The Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) Award Winners were honored November 4, 2016, at the annual PATH Intl. Awards Banquet, an exciting and much-anticipated highlight of the 2016 PATH Intl. Conference, Annual Meeting and Horse Expo, held this year in Williamsburg, VA. (Each region has the opportunity to nominate individuals and equines; the winners of the equestrian and region awards were announced in August and honored, along with the international winners, at the banquet.) The awards celebrate the people and equines who exemplify the best of the wonderful population of equestrians, certified professionals, veterinarians, volunteers and equines who work together to change the lives of people who live with physical, mental, emotional and learning challenges.
The following people received 2016 PATH Intl. Achievement Awards:
James Brady Professional Achievement Award:Michael Kaufmann, Region 2, Green Chimneys Farm, a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center (PAC) in Brewster, NY
PATH Intl. Equine of the Year Award (co-sponsored by Purina and The Equus Foundation):Dancer, Region 8, JoyRide Center, Inc., Magnolia, TX
PATH Intl. Certified Professional of the Year: Mari Parino, Region 11, Xeonophon Therapeutic Riding Center, a PATH Intl. PAC in Orinda, CA
PATH Intl. Volunteer of the Year (sponsored by AIM/Equine Network): Dave Culbertson, Region 10, Hearts & Horses, Inc., a PATH Intl. PAC in Loveland, CO
PATH Intl. Veterinarian of the Year (sponsored by Luitpold Pharmaceuticals, makers of Adequan): Dr. Angel Jordan, Region 8, Hearts & Hooves, Inc., a PATH Intl. PAC in Sherwood, AR
Click here for more information on these winners as well as the list of all region winners. Photos available on request.
The Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International® (PATH Intl.®) was formed in 1969 to promote safety and optimal outcomes in equine-assisted activities and therapies (EAAT) for individuals with special needs. At 877 member centers, more than 62,400 children and adults, including 5,500 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, ground work and stable management. Through a wide variety of educational resources, the association helps individuals start and maintain successful EAAT programs. There are nearly 55,000 volunteers, 4,846 instructors, 7,546 equines and thousands of contributors from all over the world helping people at PATH Intl. Member Centers.
