The Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) Award Winners were honored November 10, 2017, at the annual PATH Intl. Awards Luncheon, an exciting and much-anticipated highlight of the 2017 PATH Intl. Conference and Annual Meeting, presented by title sponsor Purina. (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.) Held this year in San Antonio, Texas, the awards luncheon celebrated 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 2017 PATH Intl. Achievement Awards:

PATH Intl. Equine of the Year Award (co-sponsored by Purina and The Equus Foundation): Hank, Region 7, BraveHearts Therapeutic Riding and Educational Center, a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center (PAC) in Harvard, IL

PATH Intl. Certified Professional of the Year: Kelly Slonaker, Region 2, Endeavor Therapeutic Horsemanship, Inc., a PATH Intl. PAC in Bedford, NY

PATH Intl. Volunteer of the Year (sponsored by AIM/Equine Network): Daryl Holland, Region 3, EQUI-KIDS Therapeutic Riding Program, a PATH Intl. PAC in Virginia Beach, VA

PATH Intl. Veterinarian of the Year (sponsored by Luitpold Pharmaceuticals, makers of Adequan): Dr. Jerilyn Jacobs, Region 1, Southern Vermont Therapeutic Riding Center, Wilmington, VT

Click here for more information on these winners as well as the list of all region winners.

The Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International(r) (PATH Intl.(r)) was formed in 1969 to promote safety and optimal outcomes in equine-assisted activities and therapies (EAAT) for individuals with special needs. At 881 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, 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 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.