Texas A&M University Announces Equine Therapy Program
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
On Monday, Sept. 24, 2012, Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp announced the establishment of the Courtney Grimshaw Fowler Equine Therapeutic Program in memory of Courtney Grimshaw Fowler, Texas A&M University class of ’85. The Courtney Grimshaw Fowler Equine Therapeutic Program is made possible through a generous donation from the Grimshaw family that will be distributed over five years.
“It is programs like these that show the A&M System truly makes a difference. In addition to transforming the lives of patients undergoing this therapy, this program will allow our students real-world service and leadership opportunities,” said Sharp.
This unique program is symbolic of the A&M System’s continued effort to provide research, education and community services that improve the lives of the people in Texas and around the world.
“This program embodies so much of Courtney, from her love of horses and their contributions to her wellness, to her desire to help others, said Jim Grimshaw, on behalf of the Grimshaw family. “The fact that we are able to make this happen at Texas A&M is perfect. Being an Aggie was a big part of Courtney. By establishing the Courtney Grimshaw Fowler Equine Therapeutic Program in her name, Courtney’s spirit lives on. This program is the best way we could have hoped to perpetuate her legacy of helping others and contributing to her community.”
The program will be managed by the A&M System and supported by Texas A&M University, specifically Parson’s Mounted Cavalry, the Texas A&M Department of Animal Sciences, the Corps of Cadets, and with strategic partnerships with the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) and Ride On Center for Kids (R.O.C.K.).
R.O.C.K., based in Georgetown, Texas, has collaborated with the A&M System to provide the knowledge and expertise in equine-assisted activities and therapies. R.O.C.K. will provide the management, consulting and technical assistance to ensure the success of the program.
The equine therapeutic program will provide teaching experience to Texas A&M undergraduate and graduate students interested in the equine therapy industry. These combined objectives will serve Texas A&M, its students and the surrounding community, and provide needed assistance to citizens with special needs, including veterans.
“The benefits of this equine therapeutic program are in the horse-human partnership to improve the potential of individuals with disabilities and challenges,” said Nancy Krenek, physical therapist, PATH International instructor and founder of R.O.C.K. “As clients build strength, life skills and independence, they become more productive citizens in the community.”
More Stories |
-
Join the Youth Council this year! Membership is $10.
Read More
-
Skylan Marie Wilson brings a lifelong connection to the Tennessee Walking Horse industry to her new role with The Walking Horse Report. Raised around barns and showgrounds, she developed an early appreciation for the early mornings, long days, dedication, discipline, work ethic, and love that define the industry.
Read More
-
SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. — A decisive moment for the Tennessee Walking Horse industry is approaching in Gould v. USDA, where the central fight has shifted from whether federal regulators overstepped their authority to how broadly the court’s ruling should reshape enforcement of the Horse Protection Act.
Read More
-
The EquiSkill Challenge Cup is an English equitation championship, open to amateur, limited amateur and youth riders, for Tennessee Walking Horses. The championship will be judged 50% on rail work and 50% on pattern. Turnout (tack and attire) is part of the rail work score.
Read More
-
Read More
-
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Humane World for Animals and affiliated plaintiffs have filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and its Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), challenging recent agency actions related to enforcement of the Horse Protection Act (HPA).
Read More
-
The 58th Annual National Trainers’ Show, held March 26–28, 2026, at Cooper Steel Arena, proudly selected the Tony Rice Center as its benefit charity. Co-show chairmen Dee Cantrell and Carlyle Johnson presented a donation check to Chris Clay, Board of Directors representative; Cody Harris, Executive Director and Sam Hillis, Clinical Director of the Tony Rice Center.
Read More
-
Dear Management of Horse Shows, Exhibitions, Sales, and Auctions (Management),Horse Industry Organizations and Associations (HIOs), and Designated Qualified Persons (DQPs): At the start of this year, I committed to strengthening USDA’s engagement with you and enhancing our oversight of the DQP program.
Read More
-
Edgar Roy “Bubba” Keeton, 86, of Shelbyville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on April 22, 2026.
Read More
-
It has long been the policy of the Walking Horse Report to post horse show information in our calendar at no charge. We do that to both help the horse shows with getting their information out to the Walking Horse public and it also helps our readers to know when and where horse shows will be held.
Read More
|