KVMA ANIMAL HALL OF FAME
Therapy Horse Astrid Presented with the 2023 KVMA Animal Hall of Fame Award
One of the highlights of the KVMA Annual Meeting is the presentation of the Animal Hall of Fame award. Usually the recipient is honored in person, unfor-
tunately they wouldn’t allow Astrid, a 1,200-pound Norwegian Fjord in the Galt House! Te therapy horse’s connections from Central Kentucky Riding for Hope (CKRH) were in attendance to receive her special award and halter. Astrid is such a kind, gentle soul and is so deserving of this special award.
Isabella Norrid, CKRH Development Director, shared Astrid’s story. Astrid joined the herd at Central Kentucky Riding for Hope (CKRH) in 2011. At the ripe age of 28, she has contributed greatly to our program—bringing joy to hundreds of participants, staff, and volunteers. Like other Fjords, she is hard-working, patient, and kind. Before her career as an equine therapist, Astrid performed cattle work. Not taking to the job as much as her past owner had hoped, Astrid joined the ranks at CKRH and hasn’t put a hoof out of place since! She has since served over 500 children and adults with disabilities in various programs like therapeutic riding, Pony Club, physical therapy, and Te Stables. Today, Astrid suffers from uveitis and dry eye syndrome. Her condition requires twice-daily ointment applications in each eye and UV light-protectant goggles. Unsurprisingly, Astrid hasn’t let these ailments hold her back from serving lightly in therapeutic riding sessions. Her resiliency and gentle nature offer our younger participants the confidence to engage in lessons
and the strength to further their independence.
About CKRH Central Kentucky Riding for Hope is a 501c3 located at the Kentucky Horse Park dedicated to improving the quality of life and health of individuals with special, physical, cognitive, or behavioral needs through equine therapeutic activities. Since August 1981, CKRH has assisted thousands of Central Kentuckians with disabilities as they strive to be fully engaged individuals and community citizens. Our equine therapeutic services help them improve gross/fine motor skills, balance, strength, or coordination while our equine-assisted learning and mental health programs further develop their communication, emotion regulation, and social interaction skills. To support CKRH’s Annual Fund, visit
https://www.ckrh.org/donations/ckrh-donation/
Astrid’s connections from CKRH are presented with the KVMA Animal Hall of Fame plaque.
Pat Cline, CKRH Director is presented a donation check from Debra Hamelback, KVMA Execu- tive Director while Astrid models her awards halter.
(Left) Astrid at work during a therapeutic riding session wearing her UV goggles. (Above) Astrid and a young friend having fun on the Fourth of July.
Winter 2024 9
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