Member of the Week: Angela Pecora!

Introducing this week's Member of the Week, Angela Pecora of Texas!

"Angela Pecora is always so very cheerful at the rides where she competes and is one of my all time favorite ride hosts. There's a constant smile on her face even when she's dealing with hosting, nursing a sweet baby boy and taking care of all her boarding and lesson customers."

Angela has also just achieved her Bronze Medal with ACTHA, a truly outstanding measure of grit and determination! On top of her successful riding career, she's also a dedicated Ride Host and trainer. She's hosted a few rides this year, all of which were fantastic, some of her creative obstacles can be seen in the photo. She's always focused on teaching safely while incorporating fun along the way. Thank you Angela for your wonderful support of ACTHA and horses everywhere!

Congratulations to Angela Pecora of Texas, 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 alex@actha.us .

Charity of the Week: Touching Hearts with their Hooves

From early on, children are surrounded by animals. Whether it is a pet, a stuffed animal, books or movies, this child-animal bond teaches compassion and empathy. Healing can take place in the context of this bond. Partnering with the Miller Dwan Foundation and North County R.I.D.E., Amberwing offers kids the opportunity to participate in equine-assisted therapeutic activities. Using horses to touch kids where they are and move them forward into greater mental wellness, equine-assisted therapy is growing as a tool worldwide for treatment in a variety of illnesses and disorders.

Each program at Amberwing spends one afternoon weekly in Esko, MN at North Country R.I.D.E. enjoying this incredible experience under the supervision of Kaylyn Tuhkanen and her amazing group of volunteers. Each child mindfully chooses a horse and is paired with a volunteer who supervises and guides the therapeutic interactions.

Children engage in grooming, leading, and riding their horse. Each activity promotes the strengthening of the bond with the horse and allows children the opportunity to overcome feelings of anxiety or fear. As this interaction progresses, they are encouraged to apply the DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) skills learned at Amberwing and share insights into their experience. Mindfulness and distress tolerance skills come to life in the horse arena.

The connections drawn when learning becomes experiential is awe-inspiring and life-changing. One teen shared how he loved his horse, but was feeling frustrated that the horse wouldn’t listen as well as the rest of the group. He was able to articulate that this is how his parents and teachers might feel when he is unwilling to listen. Another young man chose a horse that had been abused and felt comforted by the knowledge that this horse was able to overcome the fear associated with abuse and be trainable. One young girl fought through extreme anxiety to master climbing onto this large animal to ride bareback. Even the most resistive kids have shared insights such as “I feel that I mattered to my horse.”, “I learned I could trust myself.”, and “This took away my worries for two hours.” Staff and kids have been moved to tears witnessing these special moments. Bonds between the staff and children are strengthened and the therapeutic benefits of their interactions are increased.

Alternative therapies such as equine therapy create teaching moments which cannot be duplicated in other settings and are part of the multi-model treatment offered at Amberwing. These therapies are not possible; however; without the generous support of the community and the continued work of the talented and devoted volunteers. North Country R.I.D.E. and its supporters have touched the lives of the community’s youth seeking support for their mental health struggles and have made a difference that is both tangible and life-changing!

By Nikki Kostynyk

This is My Trailhorse: Moose's Story


I found Moose on Craigslist in July 2011.  The reason he caught my eye was I KNEW this horse.  He had been a halter show horse in his younger days when I was showing palominos.  I went to see him the next day and my heart was BROKEN.  He was in a small (no bigger than 20'X20') enclosure, standing knee deep in muck and mud.  He was angry, crippled and underweight.  I made an offer which was rejected.  With tears flowing my face, I called his former owner and told her of his plight.  I had left my contact information with the young man, hoping he would reconsider my offer.


