Horse Illustrated Magazine

The Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) Award Winners were honored to celebrate the people and equines who partner together to change the lives of people who live with physical, mental, emotional and learning challenges. PATH Intl. award winners included certified professionals, veterinarians, volunteers and horses. This year’s exciting awards were a much-anticipated highlight of the association’s 50th anniversary, which was celebrated at the 2019 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 July and honored, along with the international winners, at the luncheon. The awards luncheon was held November 9 in Denver, CO, at PATH Intl. headquarters.

2019 PATH Intl. Achievement Awards

• Equine of the Year Award (co-sponsored by Purina and The Equus Foundation): Cameo, Region 6, Midwest Therapeutic Riding Program in Union Grove, Wisc.
• Certified Professional of the Year: Joan Cutler, Region 8, Equest, a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center in Dallas, Texas
• Volunteer of the Year: Terry Wilk, Region 8, Equest, a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center in Dallas, Texas
• Veterinarian of the Year (sponsored by Luitpold Pharmaceuticals, makers of Adequan): Dr. Patrick Breen, Region 8, ROCK Ride On Center for Kids, a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center in Georgetown, Texas

Amanda Hogan earned the PATH Intl. James Brady Professional Achievement Award, Windrush Farm Therapeutic Equitation, Inc., a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center in North Andover, Mass.

The James Brady Professional Achievement Award honors people who make lasting contributions throughout the equine-assisted activities and therapies field. PATH recognizes them for:

• Demonstrating the highest ethical behavior in their personal and professional life;
• Possessing proven leadership and dedication through delivery of service, educational contribution, support and promotion of the industry;
• Bringing innovative ideas to fruition;
• Creating collaborations and partnerships to advance the work of EAAT; and
• Enhancing the success and knowledge of others in the association.

International PATH Intl. Award Winners

The following international PATH Intl. award winners were also honored. They were selected from the regional winners announced in July.

• Adult Equestrian of the Year: Hunter Adkins, Region 8, Equest, a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center in Dallas, Texas
• Youth Equestrian of the Year: Andrew Robinson, Region 8, Equest, a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center in Dallas, Texas
• Equine Services for Heroes Equestrian of the Year: Mitchell Hedlund, Region 8, Equest, a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center in Dallas, Texas

PATH Intl. is thankful for all the judges who made difficult decisions and all those who nominated horses and humans.

A full list of all the winners, international and regional, is available online.

About PATH Intl.

Formed in 1969, the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) promotes safety and optimal outcomes in equine-assisted activities and therapies (EAAT) for individuals with special needs. At 873 member centers, nearly 69,000 children and adults, including more than 6,700 veterans, may find improved health, wellness, fun and a sense of pride and independence through involvement with horses.

Therapeutic horsemanship at member centers can 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 62,000 volunteers, 4,776 instructors, 7,943 equines and thousands of contributors from all over the world helping people at PATH Intl. Member Centers.