Second Annual APHF Scholarships Awarded
Through an innovative partnership between the American Paint Horse Foundation and the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International, two potential therapeutic riding instructors have been selected to receive scholarships to continue their education toward certification.
Chosen from several well-qualified applicants, Anvia Hampton of Billings, Montana, and Pamela Jeffers of Albany, Ohio, have been named the 2014 winners of these unique scholarships. Each receives an $800 scholarship after completing PATH International certification courses.
Already a certified PATH Intl. instructor, Anvia intends to use this scholarship for a certification course in equine-facilitated psychotherapy, expanding her range of knowledge to more effectively serve her community. She already has more than five years of experience as a therapeutic riding facility volunteer and instructor, and she hopes to graduate from Rocky Mountain College with a bachelor’s degree in therapeutic riding. Her completion of these studies will allow her to work in a range of centers and eventually create her own center.
Pamela is co-owner and program director of Natural Freedom Equine & Outdoor Experiential Center. A recreation therapist, Pamela and her husband are certified equine specialists in Mental Health and Learning through PATH Intl.
“We are interested in adding a partnership with the School of Rehabilitation and Communication Sciences at Ohio University. They have expressed an interest in a collaboration with us to offer services and as an educational opportunity for their physical therapy students,” Pamela said. “Attending the Therapeutic Riding Instructor workshop and testing will provide the necessary requirements needed to expand our services into the physical rehabilitation area of specialty. I am committed to providing the utmost professional services and eager to obtain this certification milestone.”
Founded in 1969 to promote equine-assisted activities and therapies for individuals with special needs, PATH Intl. has more than 4,300 instructors that have helped nearly 56,000 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 APHF seeks to assist individuals interested in certification through the application and acceptance of one-time, $800 scholarships.
The APHF scholarships are open to first-time applicants, and all applicants must be APHA members and PATH Intl. members in good standing. Additionally, candidates must meet the criteria to become a Registered Instructor In Training and completed at least 10 hours volunteering at a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center.
Learn more about how the APHF benefits the lives of American Paint Horses and their enthusiasts at apha.com/Foundation. Applications for the 2015 PATH Intl. scholarships will be accepted by the foundation until March 1, 2015. For more information or an application, email Jan Anderson or call (817) 222-6414.
About APHA
The American Paint Horse Association is the world’s second-largest equine breed association, registering more than a million horses in 59 nations and territories since it was founded. APHA creates and maintains programs that increase the value of American Paint Horses and enriches members’ experiences with their horses.