The next day, I received a call from his former owner with this:  "Moose is in the trailer and we are on our way to your house!"  JOY!!! JOY!!! JOY!!!  BUT, the challenge was just beginning!  First call was to the farrier to get his much neglected feet taken care of.  Next was a trip to the vet for x-rays to see what structural damage had been done.  Moose was still a stallion, so once the x-rays were complete and I knew he could be sound eventually, we also gelded him.  After giving him several months to heal, I began trying to ride him.  For the first few minutes, he would be wonderful...  THEN, the explosion would come.  Not a big explosion, but more of an annoyance really.  He would pitch and rear and throw a temper tantrum.  EVERY TIME!!  So, this became our routine...  I'd work him and ride for a few minutes in the round pen, he'd throw his tantrum....  We couldn't seem to move past this.  I was trying desperately to be patient and not be too aggressive with him (Lord only knows what he'd been through over the past 6 years!)  Then in Feb 2012, I tripped jumping off the bed of my pickup while unloading feed and shattered my left leg.  It was a 6 1/2 month recovery for me now.  I was wheelchair/walker bound.  Once I "recovered," I knew my leg didn't have the strength I needed and my confidence was weakened considerably, so I sent Moose to a trusted friend and trainer.


Quite by accident, he recognized that Moose does not like enclosed spaces.  While not minding a trailer ride, he does not like riding in confined areas.  (I had been trying to ride him in an enclosed round pen)  We were suddenly on our way to success!!  Moose was still having issues with his front feet from the neglect.  This resulted in having gel pads on him.  I got a call from the trainer with some "bad news."  They had been out trail riding and Moose had a mesquite thorn that had went through the gel pad and punctured his sole.  For a couple of weeks, he soaked his foot twice daily but he wasn't getting better.  Off again to the vet.  We found the thorn had created a toxic gas pocket that was eating away at the sole from the inside.  ANOTHER 3 month recovery!!!  By this time, I am extremely discouraged and people are beginning to ask why I haven't put him down.  I would tell them with tears in my eyes, "I just feel like there is this great horse inside there and we just have to let him find his way back out!"


He is now recovered and while Moose will likely never again be a competition horse, but we are now enjoying our morning rides out into the pasture and, with a little help from bute for him and aleve for me, enjoy exploring new trails to ride.  I am a psychotherapist who works with kids who are involved in the juvenile justice system.  I am starting a pilot program this year to include equine assisted psychotherapy and having a personal trainer begin working with me to help these kids develop better social skills and increase their self esteem and self discipline.  I'm looking forward to having Moose involved with this program, as many people were ready to give up on Moose, just like many people have given up on most of these kids.  Moose's Story, by Becky Harris

Member of the Week: Alexa Sorensen

Alexa and a Veteran from the 3Y ride in 2012.
Thank you, Photographs by Smooch for the photo!
Introducing this week's member of the week, Alexa Sorensen! 

"Alexa has been an active ACTHA member since August 2012. Alexa has been able to compete sporadically since joining, but unfortunately has been afflicted with health problems to keep her from competing. Fortunately these health problems have not keep Alexa from being a part of our ACTHA family in Florida. Alexa has been an invaluable and irreplaceable volunteer with running all the ACTHA rides she attends….even if it is in a cast. Alexa makes sign-in registration a breeze and maintains superb organization when sending ride out groups to hit the trail. Alexa’s main concern is that everyone at ACTHA rides has an amazing ride and fosters camaraderie amongst all riders."

Congratulations to Alexa Sorensen of Florida, 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 alex@actha.us .

