Smyrna Woman Named Adult Independent Equestrian of the Year

From PATH Intl.

PATH Intl. takes great pride in the outstanding equestrians whose lives—and horsemanship—have been enriched through equine-assisted activities and therapies. We are pleased to announce that Noel Jenkins of Smyrna has been named the PATH Intl. Independent Adult Equestrian of the Year for 2014.

Noel, who rides at Chastain Horse Park, a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center in Atlanta, GA, has achieved the ability to participate in equine activities independently (without the aid of a leader or sidewalker), in spite of rheumatoid arthritis. For Noel, walking can be extremely difficult, but with adaptations and trained assistance for mounting and dismounting, years and infirmity melt away when she is in the saddle.

“Noel is dedicated to therapeutic riding,” said Susan Liang, a volunteer at Chastain Horse Park. “From the beginning, she became an enthusiastic advocate of therapeutic riding and volunteers regularly to promote it. Progressing from lead-line lessons to walk, trot, canter and jump, Noel is an outstanding example of what therapeutic riding can accomplish.”

“Noel trots, canters and jumps with athleticism and grace,” said her PATH Intl. Certified Instructor Mandy Branton. “Her skillful riding exemplifies the partnership that can occur between a rider and a horse.” A horse owner in decades past, Noel participated in a number of equestrian disciplines, showing her Arabian stallion successfully in park and fine harness classes.

From the beginning of her time at Chastain, Noel has been an enthusiastic advocate of therapeutic riding and volunteers weekly for the program, encouraging other riders to strive for their best. PATH Intl. is honored to name Noel the Independent Adult Equestrian of the Year.

Noel and other award recipients will be recognized at the PATH Intl. Awards Banquet, October 31, 2014, at the PATH Intl. Conference and Annual Meeting in San Diego. For information on the conference and other award recipients, visit the PATH Intl. website.