PRESS RELEASE
For more information, contact:
Laura Stevens
Associate Producer of Marketing and Promotional Content
(817) 834-2742 ext. 420
lstevens@apha.com
December 6, 2012
American Paint Horse Foundation Offers Unique Support to Therapeutic Riding Instructors
Beginning January 1, 2013, the American Paint Horse Foundation and the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International have forged an innovative partnership. Designed to benefit those who wish to further their education, this alliance will provide scholarship assistance to potential instructors of therapeutic riding. While open to anyone with skills in equine management, horsemanship, instruction, teaching methods and disabilities, preference for scholarships will be awarded to medical professionals.
Founded in 1969 to promote equine-assisted activities and therapies for individuals with special needs, PATH Intl.’s more than 4,300 instructors have helped more than 54,000 children and adults find strength and independence through involvement with horses. The average cost of registration for a PATH Intl. certification workshop and test, which takes place over three days, is $800. The American Paint Horse Foundation seeks to assist individuals interested in certification through the application and acceptance of one-time, $800 scholarships.
The APHF scholarship is open only to first-time applicants, and all applicants must be APHA members and PATH Intl. members in good standing. Additionally, candidates must meet the PATH Intl. criteria to become a Registered Level Instructor In Training and have completed at least 10 hours volunteering at a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center.
Two $800 scholarships will be awarded annually by the American Paint Horse Foundation, whose primary mission centers on heritage and education. Formed in 2005, the foundation is chartered as a non-profit corporation. Learn more about how the foundation benefits the lives of American Paint Horses and their enthusiasts at aphfoundation.org.
To apply for an American Paint Horse Foundation PATH Intl. scholarship, contact Jan Anderson at (817) 222-6414 or janderson@apha.com. Applications should be postmarked by March 1, 2013. Scholarship recipients will be notified by April 1, 2013.
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About the American Paint Horse Association
The American Paint Horse Association (APHA) is the world’s second largest equine breed association. Headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, it celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2012. In fulfillment of its global mission to collect, record and preserve pedigrees of the breed, APHA recognizes and supports 111 regional and international clubs, produces championship shows, sponsors trail rides and creates and maintains programs that increase the value of American Paint Horses and enriches members’ experiences with their horses. APHA has registered more than a million horses in 59 nations and territories since it was founded, and now serves more than 55,000 active youth and adult members around the world. For more information about the American Paint Horse Association, visit apha.com or connect with Paint Horse fans globally at facebook.com/americanpainthorse or on Twitter @APHANews and @WorldShow.
About PATH Intl.:
Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.), formerly NARHA, was formed in 1969 to promote equine-assisted activities and therapies for individuals with special needs. At nearly 850 member centers, more than 54,000 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 more than 45,000 volunteers, 4,300 instructors, 6,300 therapy horses and thousands of contributors from all over the world helping people at PATH Intl. centers.