• The awards nomination form for the equines, volunteers and veterinarians will be scored based on criteria, experience, and ranking of attributes as indicated on the form.
• The regional winner will be based on the highest score.
• In the event of a tie for regional winner, the winner will be selected by random from those tied with the highest score.
• The awards nomination form for the credentialed professional will be scored with criteria such as being a member in good standing, minimum length of certification/service, contribution to program and adhering to PATH Intl.
  Standards/code of ethics and ranking of attributes.
• The regional winner will be based on the highest score.
• In the event of a tie for regional winner, the winner will be selected by random from those tied with the highest score.
• The nominators of regional winners will be asked to submit reference forms that include essays for consideration in selection of the international winner. Regional winner reference forms will need to be submitted by May 29, 2023, to be considered for the 2023 PATH Intl. award in their respective category.
• Nominations for regional award categories must be submitted by January 9, 2023. This is to ensure that regional winners are notified in time for the 2023 region conferences.
  • If in Region 7, these nominations must be in by December 26, 2022, to have time to score prior to the Region 7 conference.
• Equestrian of the year awards are national awards, and the nomination deadline for this category is May 29, 2023.

• Nominating centers must be current center members in good standing.
• Only one nomination is allowed per center per category.
• In the Equine, Veterinarian and Volunteer categories, the center is not eligible to submit a nomination if they had a regional winner in that category in 2022.
• The nominee is ineligible if they have won a PATH Intl. award in their respective category in the last five years.

• The equestrian participates in an equestrian activity at a PATH Intl. Member Center in good standing and has a disability/special need.
• The adult equestrian must be at least 18 years old as of January 1, 2023.
• The PATH International Equine Services for Heroes equestrian nominee must be at least 18 years old and a military veteran or currently enlisted in the military.
• The youth equestrian must be at least 4 years old but under the age of 18 as of January 1, 2023.
• The Equestrian of the Year is not a regional award. The equestrian awards will have reference essays judged by a panel of volunteer judges to determine the winner in each category.

• The equine’s previous experience has added value to his/her services in the EAS industry at the nominating center.
• The equine has an excellent attitude for work in the EAS industry.
• The equine’s contributions are significant to the nominating center.
• The equine has good relationships with the participants with whom he/she interacts with at the nominating center.

• The volunteer has been active in the center’s program for the entire year prior to this nomination and is still active at this time.
• The volunteer is not paid for his/her time at the center.
• The volunteer’s contributions to the center are of the highest quality.
• The volunteer is reliable and consistently follows thought with his/her commitments.
• The volunteer’s contributions have helped enhance the ability of the center to provide equine-assisted services.
• The nominee has a long history of volunteer service, either at the center or elsewhere in the community.

• The veterinarian volunteers at least a portion of their time or products to the nominating center.
• The veterinarian is currently licensed in their state or county of practice.
• The veterinarian demonstrates compassion and respect for participants and clients.
• The veterinarian demonstrates safe, ethical, and humane treatment of equines.

• The credentialed professional is a current PATH Intl. member in good standing.
• The credentialed professional holds a PATH Intl. certification or EFP or EAL credentials.
• The credentialed professional has a minimum of two years’ experience in their respective field.
• The credentialed professional demonstrates excellent teaching, facilitating or other related skills.
• The credentialed professional demonstrates compassion and respect for students, clients, staff, and volunteers.
• The credentialed professional demonstrates safe, ethical, and humane partnering with equines.
• The credentialed professional adheres to all applicable PATH Intl. Standards, guidelines, and code of ethics.
• Additional information for the credentialed professional to be submitted will include credentials, certifications, and experience information, and the nominator will be asked to rank certain attributes of the nominee.
• Please be sure to follow the instructions described on the nomination form and fill out the form in its entirety.

The PATH Intl. James Brady Professional Achievement Award is given to a person who has made a significant contribution to the industry of equine-assisted services (EAS). (James Brady was the press secretary to U.S. President Ronald Reagan who was shot during an assassination attempt in 1981. The failed attempt paralyzed Brady who as part of his physical therapy began therapeutic riding with his horse. He said riding helped him improve his balance and muscle control more than traditional therapy. Brady was an ally of then NARHA, and subsequently, the association named its most prestigious award in his honor.)

Winners of this award are recognized for demonstrating the highest ethical behavior in their personal and professional life; for possessing proven leadership and dedication through delivery of service, educational contribution, support, and promotion of the industry; for bringing innovative ideas to fruition; for creating collaborations and partnerships to advance the work of EAS; and for enhancing the success and knowledge of others in the association.

PATH Intl. James Brady Professional Achievement Award criteria and forms:
(The application deadline is May 29, 2023.)

• Criteria
• James Brady Reference Forms
• James Brady Nomination Form