For Immediate Release
DENVER, CO (January 20, 2025) — The Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) takes great pride in recognizing the exceptional credentialed professionals who serve at PATH Intl. Member Centers across the country, ensuring the highest quality of instruction in equine-assisted services (EAS). PATH Intl. is pleased to announce the winner of the 2025 PATH Intl. Credentialed Professional of the Year Award, sponsored by Markel. Congratulations to Sarah Jane Casey, nominated by Endeavor Therapeutic Horsemanship, Inc. in Beacon, New York.
Sarah Jane Casey and all the PATH Intl. Region award winners were recognized at the PATH Intl. Awards Luncheon held in Denver, Colorado, on November 8, at the 2025 PATH Intl. Conference. Sarah Jane is a dedicated PATH Intl. Advanced Instructor who welcomes each participant, whether a young child, a Veteran or a member of the senior community, with warmth and purpose. Every lesson reflects thoughtful planning, ensuring each rider is supported by a program tailored to their personal goals.
“Sarah Jane’s exquisitely detailed attention has enabled my brother to successfully complete his short-term goal of steering through a line of cones,” one individual shared. “Sarah Jane’s one-on-one guidance, exceptional empathy, gentle encouragement and positive reinforcement, have helped my brother to attain a level of precision rare in other areas of his life.”
Sarah Jane’s approach by meeting each participant exactly where they are, then guiding them toward their fullest potential, extends across all her teaching. This sense of adaptability, empathy and problem-solving empowers every rider to experience growth. The pride and joy shown by participants are a testament to Sarah Jane’s dedication and skill as an instructor.
As a PATH Intl. CTRI®, the only independently accredited certification in the equine-assisted services industry, Sarah Jane and all PATH Intl. CTRI®s uphold a professional code of ethics and adhere to PATH Intl. Standards for safety and education to deliver high-quality equine-assisted services. PATH Intl. CEO Kathy Alm said of the awardees: “Honoring the achievements of these credentialed equine-assisted services professionals as they continue to improve and expand their skills is a wonderful way to highlight the impact these services have on their communities and beyond. Markel’s continued dedication to PATH Intl., its members, and its credentialed professionals reflects their commitment to the entire industry.”
Markel, a generous and longtime gold-level sponsor of PATH Intl., proudly sponsors the PATH Intl. Credentialed Professional of the Year Award. The global specialty insurance provider, which deeply values safety and unparalleled customer service, celebrates all the dedicated, innovative, and safety-minded PATH Intl. certified professionals like Sarah Jane Casey “We are deeply honored to sponsor such a prestigious award,” states Emily Springman, Markel’s managing director, “We join PATH Intl. in celebrating Sarah Jane Casey and all the PATH Intl. professionals who provide invaluable services to their communities. Their dedication and positive impact make them all winners every single day. We look forward to continuing our support for PATH Intl. and their incredible work.”
Congratulations to all the 2025 PATH Intl. Region Credentialed Professional of the Year winners!
Region 1: Jen Wright, Windrush Farm Therapeutic Equitation, Inc., North Andover, Massachusetts
Region 2: Sarah Jane Casey, Endeavor Therapeutic Horsemanship, Beacon, New York
Region 3: Nancy Davidson, Sprout Therapeutic Riding and Education Center, Aldie, Virginia
Region 4: Melissa Walters, Central Kentucky Riding for Hope (CKRH), Lexington, Kentucky
Region 5: Kristen Sanders, Shangri-La Therapeutic Academy of Riding (STAR), Lenoir City, Tennessee
Region 6: Katie Luessenhop, Special Methods in Learning Equine Skills INC. (SMILES), Darien, Wisconsin
Region 7: Kaiti Otte, Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Academy, Gretna, Nebraska
Region 8: Kelsy Hicks, Camp Able of Buffalo Gap, Buffalo Gap, Texas
Region 9: No Nominations in 2025
Region 10: Lauren McCave, Hearts & Horses, Loveland, Colorado
Region 11: Haley Mathews, Xenophon Therapeutic Riding Center, Orinda, California
For a full list of the states and countries included in each of the PATH Intl. Regions,
please visit PATH Intl. Member Regions page.
About Merkel:
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