Awards

2023 Awards

We are no longer accepting nominations for the 2023 awards. 

2024 Awards

  • Equestrian of the Year nominations will close May 27th, 2024. 

  • All regional nominations will close January 8th, 2024 

Additional Award Program Information

You may prepare and compile your nominee's information using the sample forms (links are listed under each category). 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 Alyson Thrasher. 

Equine Caretaker of the Year

Award Criteria 

  • The nominating center is a current PATH Intl. Member Center in good standing. 

  • The nominee plays an important role in the care, health, and well-being of equines in the PATH Intl. Center Program 

  • The nominee demonstrates horse care interest and knowledge as well as heartfelt compassion for the horse. 

  • The nominee consistently goes above and beyond in the care of the PATH Intl. Member equines, helping them to live happy, healthy lives. 

Nominations are now being accepted for 2024 Equine  Caretaker of the Year (Regional Awards); nominations may be submitted onlinehere.

Youth Equestrian of the Year

Youth Equestrian of the Year 

Award Criteria 

  • Nominee is at least 4 years old, but under 18 as of January 1st. 

  • The nominee participates in equestrian activities at a PATH Intl. Member Center in good standing and has a disability or special need (The nominee does not need to ride independently) 

  • Nominee has not won a PATH Intl. Equestrian Award in the past five years. 

Nominations are now being accepted for 2024 Youth Equestrian of the Year  (Regional Awards); nominations may be submitted online here.

Equine of the Year - Regional Nomination Sample Form
Equine of the Year - International Nomination Sample Form

Equine Caretaker of the Year

Award Criteria 

  • The nominating center is a current PATH Intl. Member Center in good standing. 

  • The nominee plays an important role in the care, health, and well-being of equines in the PATH Intl. Center Program 

  • The nominee demonstrates horse care interest and knowledge as well as heartfelt compassion for the horse. 

  • The nominee consistently goes above and beyond in the care of the PATH Intl. Member equines, helping them to live happy, healthy lives. 

Nominations are now being accepted for 2024 Equine  Caretaker of the Year (Regional Awards); nominations may be submitted online here.

Credentialed Professional of the Year

Award Criteria

  • The credentialed professional is a current PATH Intl. member in good standing
  • The credentialed professional holds a PATH Intl. certification or EFP or 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 are now being accepted for 2024 Credentialed Professional of the Year (Regional Awards); nominations may be submitted online here. 

Credentialed Professional of the Year - Regional Nomination Sample Form
Credentialed Professional of the Year - International Nomination Sample Form

Equine Services for Heroes Equestrian of the Year

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 are now being accepted for 2024 Equine Services for Heros Equestrian of the Year (Regional Awards); nominations may be submitted online here.

Adult Equestrian of the Year

Award Criteria

  • Nominee is at least 18 years old as of January 1st.
  • 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 are now being accepted for 2024 Adult Equestrian of the Year  (Regional Awards); nominations may be submitted online here.

Veterinarian of the Year

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 are now being accepted for 2024 Veterinarian of the Year (Regional Awards); nominations may be submitted online here. 

Veterinarian of the Year - Regional Nomination Sample Form
Veterinarian of the Year - International Nomination Sample Form

Volunteer of the Year

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 are now being accepted for 2024 Volunteer of the Year (Regional Awards); nominations may be submitted online here. 

Volunteer of the Year - Regional Nomination Sample Form
Volunteer of the Year - International Nomination Sample Form