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AQHA Partners with PATH Intl. for Second Year to Celebrate the American Quarter Horses in Equine-Assisted Services

AQHA Partners with PATH Intl. for Second Year to Celebrate the American Quarter Horses in Equine-Assisted Services

For Immediate Release

DENVER, CO (August 12, 2024) ­— The American Quarter Horse Association is proud to once again partner with the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.).

The American Quarter Horse Association continues its partnership with the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International, known as PATH Intl., for a second year to recognize equestrians and American Quarter Horses participating in equine-assisted services, including therapeutic riding.

“The American Quarter Horse is renowned for its versatility, good nature and ability to shine in equine-assisted services programs,” said AQHA CEO Karl Stressman. “It’s our honor to continue to recognize these horses and their important work through the AQHA-PATH Intl. Equine-Assisted Services Horse of the Year and runner-up, awarding their centers with $10,000 and $5,000 prizes.”

This program recognizes American Quarter Horses that take part in programs at PATH Intl. centers. 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 be considered an equine-assisted services horse (involved in therapeutic horsemanship sessions including riding, therapies incorporating equines and learning) at one of 794 PATH Intl. member centers and be registered with AQHA. The nominating center must be a current AQHA member. PATH Intl. members can save $5 on AQHA membership when they join or renew using promo code PATH. Nominations are open now and must be submitted before midnight on December 31, 2024.

 

“The heart-felt stories and accomplishments of last year’s award winners demonstrate how well suited American Quarter Horses are for partnering with humans in this work,” said PATH Intl. CEO Kathy Alm. “Through interactions led by PATH Intl. certified professionals, American Quarter Horses help bring about health and wellness goals for people with unique needs. AQHA’s support of EAS through linking PATH Intl. members to the myriad education opportunities available through AQHA membership and the generous award prizes proves they recognize the power of the American Quarter Horse to change and enrich lives!”

 

Contact: Sara Conant, Communications & Marketing Coordinator,
, (800) 369-7433 ext. 123

About PATH Intl.:

The Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International® (PATH Intl.), formed in 1969, advances professional equine-assisted services (EAS) by empowering its members, credentialed professionals, partners and the public through rigorously developed standards, credentials and education that recognize the power of the equine-human relationship. At 721 member centers, more than 71,000 children and adults with special needs, including 8,000 veterans, may find improved health, wellness, a sense of pride, independence and fun through involvement with horses. PATH Intl. members, credentialed professionals and member centers uphold the PATH Intl. Standards, developed and adopted by the PATH Intl. membership, to ensure centers and professionals follow procedures essential to providing safe, humane, gold-standard-quality EAS programming to the public, in the broad areas of horsemanship, therapy and learning. Among its multiple EAS certification programs, PATH Intl. proudly offers the Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor certification (the PATH Intl. CTRI®); the first and only independently accredited certification program in EAS.