Pat Parelli has received the Humane Horseman of the Year Award presented by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). The award recognizes Parelli for his work with the HSUS through a program centered on the trainability and adoptability of rescued horses. Keith Dane, director of equine protection for the HSUS, presented Parelli with the award during the Parelli Celebration, held recently at the Will Rogers Memorial Coliseum in Ft. Worth, Texas.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Pat Parelli to celebrate horses and help find adoptive homes for rescued horses across the country,” said Dane.

“Our number one mission is to help people have more successful and rewarding relationships with horses,” Pat Parelli said. “It is truly an honor to receive this award from The Humane Society, an organization that shares our dedication to humane, natural horsemanship. I look forward to continuing to train rescue horses across the country so they can find happy and healthy homes.”

Throughout 2009, the HSUS and Parelli have been traveling the country to hold Parelli Celebrations in seven different cities. Each Celebration features an adoptable rescued horse working with Pat Parelli and his team for the three-day event, after which the horse is available for adoption. The final 2009 U.S. Celebration will take place in Lakeland, Florida, Oct. 9-11