A new award honoring registered American Quarter Horses participating in equine-assisted services, including therapeutic riding, at PATH Intl. Centers has just been announced.
“AQHA is very excited to partner with PATH Intl. for such a great cause,” said Karl Stressman, AQHA Chief Executive Officer. “I believe that this partnership can open a gate of opportunity for those who have American Quarter Horses in equine-assisted services programs.”
The AQHA-PATH Intl. Equine-Assisted Services Horse of the Year Award is a nomination-based award determined through a selection process by AQHA and PATH Intl. Nominated horses must currently be participating in equine-assisted services at a PATH Intl. Member Center or Premier Accredited Center that is a member of AQHA. The horse must be registered with AQHA. Nominations must be submitted before December 31, 2023. There will be two winners awarded. Thanks to the generosity of AQHA, the first-place winner will receive an incredible $10,000 cash prize, and second place will receive $5,000!
“Showcasing registered American Quarter Horses at PATH Intl. Centers through this award highlights the breed’s suitability for equine-assisted services,” said PATH Intl. CEO, Kathy Alm. “Through interactions led by PATH Intl. certified professionals, American Quarter Horses help to bring about health and wellness goals for people with unique needs. Connecting PATH Intl. members to the myriad education opportunities available through AQHA membership and the generous award prizes are icing on the cake. We can’t thank AQHA enough for this partnership and for recognizing the power of the horse to change and enrich lives!”
About PATH Intl.: The Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International® (PATH Intl.®) was formed in 1969 to promote safety and optimal outcomes in equine-assisted services (EAS) for individuals with special needs and others. At 813 member centers, more than 53,339 children and adults, including 5,900 veterans, may find improved health, wellness and a sense of pride, independence and fun through involvement with horses. Member centers offer therapeutic horsemanship including riding, driving, interactive vaulting, trail riding, competition, groundwork and stable management; physical, occupational therapies; speech language pathology and mental health services incorporating horses, coaching and learning programs among other services. Through a wide variety of educational resources, the association helps individuals start and maintain successful EAS programs. There are nearly 50,000 volunteers, 5,424 certified professionals, 76,781 equines and thousands of contributors from all over the world helping people at PATH Intl. Member Centers achieve their health and wellness and learning goals.
About AQHA
AQHA News and information is a service of the American Quarter Horse Association. For more news and information, follow @AQHA on Twitter and visit www.aqha.com/news.
Contact: Sara Conant, Communications & Marketing Coordinator
sconant@pathintl.org, (800) 369-7433, ext. 123