The American
Competitive Trail Horse Association (ACTHA) continues to receive
increasing interest among Arkansas riders. The association conducts
Competitive Trail Challenges (CTCs) throughout the USA and Canada
involving 6-8 miles of trail, with judged obstacles designated on
each mile of the ride. Obstacles are mostly natural and can consist
of water, bridges, maneuvering steep hills, wildlife obstacles or
passing a mock campsite. The rides take place on private farms or
public parks accessible to horses. An ACTHA CTC is a great way to
raise funds for horse clubs, non-profit organizations, rescues or
private farms and stables. ACTHA maintains a mission of charity and
gives a portion of each rider entry fee to a non-profit designated by
the particular ride host. Additionally, ACTHA has traditionally held
an annual national benefit ride with all proceeds being allocated to
a specific cause or charity. This year, the benefit ride named
Horse's For Heroes, N.M. as their recipient, and dubbed the national
effort 'A Ride to Remember”, to honor and benefit our veterans.
Horse's for Heroes, N.M. is a non-profit organization benefiting
veterans with nationwide impact who may be suffering from war
injuries or PTSD by providing equine therapy. Wrangler National
Patriot promised to match those funds up to $10,000.00 this year, the
final results have not yet been released, but the event was
considered successful.
Baron Fork Ridge Horse Camp of Lincoln,
Arkansas was recently a host to a “Ride to Remember” ACTHA CTC.
Participants enjoyed the casual competition which made its way
through forest ravines, mountain ridges, descending switchbacks,
creek bed water ways, bamboo groves and grassy meadows. Rider Judy
Limsky, pictured left, who competes in the Open Division and is pursuing national
points toward year end awards and prizes, including a 4-Star Trailer
valued at 16,000.00, was one of the riders in attendance. Upon
parking her trailer in the Lincoln, Ar. camp Judy exclaimed, “Wow,
this is the most beautiful horse campsite I have visited yet!”
Judy hauled in from Texas with her stunning Paint Horse, Picasso.
The horse and rider team are currently ranking 2nd
nationally with ACTHA. Riders from other states also attended the two
day event including Oklahoma and Missouri, as well as many local
riders from central and eastern Arkansas. Recent Arkenasas ACTHA rides include Booneville,
Lincoln and Little Rock. 
ACTHA is a great
association for all rider level participation. The competitions are
casual, the pace is comfortable and not timed, and while the
obstacles are challenging, they are not extreme. Most riders find
that when participating in an ACTHA event, there is no such thing as
'riding alone', as after only a little while on the trail together
riders quickly become friends and mutually enjoy the refreshing
event. The obstacles are spaced one mile apart, and in between there
is time to relax, ride and enjoy the scenery. After the ride an
awards ceremony takes place where riders receive ribbons and prizes.
Most evenings after an ACTHA ride are spent in socializing by a
campfire and sharing meals together. Riders aged 7 and up are
eligible for membership, making ACTHA a great family activity.To learn more about upcoming Arkansas ACTHA rides, check the online schedule at: www.actha.us/rides. To talk to ACTHA's Wrangler about hosting a ride, email ridehost@actha.us.
This article was featured in the Horsemen's Roundup, a regional magazine with a distribution of three states including Arkansas and portions of Missouri, Oklahoma and Louisiana. Written by Laurie Harris. www.horsemensroundup.com
