American Competitive Trail Horse Association: Member of the Week: Laurie Harris

Introducing this week's Member of the Week; Laurie Harris! Laurie has spent the last few years working day in and day out for ACTHA. She's logged in countless hours to provide the best social media coverage for ACTHA and our great sponsors. She's managed the Facebook page, and run the blog like a champ. Under Laurie's dedication, we saw ACTHA's Facebook patronage jump from a mere 2000 likes, to OVER 31,000! And that's just in her work for ACTHA.

"Laurie also runs her entire farm by herself, and Aponi Studios, her business, does web design, social media management, graphic design and custom photography. She's a talented woman, and has clients all over!"

Where does she find the time for riding? We don't know, but she's always sure to log in some time with her horse Bumblebee, and put on an ACTHA ride. "Her last ride in Arkansas involved her clearing an amazing amount of acreage so "her" riders could see the beauty she lives in. She even built wonderful facilities giving them her Laurie touch."

As you may or may not know, Laurie will be moving on to fully devote herself to her own business, and we here at ACTHA want to make sure she gets some well deserved recognition. "Laurie is not only wonderful member of ACTHA but also a gifted artist. For years ACTHA members have enjoyed and will continue to enjoy her work. As Laurie goes independent what better farewell than to honor her as member of the week! So here's to you Laurie, we'll miss you something fierce, and we wish you the very best in the future!"

"It has been great working with Laurie over the past few years. She is so talented and her photography is so beautiful. I wish her well in her future endeavors and wish her much success!

Best wishes Laurie!"

Be sure to look into Laurie's work and follow her photography at http://shotbyaponi.com/.

Congratulations to Laurie and Bumblebee for being this week's Member of the Week! Many thanks to Molly's Custom Silver for sponsoring this weekly event. Molly's Custom Silver is ACTHA's official silversmith! www.mollyscustomsilver.com

ACTHA Member of the Week nominations remain anonymous. If you would like to nominate an ACTHA member, Ride Host, judge or volunteer, you may do so by clicking here: http://a.pgtb.me/TH6twF. Or, you may send your nomination along with one or two good photos of large size to facebook@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