Newsdate: Mon 02 December 2013 – 7:10 am
Location: DENVER, Colorado

The Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) Award Winners were honored November 8, 2013, at the annual PATH Intl. Awards Banquet, an exciting highlight of the 2013 PATH Intl. Conference, Annual Meeting and Horse Expo, held this year at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, FL.

Equine-assisted therapy for those in need

PATH Intl. 2013 Award Winners were honored at their annual Awards Banquet, an exciting highlight of the 2013 PATH Intl. Conference, Annual Meeting and Horse Expo, held this year at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, FL.

The banquet featured an excellent dinner, and anticipation filled the air as attendees waited for the award winners to be announced. The night was a celebration of the people 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 2013 PATH Intl. Achievement Awards:

• James Brady Lifetime Achievement Award (sponsored by Equus Foundation): Gail Pace, Region 8, EQUEST, a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center (PAC), Wylie, TX
• PATH Intl. Equine of the Year Award (sponsored by American Quarter Horse Association): Mr. Wise Guy, Region 1, Wings and Hooves Therapeutic Riding, Inc., Kingston, NH
• PATH Intl. Certified Professional of the Year (sponsored by Purina): Maryrose Bornhorst, Region 3, Northern Virginia Therapeutic Riding Program, a PATH Intl. PAC, Clifton, VA
• PATH Intl. Volunteer of the Year (sponsored by AIM/Equine Network): Chris Coyle, Region 1, High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, Inc., a PATH Intl. PAC, Old Lyme, CT
• PATH Intl. Volunteer Veterinarian of the Year (sponsored by Luitpold Pharmaceuticals): Dr. Mark Anderson, Region 10, Horses with HEART, Inc., Chino Valley, AZ
• PATH Intl. President's Award: Jim Harlan, PATH Intl. Vice President, Franktown, CO

More information on these winners as well as all the region winners.

About PATH Intl.:

Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) was formed in 1969 to promote equine-assisted activities and therapies for individuals with special needs. At 850 member centers, more than 56,000 children and adults find a sense of independence through involvement with horses.

These member centers range from small, one-person programs to large operations with several certified instructors and licensed therapists. In addition to therapeutic equitation, a center may offer any number of equine-assisted activities including hippotherapy, equine-facilitated mental health, driving, interactive vaulting, trail riding, competition, ground work or stable management. 

Through a wide variety of educational resources, the association helps individuals start and maintain successful equine-assisted activities and therapies for individuals with special needs. There are nearly 52,000 volunteers, 4,232 instructors, 7,503 equines and thousands of contributors from all over the world helping people at PATH Intl. centers.