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PHOTO: Pat Niboli and Luke, of Riding To The Top. (Submitted photo)
WINDHAM — Every year 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 Niboli was named the Region I Volunteer of the Year, and Luke, one of RTT trustworthy Haflingers, was named the Region 1 Horse of the Year. Riding To The Top is a Premier Accredited Center with PATH Intl., which advocates for equine assisted services and sets industry standards for safe and ethical human-equine interactions.
Niboli, of Windham, has volunteered at Riding To The Top for more than 10 years. She is a dedicated and passionate advocate for RTT, assisting in the barn, working in lessons (both therapeutic horseback riding and carriage driving), exercising and training horses and leading fundraising efforts. She is a friend to all and strives to recognize the best in every person. She has been extraordinary through thick and thin and shows up in snowstorms, during pandemics and lends a hand with many special projects. RTT Volunteer Coordinator Nick Doria said, “Pat is one of Riding To The Top’s most dedicated volunteers, she is always ready to lend a hand wherever help is needed.”
Luke is a 27-year-old Haflinger gelding and has been a member of the RTT herd for nearly 15 years. He 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, PATH Intl. certified instructor and 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.”
Niboli and Luke will join all of the regional winners as they move on to the international competition, with the winners announced in October. _ _
