PARIS — As they gathered in a horse barn, the suspense in the crowd was palpable.

They were told to convene at a prescribed date and time for a special announcement, but few other details were given.

Stephanie Clausen-Kubarth, founder of the Midwest Therapeutic Riding Program, finally unveiled the surprise Thursday evening in a carefully orchestrated maneuver that even caught the honoree off guard.

Andrew Robinson, 13, of Kenosha was named International Youth Rider of the Year by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, or PATH, which is an organization closely intertwined with Midwest’s mission.

The official mascot

Robinson, who serves as Midwest’s official mascot, went to the gathering in his horse-themed get-up, thinking he was partaking in an event.

“I was surprised,” Robinson said moments after learning of the high honor. “I really had no idea.”

For Robinson, the recognition comes on the heels of other triumphs.

He recently finished a battle with cancer for the second time and looks forward to a future that includes his mastery of riding horses.

“I really think it’s a lot of fun,” said Robinson, who is homeschooled. “It’s good to have that bonding time.”

Robinson’s mom, Tricia Robinson, was one of the few members in the crowd who knew the surprise. Trying to keep it a secret — even from her own son — was a challenge, she said.

“This is such good news, and it’s such an exciting time for him,” she said.

Riding since age 3

Robinson has been riding horses about a decade, with his first foray being at age 3.

Before making the big announcement, Clausen-Kubarth said there are about 69,000 youth in therapeutic horsemanship, and about 7,900 horses qualified to be part of the effort.

Midwest is one of 873 centers across the U.S. qualified to offer such services.

“All of our riders are deserving of this award,” Clausen-Kubarth said. Speaking to Robinson, she said, “It’s your time to shine now.”

Robinson will officially receive his award in Denver in November when PATH holds its annual conference.

Clausen-Kubarth founded Midwest as a place where children in unique circumstances can be themselves and take in the joys of youth, free of crutches, therapies and wheelchairs.

Midwest and similar organizations offer what is referred to as adaptive horseback riding, in conjunction with occupational therapy and hippotherapy services.

Attendees, who come from southeast Wisconsin and northeast Illinois, range in age from 2-and-a-half to 18.