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PATH Intl. and AQHA Partner on New Horse Award

PATH Intl. and AQHA Partner on New Horse Award

For Immediate Release – 08/07/2023

The Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) is Thrilled and Honored to Partner with AQHA for a New Horse Award
Contact: Sara Conant, Communications & Marketing Coordinator, , (800) 369-7433 ext. 123

The Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) is Thrilled and Honored to Partner with AQHA for a New Horse Award

Denver, CO – 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 AQHA
AQHA News and information is a service of the American Quarter Horse Association. For more news and information, follow @AQHA on X (formerly Twitter) and visit www.aqha.com/news.

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.