AQHA-PATH Intl. Equine-Assisted Services Horse of the Year Award Announced

From AQHA:

Cheerioak and Amigos In Jags are the AQHA-PATH Intl. Equine-Assisted Service Horse of the Year Award winners for 2023.

“The versatility of the American Quarter Horse is proven day in and day out and their ability to shine in therapeutic riding programs is a prime example of this,” said AQHA CEO Karl Stressman. “These two Quarter Horses and thousands of others have impacted so many lives by serving people through therapeutic riding. All of the horses nominated were deserving of this award and we are honored to give this recognition to these horses that assist in the important work therapeutic riding provides and continue to work with PATH International into the future.”

The AQHA-PATH Intl. Equine-Assisted Services Horse of the Year Award is a nomination-based award determined through a selection process by AQHA and PATH Intl. There were two winners awarded, with first place receiving $10,000 and second place receiving $5,000. Along with that, these winners will receive a trophy and banner, and will be recognized at the 2024 AQHA Convention in Las Vegas.

“Thank you, AQHA, for selecting these two winners! From over 90 nominations of American Quarter Horses involved in equine-assisted services, the judging must have been nearly impossible, as all the nominees are fostering joy and wellness in their communities,” said PATH Intl. CEO Kathy Alm. “The two winners, ‘Hank’ and ‘Amigo,’ emphatically won the hearts of the judges by showcasing their exemplary characters and suitability for enriching the lives of their human partners. We congratulate both BraveHearts Therapeutic Riding and Education Center and Equest on receiving their awards and thank AQHA for honoring these remarkable American Quarter Horses.”

Cheerioak

Cheerioak, aka “Hank,” was unanimously selected by a panel of eight judges to win first place and $10,000. Hank was foaled in 1992, sired by Doc’s Oak and out of River Bars Mist by McLeo Bars. Hank is owned by Meggan Hill McQueeny. Hank began life as a cutting horse and has been used for equine-assisted services since he was 10, including work with the Special Olympics and for the Wounded Warrior Project at Bravehearts Therapeutic Riding and Educational Center, which has two centers in Illinois.

“He really is a one-in-a-million horse,” said owner Meggan McQueeny. “It’s as if his soul knows exactly what each person and horse needs.”

At 31, Hank is commended for his versatility and dependability, and he continues to serve in every program with a calming disposition.

Amigos In Jags

Amigos In Jags, aka “Amigo,” was selected to win second place and $5,000. Amigo was foaled in 2001 and is owned by Equest, located in Dallas. A son of Zippo Amegio, the sorrel gelding is out of Mrs M Story by Story Man. Amigo began his work with Equest in 2005 at the age of 4, working with AQHA and National Snaffle Bit Association Equestrians With Disabilities (EWD), the Special Olympics and many others in therapeutic riding at Equest.

“It’s really meaningful to honor him this way,” said nominator Cari Tortorice., “Amigo is the epitome of a team player.”

Amigo retired in December 2023, but will be remembered by those he helped as gentle, stoic and steady natured.

About PATH Intl.

The Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International is a federally registered nonprofit, leading the advancement of professional equine-assisted services by supporting its members and stakeholders through rigorously developed standards, credentialing and education. Founded in 1969, PATH Intl. has been promoting safe and effective therapeutic horsemanship to this day. Headquartered in Colorado there are 813 centers, nearly 7,000 individual members, 5,424 certified professionals and 6,781 equines in programs all around the world.

AQHA news and information is a service of the American Quarter Horse Association. For more information visit www.aqha.com/news or tune into our podcast, “Let’s Talk AQHA.”