Shannon Rogers

Through an innovative partnership between the American Paint Horse Foundation and the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH), scholarship assistance is provided to potential instructors of therapeutic riding. Selected from a competitive field, Cindy Salyer of Reno, Nevada, and Kathy Hiberd of Burleson, Texas, have been named the first-ever winners of these unique scholarships. Both women receive $800 scholarships toward completing PATH International certification.

A horse owner for more than 35 years, Cindy is pursuing a degree in psychology/social work with extensive volunteer contributions to therapeutic riding.

“I believe the benefits of equine-assisted activities and therapies are far-reaching, and my goal is to strive for excellence in the field,” Cindy told the Foundation. “By attending the workshop and certification, I’ll be exposed to new ideas and situations that will expand my understanding of the work and provide opportunities for invaluable learning experiences on site.”

Kathy, a dedicated staff member at Wings of Hope Equitherapy in Burleson, Texas, hopes to further her involvement with the center by becoming a PATH-certified instructor.

“Kathy has an enthusiasm for learning all she can about the horses, the riders and their challenges,” Wings of Hope Program Director Julie Rivard told the Foundation.

Founded in 1969 to promote equine-assisted activities and therapies for individuals with special needs, PATH International’s more than 3,700 instructors have helped nearly 48,000 children and adults find strength and independence through involvement with horses. The average cost of registration for a PATH International 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 International members in good standing. Additionally, candidates must meet the criteria to become a Registered Instructor In Training and have completed at least 10 hours volunteering at a PATH International Premier Accredited Center.

Learn more about how the American Paint Horse Foundation benefits the lives of American Paint Horses and their enthusiasts at aphfoundation.org. Apply for a PATH International scholarship through the Foundation by March 1, 2014. Contact Jan Anderson at [email protected] or (817) 222-6414 for an application.

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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 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 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.