Charity of the Week: The Pegasus Project

Luke in April 2011
The Pegasus Project, Inc. is a Texas-based, 501(c)(3) non-profit, horse rescue organization which facilitates the seizure, rehabilitation and adoption of abused, abandoned, and neglected horses in East Texas. Working with other animal welfare organizations and local law enforcement, Pegasus helps conduct investigations and seizures of neglected equine. Founders Allyson & Mike DeCanio provide daily hands-on care to each and every horse coming through the program. Allyson, an attorney, volunteers her legal skills to divest neglectful and abusive owners of their rights to the horses and then takes them into the program and nutures them back to health. Our goal is to rehabilitate horses by establishing a foundation of solid mind and body through love, quality care, and natural horsemanship methods. Once healthy, it is our hope that every horse be adopted by carefully screened new owners. Each horse is trained by our staff of horse developers, including head trainer Don Knapp. Other acclaimed horsemen, including Mark Rashid and Bruce Logan, volunteer their training skills for a limited number of horses. Pegasus utilizes both natural and traditional horsemanship techniques to prepare our horses for their new adoptive homes. Our goal is to always see things from the horse's perspective. Pegasus provides a permanent sanctuary for horses not acceptable for placement.
One example of a horse Pegasus has helped is the beautiful "Cool Hand Luke". This sweet, blue-eyed boy was named in tribute to the gorgeous, blue-eyed Paul Newman. This Paint colt, who was 3 at the time, was rescued on April 21, 2011 by Pegasus with the assistance of the Smith County Constables Office. Abandoned by a felon at the home of his elderly father, this young horse stood in a dirt pen for more than a year without food or hay and with very little water, all the while surrounded by beautiful green pastures and ponds just outside of his reach. With a body score of less than 1, Luke had a long way to go. Although he had no reason to trust humans, he proved loving and gentle and adored human attention. Luke attained normal weight in no time and took to his training program with no issues. Luke is very laid back and the perfect horse for most any rider. Luke was chosen by Debbie Tunnell of Republic, Missouri, and his adoption was completed on February 24, 2013. Luke is one of our most beloved horses to ever come thru Pegasus and we will miss his gentle spirit. We are thrilled that he has found such a wonderful home. Godspeed, dear Luke.




This is My Trail Horse: Sassy

Just over a year ago, I was in the market for a trail horse after my horse for seven years was stolen.  My new husband decided he wanted Sassy, the quarter horse my best friend was selling us, so I was on the hunt for another horse for me.  I found a lovely paint gelding and watched a young teen riding the horse.  When I mounted him, the horse stood calmly for a few moments and then without warning, flung himself backward on top of me, breaking my left leg and ankle, and giving me a severe concussion.  We later found out the horse did that if he didn't want to be ridden and he hurt several other people as well.

I have ridden my entire life and never had a horse purposely hurt me.  After my cast was off and I was able to ride again, I started riding Sassy, but I was so nervous I made her nervous too.  The moment I was in the saddle I would start having panic attacks that she would do something to hurt me.  She was patient and I worked with her and the trainer over several months and slowly got my confidence back.   After a long snowy winter with very little riding, I started riding Sassy again this spring and my nervousness was gone. She and I have covered a lot of trail miles this year from easy to very challenging and we have participated in some obstacle courses as well.  Sassy and I have developed a close trusting bond and without her I may have completely given up riding.  My husband hasn't ridden since I got hurt but soon he will start riding Sassy again.  I feel a lot more confident in finding another horse but hope to find one as level headed and patient as Sassy has been!

Sassy, by Lisa Clute

ACTHA and the Hose Boy Foundation

ACTHA'S Featured Charity



Horse Boy Foundation
Horses Help Autistic Children to Communicate
The Horse Boy Method, autism specific therapeutic techniques, using horses to address sensory issues and promote direct communication. Rupert Isaacson, author of the international bestseller ‘The Horse Boy’ and producer of the highly acclaimed movie of the same title, has now made available the techniques that helped his son Rowan to speak and communicate directly with the exterior world. The techniques honed over seven years can be learned by anyone with a horse back ground. The techniques include how to ride with the child at walk, trot and canter in a way that promotes direct communication; sensory work; academics on horseback; trick work (again fantastic for communication); teaching through play; creating the best equine environment for autistic children and the use of collected movements, and long lining.
Rupert Isaacson and his team have been giving two day trainings and one day demos all over North America and Europe during this past year. We are now working closely with Riding for the Disabled (RDA) in the UK and the team is doing an increasing number of trainings at NAHRA and CANTRA affiliated centers in North America.
Rupert Isaacson and his team also offer two days trainings at the New Trails Center in Elgin, near Austin Texas, where the original Horse Boy story began, using Betsy, the horse that famously taught Isaacson’s three year old son Rowan to speak, as well as other horses fully trained in Horse Boy Method.
To come to Texas for a training or to book a training or demo at your barn, please contact Iliane Lorenz at info@horseboyworld.com
 
