Kneeland took what she learned from doing ISSO and plunged into a new venture--The American Riding Instructors Association (ARIA) and The American Riding Instructors Certification Program (ARICP), running all the businesses and both magazines, together from 1984 through 1995.
Kneeland has received other honors throughout her career including the 1987 Governor's Trophy for the New Jersey Horse Person of the Year. In 2000, she was named to Practical Horseman magazine's "The PracHorse 100: 20th Century Salutes the Greats who Shaped our Sport." However, her most touching rewards are the letters she has received from grateful instructors, who've told her that ARIA's emphasis on wearing approved helmets saved a life--more than once it was a student's, and for two instructors, it was their own.
"Receiving this award is my crowning achievement. It recognizes the philosophy of innovation--not imitation--that I hold dear," said Kneeland. "It tells me that the creative work of my mind and the physical labor of my body over the last 35 years meant something and has importance."
The other finalists for this year's Equine Industry Vision Award included the Certified Horsemanship Association, Equestrian Land Conservation Resource and John Nicholson, executive director of the Kentucky Horse Park.
