Attendees at the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association’s Conference and Annual Meeting Banquet grew misty-eyed as presenters handed out national awards, relating stories that touched the heart and soul. Held in Indianapolis, Ind., on Nov. 8-11, Saturday’s celebratory banquet capped four days of seminars, workshops and demonstrations on equine-assisted activities and therapeutic riding, drawing close to 600 attendees.

The banquet honored regional and national riders, horses, volunteers, instructors, and contributors. NARHA President Paul Spiers presented Marjorie Vietor Kittredge with the Founder’s Award. Kittredge’s Windrush Farm in Boxford, Mass., was one of the first centers for NARHA, which was organized in 1969. Other 2006 award winners, including the centers which nominated them, are:

Horse of the Year

Poncho Sangree Marshall

High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, Inc., Old Lyme, Conn.

Volunteer of the Year

Jeannette Wood

The Equestrian Therapy Program, Lima, Ohio

Instructor of the Year

Gail Pace

Equest Therapeutic Horsemanship, Dallas, Texas

Child Equestrian of the Year

Mackenzie Joy Arledge

Equest Therapeutic Horsemanship, Dallas, Texas

Youth Equestrian of the Year

Michael Grattendick

Exceptional Equestrians of the Missouri Valley, Washington, Mo.

Adult Equestrian of the Year

George Bohnert

Horses Help, Phoenix, Ariz.

Independent Adult Equestrian of the Year

Karol Flynn

Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center, Woodinville, Wash.

James Brady Professional Achievement Award

K.C. Henry

Fieldstone Farm Therapeutic Riding Center, Chagrin Falls, Ohio

Sis Gould Driving Recognition Award

Alison Jones

Fieldstone Farm Therapeutic Riding Center, Chagrin Falls, Ohio

NARHA also celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Equine Facilitated Mental Health Association, a section of NARHA that promotes professionally facilitated equine experiences designed to enhance psychosocial development, growth and education.