The Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH Intl.) has named SUNY Cobleskill Ag & Tech student Adam Halloran as the 2025 PATH Intl. Equine Services for Heroes® Equestrian of the Year. The award recognizes exceptional equestrians participating in equine-assisted services at PATH Intl. Member Centers nationwide.
Halloran and all PATH Intl. award winners were recognized at the PATH Intl. Conference held in Denver, Colorado, in November. Halloran, an Army Diesel Mechanic Veteran of the Iraq War, arrived at Cobleskill Ag & Tech six years ago through a United States Department of Veterans Affairs program seeking a new path. His first interaction with the horses marked a turning point, offering him direction and a renewed sense of purpose.
Adam immersed himself in horsemanship and quickly transformed that connection into a lifelong mission. Today, he serves as a peer mentor, volunteer, advocate and PATH Intl. Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL). He is also on track to become a PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI). Colleagues speak highly of his growth and dedication.
“This is an incredible honor not only for Adam but for our equine programing. He has been a tremendous asset to our program through his enthusiasm and ability to connect and relate with participants,” said Carolyn Nelson, an Instructional Support Associate in the College’s Animal Science department. “Adam welcomes new riders with open arms and shares his experiences freely, helping others see their own path toward healing through equine-assisted programming.”
Every day, Adam lives his new purpose: connecting Veterans with horses, mounted or unmounted, and extending a hand to those still finding their way. His story is one of hope, resilience and service.
As part of PATH Intl.’s commitment to supporting Veterans and active military, the PATH Intl. Equine Services for Heroes® program makes mounted and unmounted equine-assisted services available to military personnel and Veterans nationwide. Through this program, Veterans can access services aimed at promoting healing, community, and a renewed sense of purpose through the equine-human connection.
To learn more about the PATH Intl. Equine Services for Heroes® program, please visit: https://pathintl.org/programs/veterans/.
To learn more about PATH Intl. Award Sponsorship opportunities please visit: https://pathintl.org/sponsors/.