My name is Rupert Isaacson and I am the founder and director of the Horse Boy Foundation - a Central Texas and National charity devoted to helping autism families through horses. We are located in Elgin, just east of Austin, and we need volunteers. You can learn more about us at www.horseboyworld.com .
We need you. Trail riders, especially! Come help us build fence or just play with the kids in between riding time! WE DO NOT CHARGE LOCAL FAMILIES to benefit from our services, so we need as much community volunteer, labor and fund raising we can get!
We have seen first hand the heart of ACTHA; please help us, call or write.          
Rupert Isaacson
512-415-0536
rupertisaacson@hotmail.com
 

Member of the Week: Donna Winsloe

"Donna has been an active ACTHA member since August 2012.  She was first introduced to ACTHA through ride host Natalie Revels and decided she wanted to check out the ride by volunteering in registration.  After the first ride Donna decided she couldn’t volunteer any more…..she JUST had to ride!  Since then Donna had faithfully attended as many ACTHA rides she could and is usually one of the first riders to register.  Donna always shows up to rides with a contagious positive attitude even when the weather outlook is dreary.  Donna doesn’t have an ‘in it to win it attitude’ and just comes to enjoy a weekend of horsey fun (of course the occasional ribbon doesn’t hurt!).  Donna’s sheer enthusiasm for each ride she attends embodies the ACTHA spirit."

 Congratulations to Donna Winsloe of Florida, 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 alex@actha.us .

Charity of the Week: Horses Helping Heroes Project

FOUR LEGGED THERAPY

The HORSES HELPING HEROES PROJECT is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that uses the horse as a therapeutic modality for veterans with special needs and disabilities. Our mission is to empower military and first-responder veterans to face the challenges of mental, emotional and physical wounds and to assist them in creating active, healthier and more fulfilling lives through equine-assisted activities and therapies.

Founded in 2010, the program began as a traditional therapeutic riding program. Today, it has evolved to be primarily a ground work program as it is the hands-on work and bonding with their horse that has proven to be the most therapeutic for the veteran.

Using a private facility not open to the public, each veteran is given an opportunity to work through their issues in complete privacy and with the support of trained volunteer staff and fellow military personnel. On the first day of class, each veteran is assigned to a horse and works with that horse for the duration of the 8-week session. With a goal to educate our participants and to give them the necessary tools to develop their horsemanship skills, we begin each class with a lecture or presentation on a horse-related topic.  Some of the topics from the spring 2013 sessions included:  safety around horses; horse body language; fun facts about horses; common horse and human body parts; and, application of the Masterson Method -Beyond Horse Massage. 

With a mission to empower the veterans, we provide progressively more challenging tasks for the veteran/horse team to accomplish during the session. For the novice, this may start with simple leading of the horse through a basic obstacle course and culminate in an in-hand trail class competition. For the more seasoned veteran it may mean the team works at liberty negotiating the obstacle course or the veteran learns how to free lunge his horse in a field. Regardless of the activity, as the veteran/horse team develops, we see an increase in relaxation, self-confidence, and self-esteem.

The horses though are the real stars of the program. The majority of the program horses are Morgans. 
We find their size is less intimidating, they are very people oriented and they have a high level of curiosity.  Their willingness to be handled by a wide variety of individuals with vastly different physical capabilities and communications skills is amazing to watch. You can almost hear their wheels grinding as they try to figure out what the veteran wants them to do. If Plan A doesn’t work, invariably they come through for their veteran when Plan B is applied.


We do not charge for our services and receive no federal or state support. We fund this program through public donations, corporate sponsors, grants, fundraising efforts and the generosity of ACTHA members who host rides to support the HORSES HELPING HEROES PROJECT.  We thank you for helping us help veterans. For more information, please visit our website  www.horseshelpingheroesproject.com.

My ACTHA Story: Ann Harris

My name is Ann Harris from Monroe, GA. I grew up on a large farm in Illinois where I, from the ages of 8 and 10, was blessed to have a Tennessee Walker. Life changes, and we moved from the farm. It wasn't until I turned 45 that I was able to return to my long lost love of horses. That was when I found Marty's Spotted Go Boy (a.k.a. Marty), a foundation-bred Spotted Saddle Horse. He was 5 going on 6 when he came into my life. He turned 22 on June 1, 2013. Yes, it's been 17 years of living with and loving this remarkable horse.

