American Competitive Trail Horse Association: This is My Trail Horse: Pumpkin Spice

By Mary Lynne Carpenter

Pumpkin Spice is a 13.2 hand chestnut gelding who has stolen my heart. Spice’s breed origins are unknown due to having been bought at auction out of a “kill buyer’s” lot a number of years ago by a previous owner. Spice is estimated to be 13 years old.

I am his fourth owner since his near miss with the trip to the slaughter house. Before coming home to live with me last Summer, I knew that Spice had been a family trail mount for a few folks and also spent a year working at a therapeutic riding center where he carried adult and child riders with physical and cognitive challenges. I now ride him at home, on the trails and at the occasional horse show. Whatever his exact breed and history, Spice is clearly gaited so soon after I bought him I registered him with the American Gaited Pony Registry so he would have some paperwork to follow him in the future.

Spice definitely has a distinct personality and a mind of his own as is befitting most ponies, but he is generally a calm and steadfast riding partner. He is usually not bothered by unusual sites/sounds/obstacles and due to his level headedness, I have had fun experimenting with things like riding him bareback while carrying an umbrella. Out on the trails, he gives me confidence in a way that few horses do. Spice goes over and through mud, water and ditches without a fuss. He will lead, follow and go out alone though he definitely prefers a buddy.

I am so grateful to have the opportunity to care for Spice and ride him. Now that Spice and I are signed up with ACTHA, we are looking forward to our first ride later this year. I would love to find a venue for Spice where his best qualities- slow and steady- can be rewarded. I am hopeful that participating in ACTHA rides will be just the ticket.

Many thanks to Durvet Apple Wormer for sponsoring "This is my Trail Horse". Spice will receive a gift from Durvet. www.applewormer.com

Share your "This is My Trailhorse" story with ACTHA Facebook by emailing laurie@actha.us

ACTHA Events

Competitive Trail Challenge - 6 miles, 6 obstacles, 6 judges…and unlimited fun!
A Competitive Trail Challenge© is an ACTHA competitive trail ride, taking place on private ranches or public parks across the country. The ride itself is anywhere from 6-8 miles long, averaging 6-8 judged obstacles along the way. Obstacles are mostly natural, and each has its own judge, alleviating partiality. Obstacles can consist of crossing water, crossing bridges, opening gates, and maneuvering steep hills to opening mailboxes or putting on a slicker.Rides take about 2 to 2 1⁄2 hours. Usually on a weekend, rides start with a briefing before trail riders head out, followed by lunch and awards. Riders can make a weekend out of it if the facility allows. The CTCs offer 5 divisions - open, pleasure, scout, junior, and buddy.

ACTHA Obstacle Challenge - Off the trail, and all about the obstacles!
Held in an arena (indoor, covered, outdoor) or in a field, an ACTHA obstacle challenge is a day of fun providing a competition with 8 obstacles for open, pleasure, scout, and junior riders to maneuver. The day will start with a riders' briefing and end with the awards ceremony and community. Usually held in the extreme weather months, this format is available to compliment the CTC and to help prepare riders for the trail.

Read more... https://www.actha.us/hostaride