ULTIMATE PATH INTL. CTRI EXAM PREP 2025; 350 HIGH-YIELD PRACTICE
QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED ANSWERS AND DETAILED EXPLANATIONS TO
GUARANTEE PASSING, COVERING RIDER SAFETY, HORSE MANAGEMENT,
LESSON PLANNING, VOLUNTEER COORDINATION, DISABILITY
KNOWLEDGE, TEACHING STRATEGIES, AND REAL-WORLD SCENARIOS
FOR CERTIFIED THERAPEUTIC RIDING INSTRUCTOR SUCCESS
1. What is the primary responsibility of a Certified Therapeutic Riding
Instructor during a lesson?
A. Train the horse
B. Evaluate volunteers
C. Ensure participant safety and promote skill progression
D. Monitor the barn for cleanliness
Answer: C
Explanation: The CTRI is responsible for the safety and progression of the
rider during lessons, ensuring appropriate lesson structure and adapting to
individual needs.
2. Which of the following is a common contraindication for therapeutic
riding?
A. Autism
B. Down syndrome with atlantoaxial instability
C. ADHD
D. Cerebral palsy
Answer: B
Explanation: Atlantoaxial instability can cause spinal cord compression during
horseback riding and is considered a contraindication unless cleared by a
physician.
3. When fitting a helmet, which of the following is true?
A. The helmet should rest above the eyebrows and be snug.
B. The helmet should be loose enough to remove with one hand.
,C. The strap should be unfastened during lessons.
D. The helmet should tilt backward for visibility.
Answer: A
Explanation: A properly fitted helmet should sit level on the head, covering the
forehead, and fit snugly with the strap securely fastened.
4. What is the correct term for the area where horses are groomed and
tacked?
A. Arena
B. Pasture
C. Cross-ties or grooming area
D. Barn aisle
Answer: C
Explanation: Cross-ties or designated grooming areas are used for grooming
and tacking to ensure horse and human safety.
5. A rider with low muscle tone may benefit from which kind of exercise?
A. Static balance activities
B. Fast-paced trotting
C. Advanced jumping
D. None, as riding is contraindicated
Answer: A
Explanation: Static balance activities help improve core strength and stability
for riders with hypotonia (low muscle tone).
6. Which of the following best describes “centered riding”?
A. Riding with arms and legs outstretched
B. A method focusing on balance, breathing, and soft eyes
C. Riding with focus on the horse's speed
D. Using only verbal cues to guide the horse
Answer: B
Explanation: Centered riding emphasizes body awareness, balance, and proper
alignment to improve communication with the horse.
7. Which of the following would be considered an example of “positive
reinforcement”?
,A. Ignoring a rider’s mistake
B. Providing a break for bad behavior
C. Giving praise or a reward after desired behavior
D. Telling a rider they are wrong
Answer: C
Explanation: Positive reinforcement encourages desired behaviors by
providing something pleasant after the behavior.
8. What is a common sign of discomfort in a horse during a lesson?
A. Relaxed ears
B. Swaying body
C. Pinned ears and tail swishing
D. Soft chewing of the bit
Answer: C
Explanation: Pinned ears and tail swishing may indicate that the horse is
agitated or in discomfort.
9. If a rider begins to slump forward while riding, the instructor should
first:
A. Remove the rider from the horse
B. Stop the horse and assess positioning
C. Tell the rider to sit up louder
D. Call emergency services
Answer: B
Explanation: Instructors should first stop the horse and correct the rider’s
position safely.
10. What is the purpose of using a surcingle instead of a saddle?
A. To save time during tacking
B. To offer more control to the instructor
C. To allow for better tactile input for the rider
D. To discourage riders from relying on stirrups
Answer: C
Explanation: A surcingle provides more contact with the horse's body,
enhancing sensory input for therapeutic purposes.
, 11. Which gait is described as a four-beat, slow, and steady movement?
A. Trot
B. Walk
C. Canter
D. Gallop
Answer: B
Explanation: The walk is a four-beat gait that provides rhythmic movement
suitable for most riders.
12. Why is it important to have a pre-lesson briefing with volunteers?
A. To assign chores
B. To collect feedback
C. To explain roles, safety, and expectations
D. To practice arena setup
Answer: C
Explanation: Pre-lesson briefings clarify roles, review rider needs, and
promote safe and effective teamwork.
13. Which type of tack provides the most lateral support for a rider with
poor trunk control?
A. English saddle
B. Western saddle
C. Bareback pad
D. Surcingle
Answer: B
Explanation: Western saddles offer a deeper seat and horn for increased
stability and support.
14. What is the most appropriate action if a horse spooks during a lesson?
A. Yell at the horse
B. Let go of the reins
C. Calmly halt the horse and reassure rider and team
D. Continue as if nothing happened
Answer: C
Explanation: A calm response helps reassure the horse, rider, and volunteers
while restoring control.
QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED ANSWERS AND DETAILED EXPLANATIONS TO
GUARANTEE PASSING, COVERING RIDER SAFETY, HORSE MANAGEMENT,
LESSON PLANNING, VOLUNTEER COORDINATION, DISABILITY
KNOWLEDGE, TEACHING STRATEGIES, AND REAL-WORLD SCENARIOS
FOR CERTIFIED THERAPEUTIC RIDING INSTRUCTOR SUCCESS
1. What is the primary responsibility of a Certified Therapeutic Riding
Instructor during a lesson?
A. Train the horse
B. Evaluate volunteers
C. Ensure participant safety and promote skill progression
D. Monitor the barn for cleanliness
Answer: C
Explanation: The CTRI is responsible for the safety and progression of the
rider during lessons, ensuring appropriate lesson structure and adapting to
individual needs.
2. Which of the following is a common contraindication for therapeutic
riding?
A. Autism
B. Down syndrome with atlantoaxial instability
C. ADHD
D. Cerebral palsy
Answer: B
Explanation: Atlantoaxial instability can cause spinal cord compression during
horseback riding and is considered a contraindication unless cleared by a
physician.
3. When fitting a helmet, which of the following is true?
A. The helmet should rest above the eyebrows and be snug.
B. The helmet should be loose enough to remove with one hand.
,C. The strap should be unfastened during lessons.
D. The helmet should tilt backward for visibility.
Answer: A
Explanation: A properly fitted helmet should sit level on the head, covering the
forehead, and fit snugly with the strap securely fastened.
4. What is the correct term for the area where horses are groomed and
tacked?
A. Arena
B. Pasture
C. Cross-ties or grooming area
D. Barn aisle
Answer: C
Explanation: Cross-ties or designated grooming areas are used for grooming
and tacking to ensure horse and human safety.
5. A rider with low muscle tone may benefit from which kind of exercise?
A. Static balance activities
B. Fast-paced trotting
C. Advanced jumping
D. None, as riding is contraindicated
Answer: A
Explanation: Static balance activities help improve core strength and stability
for riders with hypotonia (low muscle tone).
6. Which of the following best describes “centered riding”?
A. Riding with arms and legs outstretched
B. A method focusing on balance, breathing, and soft eyes
C. Riding with focus on the horse's speed
D. Using only verbal cues to guide the horse
Answer: B
Explanation: Centered riding emphasizes body awareness, balance, and proper
alignment to improve communication with the horse.
7. Which of the following would be considered an example of “positive
reinforcement”?
,A. Ignoring a rider’s mistake
B. Providing a break for bad behavior
C. Giving praise or a reward after desired behavior
D. Telling a rider they are wrong
Answer: C
Explanation: Positive reinforcement encourages desired behaviors by
providing something pleasant after the behavior.
8. What is a common sign of discomfort in a horse during a lesson?
A. Relaxed ears
B. Swaying body
C. Pinned ears and tail swishing
D. Soft chewing of the bit
Answer: C
Explanation: Pinned ears and tail swishing may indicate that the horse is
agitated or in discomfort.
9. If a rider begins to slump forward while riding, the instructor should
first:
A. Remove the rider from the horse
B. Stop the horse and assess positioning
C. Tell the rider to sit up louder
D. Call emergency services
Answer: B
Explanation: Instructors should first stop the horse and correct the rider’s
position safely.
10. What is the purpose of using a surcingle instead of a saddle?
A. To save time during tacking
B. To offer more control to the instructor
C. To allow for better tactile input for the rider
D. To discourage riders from relying on stirrups
Answer: C
Explanation: A surcingle provides more contact with the horse's body,
enhancing sensory input for therapeutic purposes.
, 11. Which gait is described as a four-beat, slow, and steady movement?
A. Trot
B. Walk
C. Canter
D. Gallop
Answer: B
Explanation: The walk is a four-beat gait that provides rhythmic movement
suitable for most riders.
12. Why is it important to have a pre-lesson briefing with volunteers?
A. To assign chores
B. To collect feedback
C. To explain roles, safety, and expectations
D. To practice arena setup
Answer: C
Explanation: Pre-lesson briefings clarify roles, review rider needs, and
promote safe and effective teamwork.
13. Which type of tack provides the most lateral support for a rider with
poor trunk control?
A. English saddle
B. Western saddle
C. Bareback pad
D. Surcingle
Answer: B
Explanation: Western saddles offer a deeper seat and horn for increased
stability and support.
14. What is the most appropriate action if a horse spooks during a lesson?
A. Yell at the horse
B. Let go of the reins
C. Calmly halt the horse and reassure rider and team
D. Continue as if nothing happened
Answer: C
Explanation: A calm response helps reassure the horse, rider, and volunteers
while restoring control.
