JACKSON -- Mississippi’s Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, or PATH, will host a statewide meeting on Feb. 7 in Jackson for anyone interested in therapeutic riding programs.

Mary Riley, therapeutic riding coordinator and instructor with Mississippi State University Extension Service’s 4-H program, said the meeting is open to members and individuals considering developing an equine therapy program in their area.

The meeting will begin at 1 p.m. in the west-end room on the second level of the Equine Center near the Mississippi Coliseum. Topics will include starting and sustaining a program, instructor certification and local program updates.

Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International is a federally registered nonprofit organization. Formed in 1969 as the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association, PATH promotes equine-assisted activities and therapies for individuals with special needs.

PATH Intl. centers offer a number of therapeutic equine-related activities, including hippotherapy, equine-facilitated mental health, driving, interactive vaulting, competition, ground work and stable management. More recently, programs have begun offering services in human growth and development to teach a broader audience about leadership, team building and other workplace skills.

For more information, contact Riley at (662) 325-3350 or mriley@ext.msstate.edu.