APHA Foundation Offers Support to Therapeutic Riding Instructors

APHA press release

In January 1, 2014, the American Paint Horse Foundation and the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International will continue an innovative partnership designed to help train therapeutic riding instructors. This alliance, which was founded in 2013, provides 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 given again to medical professionals.

Founded in 1969 to promote equine-assisted activities and therapies for individuals with special needs, more than 4,200 PATH Intl. instructors have helped in excess of 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 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 were awarded earlier this year, and applications are being sought again 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, 2014. Scholarship recipients will be notified by April 15, 2014.

Click here to submit your application: Therapeutic Riding Instructor Scholarship Application

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 celebrated 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 50,000 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.