Mid-South Equine Veterinarians Earn Global Recognition for Volunteer Work with Saddle Up
Tennessee Equine Hospital (TEH) is the 2023 Veterinarian of the Year for the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (Path Intl.). Dr. Monty McInturff, Co-Owner and President of TEH, was presented with the honor at the 2023 PATH Intl. Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina.
PATH Intl. promotes safe and effective therapeutic horseback riding throughout the United States and Canada. The nonprofit organization has more than 800 member centers and nearly 7,000 individual members globally who support more than 53,000 individuals with special needs through equine-assisted services.
The Thompson’s Station team was nominated by Audrey Kidd, Executive Director of Saddle Up!, a Premier Center accredited by PATH Intl. in Franklin, Tennessee, that provides high-quality equine-assisted therapy programs. TEH veterinarians have volunteered their services at Saddle Up! for more than three decades.
“At Tennessee Equine Hospital, we do everything ‘for the horse,’” said Dr. McInturff. “It is truly a gift that our veterinary expertise allows us to empower Saddle Up! to provide children and youth with disabilities the opportunity to grow and develop through therapeutic, educational and recreational activities with horses.”
“It is fair to say that our program could not have grown to our current capacity without the long-time support of this exceptional practice,” said Lynne Evans, Co-Founder of Saddle Up! “This practice goes above and beyond always, and every horse and human is treated with kindness and integrity. When we are evaluating new horses for the program or determining that it’s time for a faithful horse to retire, this veterinary team is with us every step of the way.”
PATH Intl.’s annual awards honor those who reflect the organization’s celebration of ability, optimism, diversity, and a shared love of equines. TEH became eligible for this international recognition after being named Path Intl.’s Region 5 Veterinarian of the Year earlier this year. PATH Intl.’s Region 5 includes organizations in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee, Puerto Rico, South Africa, and the Caribbean Islands.
