Awards

2026 Awards

For the 2026 awards season, PATH Intl. is changing the awards process and accepting submissions for National Awards ONLY, except for the Equine of the Year. In recent years, submissions for region awards have increasingly dwindled, and many awards received zero submissions or only one submission. To reflect the decreasing participation, PATH Intl. has modified the awards process for 2026, to encourage expanded participation and accessibility of submissions.

PATH Intl. will NOT host region awards for the following categories: Volunteer, Veterinarian, Credentialed Professional, Caretaker, Adult Equestrian, Youth Equestrian, PATH Intl. Equine Services for Heroes^® Equestrian. These categories will all be judged for National Awards ONLY.

The PATH Intl. Equine of the Year WILL continue to operate as it has in the past, accepting nominations first at the region level and then each regions’ Equine of the Year will be judged to find the National Equine of the Year.

PATH Intl. is pleased to open awards submissions December 15, 2025, and look forward to honoring the 2026 award recipients!

• 2026 Regional Equine of the Year Awards will be open from December 15, 2025 to May 1, 2026. 

  • Each of the regional Equine of the Year nominators will be asked to submit their nominee to be considered for the National Award level. This process includes a new nomination form and short essays from references for consideration. National nomination forms will need to be submitted by May 31st, 2026, to be considered for the PATH Intl. National Equine of the Year Award.
• 2026 National Awards will be open from December 15, 2025 to May 1, 2026. 
  • Volunteer, Veterinarian, Credentialed Professional, Caretaker, and Equestrians of the Year will be National Awards ONLY for 2026.
  • There are three different Equestrian of the Year Awards, Youth Equestrian, Adult Equestrian, and Equine Services for Heroes^® Equestrian. These awards are only given at the national level. To nominate your equestrian please submit your nomination form for this category by May 1, 2026.

Additional Award Program Information

All nominations must be submitted through the online forms. Nominations will not be accepted via mail or email/fax.

If you have any questions, please reach out to [email protected]

Award Criteria

• The credentialed professional is a current PATH Intl. member in good standing
• The credentialed professional holds a PATH Intl. certification or PATH Intl. EAL credentials.
• The credentialed professional has a minimum of 2 years’ experience in their respective field.
• The credentialed professional demonstrates excellent teaching, facilitating or other related skills.
• The credentialed professional demonstrates compassion and respect for students, clients, staff and volunteers.
• The credentialed professional demonstrates safe, ethical and humane partnering with equines.
• The credentialed professional adheres to all applicable PATH Intl. Standards, guidelines and code of ethics.

 Nominations may be submitted online here.

Award Criteria

• Nominee is at least 18 years old.
• Nominee is a military Veteran or is currently a member of the military.
• The nominee participates in equestrian activities at a PATH Intl. Member Center in good standing and has a disability or special need.
• Nominee has not won a PATH Intl. Equestrian Award in the past five years.

Nominations may be submitted online here.

Award Criteria

• Nominee is at least 18 years old as of January 1^st.
• The nominee participates in equestrian activities at a PATH Intl. Member Center in good standing and has a disability or special need.
• Nominee has not won a PATH Intl. Equestrian Award in the past five years.

Nominations may be submitted online here.

Award Criteria

• The veterinarian volunteers at least a portion of his/her time or products to the nominating center.
• The veterinarian is currently licensed in his/her state or county of practice.
• The veterinarian demonstrates compassion and respect for participants and clients.
• The veterinarian demonstrates safe, ethical and humane treatment of equines.

Nominations may be submitted online here.

Award Criteria

• The volunteer has been active in the center’s program for the entire year prior to this nomination and is still active at this time.
• The volunteer is not paid for his/her time at the center.
• The volunteer’s contributions to the center are of the highest quality.
• The volunteer is reliable and consistently follows thought with his/her commitments
• The volunteer’s contributions have helped enhance the ability of the center to provide equine-assisted activities and therapies.
• The nominee has a long history of volunteer service, either at the center or elsewhere in the community.

Nominations may be submitted online here.