Training Institute
Become a Connected Horse Certified Barn and serve seniors, people affected by dementia, and care partners with vital programs.
Enroll in the Training Institute and become certified to deliver Connected Horse workshops in your communities. The training curriculum is like no other. Designed by Connected Horse Cofounders, Paula Herteland Nancy Schier Anzelmo, both leading voices in gerontology and elder care, the training is based on research with UC Davis and Stanford University, and refined through hundreds of workshops.
About the Barn Certification Program
The Barn Certification program consists of a one-year training program including a two-day, in-person, facilitator training, ongoing coaching, and access to invaluable resources that will help you launch, conduct effective outreach and recruitment, and maintain a robust and successful program.
The annual subscription charge to maintain a Connected Horse certification and legal use of the Connected Horse name includes:
- Curriculum based on the research at Stanford University and UC Davis, Alzheimer’s Disease Center and the School of Veterinary Center, Center for Equine Health Barns
- Certification training for two and the ability to add additional people to your training plan
- One in-person training weekend
- Access to state-of-the-art training tools and evaluations
- Monthly coaching calls
- Access to the Connected Horse membership portal with resource library
- Regular webinars
- Newsletters, and quarterly updates
- Training on how to market your program, fund development, and outreach support.
- An annual quality improvement evaluation
- PATH Continuing Education Credits are available
How to Participate
Connected Horse collaborates with therapeutic centers, performance barns, horse rescues, and private residences, with a priority placed on the safety and well-being of both participants and horses. We will work with you to carefully evaluate the various factors to consider at your barn. We have developed specific requirements to help support a positive implementation in a variety of locations. Minimum requirements include the availability of at least four horses that have been evaluated for the program, along with documented evidence of implementing the best practices for horse welfare and safety protocols. Additionally, a designated area for observing horses in either stalls or paddocks, as well as an arena (preferably covered), is necessary. To ensure optimal safety, flat and solid walkable surfaces are essential. Lastly, appropriate insurance coverage is required.
”The Connected Horse Program is unparalleled because the people who run the program are the same people who developed the field while working with Stanford and UC Davis to understand the tremendous impact the interaction between people and horses has on individuals with dementia and mild cognitive impairment. I am not aware of any other program that offers this kind of support, not only to the people suffering from dementia, but to their caregivers as well. I would encourage anyone with a therapeutic riding program to consider expanding your reach to this group of people. And for those who have other types of programs, such as hunter/jumper training programs or other riding programs, I would encourage you to reach out to the Connected Horse and consider inviting them to host their workshops at your place. Not only is this a way to support this community in an important way, but the effect it will have on young riders is immeasurable. By volunteering to help, our young students are exposed to the ability their horses have to respond gently to people who are not usually associated with this sport, while taking on a very different role than the one they usually perform. This experience helps bridge a gap between generations and creates an opportunity for these young people to see beyond stereotypes.
Leah FelizCo-Owner, Five-Star Equestrian
”“Change happens when people relax and can pay more attention to their senses. There was a gentleman who had a hard time getting out his words. It was the third session. He was hand grooming the horse, and then he looked at me, and he said, `I think he likes it'- as clear as a bell. It still gives me goosebumps. His wife was standing on the other side of the horse. She looked up, it was a second that touched her heart. Not every experience is as dramatic, but we've had many instances where either it's an aha moment for the care partner, or the person living with dementia can see, "oh look, I can do that.
Penny SinderXenophon Therapeutic Riding Center
I’m so glad I went through the training and now offer Connected Horse workshops at Xenophon. It is very gratifying to offer the workshops because you can see the transformation, how people are more fully present in the moment, and often come away with emotional healing and increased confidence that they can learn to live with this disease.
