The Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH Intl.) recently announced the winners of its 2024 awards. In a news release, the organization noted that it takes “great pride in the exceptional credentialed professionals, volunteers, equines, veterinarians, staff and participants who ensure delivery of—and participate in—high-quality equine-assisted services (EAS) at PATH Intl. Member Centers.”
The winners were recognized at the organization’s annual meeting held virtually on December 10, 2024. They had been carefully and thoughtfully selected by a panel of judges who reviewed submissions from all 11 regions in the credentialed professional, equine caretaker, veterinarian, equine and volunteer of the year categories. The PATH International Equine Services for Heroes® Equestrian, Youth Equestrian, Adult Equestrian and James Brady Professional Achievement Awards were all selected through a nationwide nomination process.
As CEO Kathy Alm said, “The PATH Intl. awards program is an important way to celebrate the quality, professional, safety-oriented programs delivered by PATH Intl. credentialed professionals and centers that help participants across the globe reach their wellness, personal and professional goals through equine-assisted services. It is an honor to recognize the accomplishments of these awardees and shine a light on the meaningful impacts they each have in their communities.”
Path Intl. award winners
 Credentialed Professional of the Year: Hilary Groh, NorthWest Therapeutic Riding Center, Bellingham, WA–PATH Intl. Region 9 |  Equine Caretaker of the Year: Jessica Moe, North Dakota State University Bison Strides Equine-Assisted Services, Fargo, ND–PATH Intl. Region 6–Sponsored by Zoetis Equine |
 Equine of the Year: Duke, Great Oak Equine Assisted Programs, Aiken, SC–PATH Intl. Region 3–Sponsored by Purina |  Veterinarian of the Year: Dr. Madelyn Melchiors, Horses with H.E.A.R.T. Inc., Chino Valley, AZ–PATH Intl. Region 10–Sponsored by American Regent Animal Health makers of Adequan® i.m. |
 Volunteer of the Year: Karen Smith, BraveHearts Therapeutic Riding and Educational Center, Harvard, IL–PATH Intl. Region 7 |
 PATH International Equine Services for Heroes® Equestrian of the Year: Phyllis Stalensky, Cloverleaf Equine Center, Clifton, VA–PATH Intl. Region 3 |  Youth Equestrian of the Year: Payton, New Kingdom Trailriders, Sherrard, IL–PATH Intl. Region 7 |
 Adult Equestrian of the Year: Leslie Cartner, Horses Spirits Healing Inc., Billings, MT–PATH Intl. Region 9 |  2023 PATH International James Brady Professional Achievement Award: Ross Braun, Macomb, IL–PATH Intl. Region 7 |
Congratulations to all of the very deserving 2024 PATH Intl. nominees and award winners!
About Path Intl.
PATH Intl. was founded in 1969 to promote safe and effective therapeutic—also known as adaptive—horseback riding throughout the United States and Canada. Today, PATH Intl. has 794 member centers, nearly 4,000 individual members and more than 4,800 certified professionals in countries all over the world who help and support more than 46,600 children and adults—including 5,200 veterans—with special needs each year through a variety of equine-assisted services.
