This week, we hear from the folks at Riding To The Top, a therapeutic riding center in Windham, Maine.
Development Director Susan Cole writes:
Every year PATH Intl. (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International) selects regional winners in a variety of categories who demonstrate extraordinary service and dedication to the field of equine assisted services.
This year two of Riding To The Top’s team members were selected as Region 1 (all of New England and eastern maritime Canada provinces) winners.
Pat and Luke
Pat Niboli, was named the Region I Volunteer of the Year, and Luke, one of RTT’s trustworthy Haflingers was named the Region 1 Horse of the Year.
Pat, of Windham, has volunteered at RTT for over a decade. She is a dedicated and passionate RTT advocate, assisting in the barn, working in lessons (both therapeutic horseback riding and carriage driving), exercising and training horses, and leading fundraising efforts.
Pat is a friend to all and she strives to recognize the best in every person. She has been extraordinary through thick and thin and shows up in snowstorms, throughout the pandemic, and lends a hand with many special projects.
Luke is a 27-year-old Haflinger gelding and has been a member of the RTT herd for nearly 15 years. Luke is an amazing horse (actually a pony, but don’t tell him that!); steady and calm for those needing a lot of support, and responsive yet challenging for emerging independent riders. His versatility is matched by a larger-than-life personality that endears him to his riders, volunteers, and instructors.
According to Kristin Meaney, RTT Equine Manager, “Luke has given confidence and happiness to countless riders and is adored and trusted by all of our instructors and volunteers. This award is well deserved, and we are so proud of him!”
Next, Pat and Luke join all of the Regional winners as they move on to the International competition, with the winners announced in October.