Sebastian, NCEFT’s longest-tenured horse was selected to receive the 2019 Barbara Heine Therapy Horse of the Year by the American Hippotherapy Association (AHA) at its March 2019 Biannual International Conference in Lexington, Kentucky. This prestigious award was named in memory of one of NCEFT’s original founders, Barbara Heine. Sebastian was selected out of a field of nominees from across the United States.
Sebastian is a 21-year-old Norwegian Fjord gelding originally bred in New York. For over 10 years he has been beloved at NCEFT, carrying patients as young as two years old to adults in dozens of therapy sessions per month.
“In therapy sessions, Sebastian is a brilliant team member. He is always interested, attentive, and responsive, and thrives on connection. For his patients, he is perfect! Not only because of the quality of his movement, but for his patience, softness, kind heart, and gentle spirit. He has a soft, soulful eye that draws his riders, young and old, into a deep, meaningful connection and partnership. He has a keen desire to share space and breath with his patients, volunteers, and horse handlers, and he’s always happy to see his partner for the day as he greets them with bright eyes and a happy nicker” wrote Sharon Tiraschi, former NCEFT Barn Manager, in her nomination letter to the AHA.
“I was thrilled when the AHA called Sebastian’s name at the award ceremony. It was an honor to receive this award on behalf of this amazing horse. Our horses are key members of our therapy teams, and Sebastian has touched the lives of many children and adults. Sebastian is truly a once in a lifetime horse and deserves to be recognized for the tremendous contributions he makes on a daily basis to the lives of people with disabilities” said Chris Swan, Program Director at NCEFT.
