PATH CTRI Study Guide Section 1 – 2025/2026 – 60+ Questions & Answers on Equine Wellness, Unsoundness, Blemishes, Conformation, Gaits & Instructor Observation

This detailed and exam-aligned study guide for Section 1 of the PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) exam targets the 2025/2026 certification cycle and includes over 60 well-structured Q&A items with confirmed correct answers. Designed to support both test preparation and practical knowledge, this guide focuses on critical equine topics that appear on the official CTRI exam and that are essential in real-world therapeutic riding instruction. Key areas covered include: Signs of equine discomfort and unsoundness, including behavioral cues like ear pinning, tail swishing, nipping, and stiffness Causes of adverse equine behavior, such as tack fit, rider imbalance, and volunteer interaction Development of equine topline and wellness protocols tailored to therapeutic riding settings, including workload planning, stress monitoring, and fitness programming Conformation analysis from all angles (front, rear, side) with precise observation criteria such as symmetry, balance, muscle definition, joint angles, and leg correctness Footfall patterns and gaits with proper terminology, especially as they relate to identifying unsoundness through movement Differentiation between blemishes and unsoundness, complete with real examples (e.g., bowed tendon, bone spavin, bog spavin, windpuffs) Instructor observation techniques for assessing horse behavior, movement, and potential health issues in a lesson setting This guide is ideal for: Candidates actively preparing for the PATH Intl. CTRI certification Students of equine science, adaptive riding, animal-assisted therapy, and occupational or physical therapy programs Riding instructors and professionals in EAAT (Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies) seeking to deepen their understanding of horse anatomy, behavior, and movement in relation to lesson quality and rider safety Staff, volunteers, and trainees at PATH Intl. centers responsible for horse management and lesson observation Every Q&A in this document is presented in the format used by the PATH CTRI exam and focuses on both theoretical knowledge and applied, scenario-based reasoning. Keywords: PATH CTRI, therapeutic riding, equine conformation, equine wellness, unsoundness, blemishes, horse gait analysis, trot footfall, arthritis in horses, equine anatomy, instructor observation, PATH Intl exam, rider balance, equine discomfort, EAAT prep