Throughout the years, Marty and I participated in local shows, a rodeo drill team, team sorting, local cowboy races, Western Dressage, and marched in numerous parades, including the WSB-TV Independence Day Parade and the Veterans Day Parade in downtown Atlanta. But Marty has always excelled on the trail. His calm demeanor and trust in me have been such a comfort, enabling me to do things I never thought I could do.
I first learned about ACTHA by watching the advertisements on RFD-TV. While I ached to compete in the Craig Cameron Extreme Cowboy Races I had been watching, I was hesitant about making that sort of commitment since, at that time, most of the events were held in Texas, a long way from Georgia. What ACTHA had to offer seemed "just right." Since I had competed in some local cowboy challenges, I decided to enter my first ACTHA event in the Open Division in March 2010 in Live Oak, Florida. During that first ride, I had no idea if Marty and I were doing well or not. We just did the best we could, despite my extreme internal butterflies! That evening during the awards dinner, I sat patiently for the winners to be called, never expecting my name to be mentioned. In fact, when they did, it just didn't hit me that they had called my name for first place until my friend who had made the trip with me jumped out of her seat hollering "Yahoo!!!" I giggled like a school girl the entire 4+ hours back home to Georgia the next day. From then on, I was hooked, and it's been a journey of a lifetime. For the past 3 ACTHA seasons, Marty and I have placed first in the state of Georgia, and during those past 3 seasons, our national ranking has been 10th, 37th, and 9th respectively.
In addition to the above achievements, I've been especially proud of Marty for accumulating his individual points earning him the Bronze, Silver Elite, Silver, Gold Medals, and, most recently, the Platinum Medal. Marty got the medals and the credit; I got the ACTHA Vest, Molly's Custom Silver Buckle, the Muddy Creek Rain Coat, the custom Rodeo ETC. Chinks, and a year's supply of Platinum Performance Equine Supplement. Along with these wonderful awards, I've had the opportunity to purchase, at discount, some amazing products from the generous sponsors of ACTHA such as Cavallo, KatLyn, Paddock Purses, Colorful Manes and Tails, and Vetericyn, just to name a few. And I certainly don't want to forget the Ride Affiliates who have also given away some nice prizes for the winners such as halters, lead ropes, saddle bags, grooming supplies, feed, and much more.
ACTHA has afforded Marty and me the opportunity to travel to some amazing riding locations and meet some lifelong friends. Since my husband doesn't travel with me due to obligations at home, I've had to overcome some fears along the way. But I've had Marty to keep me centered and focused. He relies on me to keep us safe, and I've learned a lot about self-reliance. Competitive trail riding is a harmony between horse and rider, facing some questions along the way, and just "being" in nature. And I cannot imagine accomplishing any of these journeys or challenges without Marty, my confidant, my confidence builder, my beloved trail partner.

We welcome all members' stories! Everyone has a special story to share about their horses and experiences. We would love to hear yours! Each published submission will receive a hat from TechNiche Cooling Products (while supplies last)! You can send stories to Debbie@actha.us.
Please also include a couple of good quality photos!

Charity of the Week: Horse Protection Association of Florida

Lex in February 2007
Lex was one of 26 Thoroughbreds seized by Marion County in 2007 where four broodmares starved to death. A 3 year old stallion, Lex had not been handled regularly and had become feral. In court the horses were awarded to the county, and then turned over to HPAF. The horses were moved, with much difficulty, to a rented barn. None had ever been in stalls and it was chaos. Lex jumped over the 4 foot stall front and somehow ended up in another stall, he had to have jumped into it. He had to be kept tied with hay and water close to keep him from running the stall and climbing the walls constantly. Other youngsters did similar things, it was a scary week and how we were not injured or killed still amazes me.

The stallions were moved to another farm with hotwire fencing. Lex was a bit better there. He was castrated and eventually moved to the HPAF farm.

Turned out with his former herd mates he was content. However if we tried to do anything with him
Lex with Kim - 2013
where he was no longer with his buddies he became panicked. Showing the horses one day we put his buddies into the round pen with Lex in the adjacent pen able to hang his head over the round pen wall. He could touch the fillies as they came by and they were never more than 60 feet away. That was too far away for him and he ran straight through the fence. Catching him and tranquilizing him was another scary episode, when Lex went out of control it was frightening.

