Professional Development Grant Applicants

Admin Information

Date Submitted: August 14, 2025

Application Number: PDG-26

Admin Decision:  Pending – Edit

Date of Decision:

Decision Comments: 

Applicant Information

Name: Kirsten Barnette

Title/Position: Program Coordinator and Instructor

Address Line 1: 1092 Dove Hollow Dr

Place of Employment

Farm/Program Name: Southern Reins Center for Equine Therapy

Supervisor’s Name: Sara Zurenko

Supervisor’s Title: Program Director

Address Line 1: 12405 Macon Rd

Experience

Years in Position: 5

Average Hours Per Week: 40

Do you have any certifications or licenses? No

Support Request

Is the request for a conference or meeting? No

Describe the professional development experience for which you are seeking assistance.

I am in the process of submitting my application to PATH International to be Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor. I am seeking assistance to help cover the cost $650 CTRI Exam fee in order to get my certification.

Provide justification for this request.

I have been working with horses for 15 years in various disciplines. I’ve spent the last 5 years instructing lessons at different riding schools to grow my horsemanship knowledge. I always knew that I wanted to eventually switch to teaching therapeutic and adaptive riding lessons and was recently hired on at Southern Reins to help their program expand. I am requesting assistance for my exam fee to lessen the financial strain of getting my certification so that the money from my program can be redirected into the direct care of the horses. There have been several unexpected medical expenses for the center’s horses in recent months and any extra funding that can be used for those expenses in precious to maintaining our herd so that we can continue with our therapeutic program.

Provide a detailed budget.

I am requesting $325 to go towards the cost of the CTRI Exam Fee ($650).

Other expected sources of support (including self-support).

The remainder of the fee will be covered by Southern Reins Center for Equine Therapy. Though every cent that doesn’t have to be covered by the center will go directly back into the program.

Signatures

I/we certify that all of the information contained herein is correct and true.

Applicant Signature: