Margaret Bogie
Dec 25, 2024
Norwegian Fjord Horse Alliance Announces Its First Therapy Horse of the Year
The Norwegian Fjord Horse Alliance (NFHA) is thrilled to recognize the profound impact Fjord Horses have on therapeutic riding programs with the inaugural Therapy Horse of the Year award. This honor highlights the extraordinary contributions of Fjords in adaptive riding, hippotherapy, and horsemanship. Recipients are celebrated with a commemorative plaque and a special saddle pad. While nominations are submitted by NFHA members, the horse need not be owned by a member to be eligible.
2024 Therapy Horse of the Year
Lionel, a 9-year-old gelding owned by Michaeleen Bohan of the Easterseals Massachusetts Equestrian Center at The Bridge Center in Bridgewater, MA, has been named the first recipient of this prestigious award.
Here’s what Michaeleen shared about Lionel:
“Lionel is a 2015 gelding who once tilled potato fields before transitioning to life as a therapy horse. His sensitive and intuitive nature makes him a favorite for adaptive riding, hippotherapy, and horsemanship sessions. Each week, Lionel partners with over 15 clients, helping them work toward a variety of goals, including executive functioning, balance, and strength. Lionel shines in group lessons with his docile and accommodating personality. He instinctively knows when to adjust his pace and currently supports riders aged 2 to 69!”
Congratulations to Lionel, Michaeleen, and the Easterseals Massachusetts Equestrian Center for demonstrating the versatility and gentle nature of the Fjord breed!