This is my Trail Horse; Wendy Daze

By Debby Jackson, owned and loved by Wendy Daze

 Age 2 being ponied Age 4 adoption promotion Age 5 playing with Longhorns Debby and Wendy at an ACTHA ride  

Wendy Daze is a BLM Mustang mare from the South Steens Herd Management area of Harney County, Oregon. Wendy was born in 2004 and adopted in 2005. She was tamed by a 12 year old girl, who shortly after traded Wendy for another Mustang that was taller and ready to ride. The second owner gave her as payment that she owed. The third owner does not ride or even work with horses and Wendy was not being given any attention, so she was up for sale. I knew about Wendy and had seen her, I was very excited because since the first moment I saw her, I felt there was just something special about her. I made an offer and after a few weeks I picked her up! She was now 2 years old and I was her fourth owner in the course of only one year since she was originally adopted in 2005. She was small, scruffy and scared, but her first adopter did well with her and she settled down quickly. During the next year, I ponied her behind my other mustangs everywhere I went. I decided to wait to start her under saddle until she was 4 years old because of her size. In 2008 I began riding her on just trail rides. In 20ll we were introduced to ACTHA! We were hooked and having fun. But in 2012, we realized we had to learn much more! So, we learned to lope, back, side pass, pivot, and even jump. We also learned to drag many different things and walk over many strange obstacles as well. We are now running 1st position in the state standings of ACTHA in the Pleasure Division for the state of Washington. We will continue to try to keep up our standing to the end of the season. Wendy was the small mustang that no one wanted, but she has a big heart and is mighty! Our Bond is Big! Many thanks to Enjoy Yums All Natural Pet Treats for sponsoring "This is my Trail Horse".  Wendy Daze will recieve a gift from  Enjoy Yums, a premium healthy treat.  "Horse Love~ You'll find it in every bag!"  www.enjoyyums.com Share your "This is My Trailhorse" story with ACTHA Facebook by emailing laurie@actha.us



Member of the Week Judy Limsky

We keep our nominations anonymous, but here's what was sent in by the party nominating Judy Limsky, it's a great testimony to "true love"!

"Why would I like to nominate Judy? I believe that she deserves it. She embodies what ACTHA is all about. What she has accomplished in 2 1/2 years is just incredible! Her very first year she placed 3rd in the nation. The next year, 2nd. And so far this year, she is leading the nation!! She was the first to get the Platinum award and just recently, the first to enter the Hall Of Fame! And what is really amazing to me is the fact that she and Picasso have not had any formal training. She grew up on a farm and has loved horses since before she could walk. I believe that more important than any training is the BOND that you have with your horse. Once you earn the love and respect for each other, anything is possible. Just watching her, I know that she was born to ride! I have never seen her happier than when she is with Picasso. So, I would be honored to nominate Judy Limsky and Picasso for Member of the Week (and if you ever have an ACTHA Lifetime Achievement award....I would put her name at the top of the list!!)"

Member of the Week Joyce Cotten-Roberts

"Joyce rides in lots of ACTHA rides in Oregon and Washington, and she is always supportive and positive. Joyce never says anything negative, and is quick to encourage others. She seems to genuinely enjoy riding with anyone, and is willing to help new or uncertain riders. Joyce is kind to her horses, and those around her. Even though it's a competition, Joyce is the least competitive person I have ever met! She is a great representative for ACTHA."

Congratulations to Joyce Cotten-Roberts for being ACTHA's Member of the Week! Joyce will receive a custom silver pendant from Molly's Custom Silver. Additionally, she will be entered into a drawing at the end of the year for a beautful silver buckle. Many thanks to Molly's Custom Silver for being so good to our members!

Part II David Reaser Story

[Follow Up on the Member of the Week Story]

Laura Reaser Miller, "Since Actha is big in Texas I am sharing the story of the wonderful police officers that helped my father! This post from June, 2012 Fort Worth Police Department."

June 12, 2012. On Monday, June 11, 2012, in the early morning hours, officers responded to a driver heading eastbound in the westbound lanes of Interstate 20 at Bryant Irvin Road. Officers located the vehicle and began paralleling the driver. The officers used their lights and sirens in attempt to get the driver's attention. The vehicle was a one-ton pickup truck pulling a horse trailer with a horse in the back. The situation was extremely dangerous. The driver observed a police car ahead and finally pulled over. The driver was an elderly male that appeared confused and lost.

It was determined that the male was heading back to Arizona from Michigan and got lost in Fort Worth. The driver’s family was contacted in Arizona and told officers they would catch an immediate flight to Fort Worth and drive the vehicle back. This left officers with the dilemma as to what must be done with the driver, his truck and trailer until the family could arrive.

An officer from the Traffic Division arrived on scene and his actions at this point demonstrated the essence of what is written on the side of every Fort Worth police car "Service with Respect" and “Dedicated to Protect”. This officer made arrangements with a friend to house the driver’s horse in a vacant horse stall at a nearby location and provided food to ensure the horse would be taken care of. The officer then arranged for the driver’s truck and trailer to be driven to his own residence for storage. Finally, this compassionate officer offered his own home for the driver to sleep and stay until the driver’s family arrived from Arizona.

This officer’s actions are above and beyond the duties and responsibilities of a police officer. His concern for people guided his decisions to ensure that this visitor to our city was treated with dignity and respect. Actions like this are an example of the level of service the public deserves.

Member of the Week David Reaser

[An inspiring story told by a daughter as she sees ACTHA rides improve the quality of her father's life - a must read!]

"I would like to nominate my father, David C. Reaser. His memory has been deteriorating. He was discovered in Dallas/Fort Worth driving the wrong way on the interstate with his truck and trailer. I could go on and on about the fabulous police officers who took my father and his horse in while they waited for me to arrive from Raleigh, North Carolina, but this is about my father. My father has now moved from his home in Tucson to live with my family and I in North Carolina. Once he settled in, I took him on his first ACTHA ride with his horse, Dancer. I helped him through the obstacles with the help of some friends, (remember he can not remember). My Father did great and became hooked. I promised him that as long as he wanted to ride, we would do these competitions together. He has improved so much that I no longer help him remember the obstacles. He works very hard to do them on his own. It is great for his confidence and for his memory. Though there are tons of wonderful things I could say about ACTHA and the people that promote these events, I have seen first hand how even people with disabilities are able to ride and be welcomed into a group with open arms. Where else would I be able to compete with my 70ish father by my side? The smile I get to see on my Father's face during these rides is priceless. My Father is my inspiration and I am proud to be his daughter!" Laura Reaser Miller

Member of the Week Erika Tanney

Congratulations to Erika Tanney of Kansas for being nominated Member of the Week! Erika is a longstanding, active ACTHA member. Her face has become a familiar one to many across the country, along with her great Mule, Feeona. Erika represents the true spirit of "hang tough, never give up and never give in." She doesn't allow her saddles to gather dust nor her cheeks to lose her brilliant smile, even in the face of major health issues and chemotherapy treatments. We are proud to include her among our riding friends and wish to thank Erika for being the symbol of inspiration that she is! Go get 'em, Cowgirl!!

Member of the Week George Ehmer

Congratulations to George Ehmer of Oregon for being nominated to Member of the Week! George is an ACTHA member as well as a Ride Host, and is known for being supportive and encouraging, as well as making incredible campfire coffee :) George and his great horse, Joker, were also finalists both seasons of AFTH, and continues to ride with ACTHA enthusiastically. We appreciate all you do for ACTHA, have an awesome season, George!!