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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.®) was formed in 1969 to promote safety and optimal outcomes in equine-assisted services (EAS) for individuals with special needs. At nearly 750 member centers, more than 66,000 children and adults, including 6,200 veterans, may find improved health, wellness and a sense of pride, independence and fun through involvement with horses. Therapeutic horsemanship at member centers may include hippotherapy, equine-facilitated mental health, driving, interactive vaulting, trail riding, competition, groundwork and stable management. Through a wide variety of educational resources, the association helps individuals start and maintain successful EAS programs. There are nearly 62,500 volunteers, 5,011 instructors, 7,800 equines and thousands of contributors from all over the world helping people at PATH Intl. Member Centers.

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 794 member centers, more than 46,600 children and adults, including 5,200 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, groundwork, and stable management; physical, speech and occupational therapies; mental health services incorporating equines; and coaching and learning programs, among other services. There are nearly 40,000 volunteers, 4,863 PATH Intl. certified professionals, 5,250 equines, and thousands of contributors from all over the world helping people at PATH Intl. Member Centers achieve their health, wellness, and learning goals. Through a wide variety of educational resources and certification programs, the association helps individuals start and maintain successful EAS programs. PATH Intl. offers the first and only independently accredited certification program in the EAS industry. The PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor® Certification, first accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies in 2022, demonstrates the competency of therapeutic riding instructors and adds credibility to the EAS industry as a career path.