Judy Limsky and her horse Picasso have made ACTHA and trail rider history. To win ACTHA's Ambassador distinction a rider and their horse must accumulate 600 performance points in the open division. This award is the highest award that can be attained in ACTHA, and has only recently been adopted by the association to fit an ever evolving population of members. What makes this even more remarkable than the 100+ competitions Judy and Picasso took part in, is the fact they had never competed in any discipline before ACTHA."What I find remarkable," states Carrie Scrima, one of ACTHA's Founders, "is no matter where we show up on ACTHA's circuits, everyone has only great praise for Judy and Picasso. After a lifetime of competing, I find this wonderfully refreshing and a good example of the sportsmanship of the ACTHA casual competitor."
So much so that ACTHA has instituted a new award, dedicated to Judy's horse, The Annual Picasso Award. This award goes to one who is nominated by any ACTHA member or ACTHA judge for displaying dedicated sportsmanship during the ride season. Nominations are sent to a special email address; picasso@actha.us to continue to honor Picasso for decades of ACTHA rides to come. Any member or host may be nominated with the winner receiving a complimentary lifetime membership valued at a little under $1,000. ACTHA hopes that this tribute will emphasize how much value is placed on being sportsmanship in their casual competitions. "If the public were open for nominations I'd nominate Mark Limsky who trailered, volunteered and cheered EVERYBODY on at most every event Judy competed in!" chuckled Robin Tilgham, director of National Sales.
As an ACTHA Ambassador, Judy will receive lifetime privileges entitling her to complimentary rides and membership. She will also represent ACTHA on a stipend basis at various events around the country. She will hang up her competitive hat and now wear the role of ACTHA Ambassador while enjoying the ride, side by side of newcomers and friends.The American Competitive Trail Horse Association is based near Austin, Texas and for 5 years has been following this mission:
To create an enjoyable venue showcasing the wonderful attributes of the great American trail horse and granting them the recognition they so richly deserve.
To create a registry open to all breeds and a point designation system which will stay with each horse for its lifetime, thereby adding to their value and distinction.
To create and enable humane treatment options and employment for horses in need.
