The Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH Intl.) takes great pride in the exceptional equines and professionals who serve at PATH Intl. Member Centers across the country, ensuring high quality of services for the children and adults they partner with in equine-assisted services (EAS). PATH Intl. is pleased to announce the winner of the 2023 PATH Intl. Equine of the Year Award sponsored by Purina. Congratulations to Noble, nominated by PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center, Misty Meadows Equine Learning Center in Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts.
PATH Intl. recognized Noble and all the Regional and National Award Winners at the association’s International Conference Awards Luncheon held this fall, in Charlotte, North Carolina. Misty Meadows Equine Learning Center, a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center in Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts, nominated 32-year-old Percheron cross, Noble, who fully embraces his role as an equine partnering in equine-assisted services. Sue Peltier of Misty Meadows Equine Learning Center recounts an endearing tale about Noble, “When two therapeutic riding programs were merged and it was determined that Noble needed to be retired, he made it very clear that he was not ready for that. After he was sent to a very good home, he took his leave and somehow found his way back to Misty Meadows after a seven-mile trek, where he returned to the job he loves, helping people.” Noble’s friends see his dedication to his role through his kindness and commitment to being a safe mount. When asked about his connection with Noble, an 11-year-old Misty Meadows therapeutic riding student said, “’Walk on Noble, my trusty steed!’ This is what I say every time I leave the mounting block. I’ve been riding Noble for almost a year. My really favorite trait about Noble is that he is so KIND. He cares about ME.” All equines partnering in equine-assisted services have a special, nearly indefinable quality about them, but this year Noble stood out above the rest to earn this award.
Purina is a generous and long-time gold level sponsor of PATH Intl. As a company that cares deeply about equine nutrition and quality of life, Purina proudly sponsors the PATH Intl. Equine of the Year award, recognizing PATH Intl. member center horses who give their all partnering to help the humans who need them most.
Congratulations to the 2023 PATH Intl. Regional Equine of the Year Winners:
Region 1: Noble, Misty Meadows Equine Learning Center, West Tisbury, MA
Region 2: Barely There “Bear”, HorseAbility, Old Westbury, NY
Region 3: Mitch, Charleston Area Therapeutic Riding, Inc., Johns Island, SC
Region 4: Fancy Fay, Reins of Life, Inc, South Bend, IN
Region 5: Quick Eternal Sonny “Boomer”, SaddleUp! Franklin, TN
Region 6: Foxy, Equul Access, Inc., Hutchinson, MN
Region 7: Kay, Main Stay Therapeutic Farm, Richmond, IL
Region 8: Suzy II, Equest, Dallas, TX
Region 9: Toby, Healing Reins Therapeutic Riding Center, Bend, OR
Region 10: Bjorn, National Ability Center, Park City, UT
Region 11: Ozzie, Xenophon Therapeutic Riding Center, Orinda, CA
For a full list of the states and countries included in each of the PATH Intl. Regions please visit: https://pathintl.org/membership/regions/
Congratulations again to all the 2023 PATH Intl. Equine of the Year Award winners. Thank you as always to Purina for their continued support and sponsorship of this award, recognizing the best equines in equine-assisted services.
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.
Contact: Sara Conant, Communications & Marketing Coordinator
sconant@pathintl.org, (800) 369-7433, ext. 123