WINDHAM — Riding To The Top (RTT), Northern New England’s largest therapeutic riding center, has announced that instructor Nancy Hohmann of Norway was awarded the National Instructor of the Year award by NARHA, formerly North American Riding For the Handicapped Association, the accrediting body of therapeutic riding centers in North America.

Hohmann was awarded the regional award in October, from more than 3,515 NARHA instructors at 782 therapeutic riding member centers nationwide, and was selected from 11 regional winners for the national accolade. The honor marks the first time an individual from Maine has been recognized as Instructor of the Year nationally by NARHA.

“Teaching therapeutic riding is both the most challenging and most rewarding work, and I’ve been fortunate to benefit from the expertise of other Riding To The Top instructors who have shared their knowledge and skills with me,” said Hohmann, “I wouldn’t have gotten this award without them, the dedication and generosity of the many volunteers, the courage of the riders and the incredibly devoted parents. Being able to do this work is a privilege I treasure, and receiving national recognition is both overwhelming and humbling.”

The center has been providing therapeutic riding programs in Maine since 1993 and serves children and adults of various ages and abilities. Riders are referred to the center by teachers, doctors, therapists, social workers, family and friends.

They serves clients from day treatment centers, specialized youth programs, residential homes and local public schools. Riders benefit physically from the rhythmic motion of the horse, mentally from the concentration involved in riding and emotionally from the connection between horses and people that soothe the heart and bring peace.

For more information, visit www.ridingtothetop.org or call 892-2813.