At that point we sent Lex to trainer Halsey Murch to try and get some controls in place. Lex did improve a great deal in a month. He nearly missed kicking Halsey in the head one day, thank God he missed and Halsey was OK.

Back home regular handling, grooming, trimming and bathing got Lex to where he had decent ground manners. Two years later we sent Lex to trainer Anja Holst to start under saddle. Four months later Lex was going nicely in an enclosed area. That is when Kim Pundi came to HPAF looking for a horse to adopt and she met Lex. We were a little concerned about it working out but as Kim was practicing Parelli we knew she would likely be ok and that things with Lex would improve over time. Improve is an understatement. Kim devoted herself to her relationship with Lex and in the years since they have become an amazing pair.

Kim and Lex are now competing in ACHTA rides and Obstacle Challenges and are quite successful. They recently placed third at the Florida Horse Park!

HPAF has lots more future stars! Please visit the web site, www.hpaf.org email at msilver@wildblue.net call 352-466-4366 or like us on Facebook. HPAF is so grateful that ACHTA exists. It gives rescued horses a place to shine and have fun!

Lex and ACTHA

Member of the Week: Donna Sugg

Risky and Shasta with Donna
Introducing this week's Member of the Week, Donna Sugg of Texas! 

"Donna Sugg (and her husband Charlie) have been long time ACTHA Members. What makes Donna so unique (sorry Charlie) is her thirst for learning and great attitude win, lose or draw. She is always there for our local rescues and equine benefits with major involvement in fundraising. Whether it be for the Blue Bonnet Rescue in Austin or helping out in  fundraising rides for her local Family Crisis Center to supporting events at Austin's Horse Expo Center she is everyone's go to person for getting things done...but always in the nicest way. Never pushy or assuming.

That's why many of us think she should be ACTHA's member of the week. She is everything ACTHA advocates. Rider, fun person and a giver."

Congratulations to Donna Sugg of Texas, 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 alex@actha.us .

This is My Trail Horse: Jas


By Stacey Johnson

 This is Jasmine, a/k/a Jas. She is a 20 year old Tennessee Walking Horse. Jasmine came into my life in 2006 as I was going through a really tough spot in my life. She was going to be sent to auction because her owners were divorcing. I happened to be visiting a friend out of state and we were in the right place at the right time. Jas rescues me EVERY single day!! She is my best friend, my confidant and my rock. We have a connection; a partnership all the time, whether we are riding, grazing or just laying out in the pasture sunning together!

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

Share your "This is My Trailhorse" story with ACTHA  by leaving your story with a photo in the private message box of the ACTHA Facebook page or by emailing alex@actha.us.

