At their annual international conference in Orlando Florida recently, The Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) announced to its 850 North American Centers plans to embark on their largest fund raising project ever. In partnership with The American Competitive Trail Horse Association (ACTHA), PATH Int’l hopes to raise $1,000,000 for its centers throughout the month of March 2014, with a special focus on the weekend of March 15-16, 2014.
March 2014 will be a very special month for those families in need of physical and emotional therapeutic help that uniquely the horse/human connection can give. Plans include hosting approximately 1,000 ACTHA competitive events throughout North America. Each of PATH International’s Centers will be invited to host and share in the fun and the funding. They will be joined by hundreds of ACTHA’s established ride hosts.
“Getting increased national awareness to our cause and as importantly local awareness in the 850 communities we currently serve on a nonprofit basis, is always an important part of fulfilling our mission. Local volunteers are critical to the daily completion of our mission. That mission is changing and enriching lives by promoting excellence in equine-assisted activities and therapies.” Kay Green, PATH Int’l CEO.
ACTHA will administer the events. “We couldn’t be more pleased. PATH Int’l has been providing this amazing service for over 40 years! It’s time we all helped and brought their work to the forefront of the industry. ACTHA is honored to play its role while showing the amazing power of our proprietary systems and our dedicated staff of great communicators.
ACTHA has always believed that with the help from our wonderful partners like PATH Int’l, our amazing sponsors, dedicated members, hardworking hosts, altruistic industry supporters and the thousands and thousands of volunteers that show up every year, that the cure for the plight of the unwanted horse can end. Once and for all. SOON. It’s a question of “employment”.
A project like PATH Int’l shows everyone one incredible way these horses can be of service. More than 7,500 horses are engaged in the wonderful jobs provided by PATH Int’l. Another 35,000+ horses will be doing “their” jobs competing in these gala competitions. It is likely about 50,000 horses will show up for work and participate, many having come from rescue situations. And that is what ACTHA is all about. To be able to demonstrate how achievable our mission is while bringing PATH International’s equally important mission to the forefront is more than I ever dreamed.” Carrie Scrima, ACTHA Founder.
For more information or if you are interested in being a part of this event as a sponsor, volunteer, or participant please email us at marketing@actha.us. Riders be sure to check our events calendar to find a ride near you at www.actha.us/events. Many will begin to post in late December to early January.
PATH Intl. Mission: The Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) changes and enriches lives by promoting excellence in equine-assisted activities and therapies. PATH Intl. Vision: The Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) is a global authority, resource and advocate for equine-assisted activities and therapies and the equines in this work that inspire and enrich the human spirit.
ACTHA’s Mission
- To create an enjoyable venue showcasing the wonderful attributes of the great American trail horse and granting them the recognition they so richly deserve.
- To create a registry open to all breeds and a point designation system which will stay with each horse for its lifetime, thereby adding to their value and distinction.
- To create and enable humane treatment and employment options for horses in need.
