riding?
A. To prepare horses for competition
B. To develop riding skills only
C. To build trust and communication between the rider and horse
D. To teach grooming techniques
Correct answer: C. To build trust and communication between the rider and horse
Rationale: Groundwork helps riders develop a bond with the horse, promoting effective
communication and trust before mounting.
Question 13:
What is the role of volunteers in therapeutic riding programs?
A. To compete in shows
B. To assist in various tasks, including horse handling and participant support
C. To train horses exclusively
D. To manage finances
Correct answer: B. To assist in various tasks, including horse handling and
participant support
Rationale: Volunteers play a vital role by supporting instructors and participants,
ensuring smooth and safe operations during sessions.
Question 14:
What should be included in a therapeutic riding lesson plan?
A. Only riding techniques
B. Horse grooming