Charity of the Week: Rainer Equine Hoof Recovery Center

The Story of Hank and the Rainier Equine Hoof Recovery Center

“Urgent! Please help this horse” was the subject of an email about Hank.  A lame 6 year old gelding slated to be euthanized that day!
Rainier Equine Hoof Recovery Center was established to recover all breeds of horses, donkeys and mules back to a life of soundness.
We rushed to Hank’s pasture to find the big gelding lying in the sun.  Waves of thick red mane fell against his copper body as he stoically heaved himself up onto his painful feet.
Hank’s sweet nature was evident even as he rocked on the thick screw-filled plastic pads nailed onto his hooves and encased in globs of dried glue.  His ligaments strained visibly as he tried to steady himself on the domed pads.  He’d been diagnosed by the person who attached those “corrective” shoes to his hooves as “navicular.” 
No vet consultation or x-rays films obtained to validate this (unsubstantiated) condition.  The handsome young horse was deemed unsalvageable.  The corrective shoes - failed.  The renderer’s truck was in route. 
After meeting Hank on that emotional day, we embarked on a journey to help those horses slated daily for pick up by the rendering truck.
For decades, horses have fallen victim to myths and misinformation about hoof care and the illogical explanations of vaguely understood hoof conditions.
Since we were in the business of rescuing, we started the application process for state and federal recognition as a 501c3 non-profit.  Numerous phone calls, faxes and fees led to official certification in early 2009.
Our goals at the REHRC aren’t limited to horse and hoof rehabilitation though.  Time is spent researching causes of hoof failure and establishing preventative measures.  Learning from unsound horses, and cadaver hooves, we are correcting some elusive hoof soundness conundrums. 
We work to educate horse owners individually and offer free community workshops. We offer hoof trimming clinics at our facility, remote facilities, in other states, and outside of the US.
To raise funds for feed and health care for our equine residents, we had help publishing a professionally filmed/edited DVD.  “Discovering Your Horse’s Natural Hooves – How to Trim the Barefoot Horse.”   Our highly-acclaimed DVD has shipped all over the US and many other countries. DVD sales support our programs and horses while liberating hundreds of horse owners from frustrating traditional hoof care approaches.  Still it’s not enough.
We receive frequent requests to permanently accept lame horses.  Unfortunately, our budget scarcely supports our current horses and few excellent homes are available to take rehabbed horses. 
Hank was one of the lucky few lame horses who missed his ride on the renderer’s truck.  He’s a long term REHRC resident and can be seen in our DVD running in front of a group of horses.  Hank’s story became just one of many similar stories that followed.
Just as Hank needed us that fateful day, we need your help to help our horses.
For more information on Hank and many other REHRC horses, our DVD, clinics, workshops and donations page, please visit our website: www.rainierhoofrehahab.com

ACTHA LAUNCHES CANADIAN OPERATIONS

CCTHA Has Full Turn Out For Wounded Warrior 


In its first official leap outside the United States, ACTHA has begun operations partnering with their sister organization CCTHA, The Canadian Competitive Trail Horse Association.

"We have been approached by other out of country interests and have even had rides in England and Germany with another in planning in Australia. But these were one time things to benefit a popular US charity and ACTHA took no official role," according to Robin Tilghman Director of National Sales. "Wait a minute does this make me director of International Sales Now?!"

Not quite. The only reason ACTHA was able to make the leap north was because of the dedicated horse owners in Canada lead by Chuck Cannon, Master Corporal, retired... now President of the Canadian Competitive Trail Horse Association. "Chuck's dedication to ACTHA's mission statement and crazy hard work ethic made us comfortable handing off the Canadian rights for ACTHA sanctioned events. It's not a task he has taken lightly. He has received the attention of even the Prime Minister who has donated an award for the inaugural ride coming up this weekend," states General Manager Tom Scrima. "I asked Chuck why he chose to take on this task, especially knowing the crazy hours and difficulty of the work he has witnessed on the USA side... Here's what he told me...."

"How did I choose this cause? I am retired Canadian Soldier and in the Military service and as such you learn to put the needs of others ahead of your own. That's what a soldier does. I, fortunately, retired in relatively good health from the army, no severe traumatic physical or emotional injuries to carry forward in life. Unfortunately, many of my army buddies were not so lucky. Even though I am retired they are still my family in some way and always will be. It's only natural to fund raise for them. There are many organizations and events that are used to generate revenue to help Wounded Warriors but none that would be so historically linked as a horse event. I am also a horse owner and my great grandfather served in a Mounted Rifle unit in South Africa. This has family history for me, it just seems to fit.

I test drove the ACTHA CTC model to raise funds for  PRANCE therapeutic Riding Facility twice in 2012. I found it was the perfect structure to use to to give something back, not only to our equine friends but to the Soldiers who have given so much of themselves as well. Last year ACTHA fostered the Ride to Remember but there was not enough time for me to foster that model here north of the border. 

I will continue to develop a following here in Canada. There will be many rides to come supporting not just Wounded Warriors. This is our Signature ride, for obvious reasons. Long term plan, a ride in every province annually just for Wounded Warriors.

And many more for other causes, this is just the start. We are a proud sister/brother organization to ACTHA and share the same core values." 

Scrima continues...."How you going to tell a guy like that we're not ready for expansion? When Chuck told me the story of a Canadian soldier that died fighting along side our boys in Afghanistan and that his horse was to be ridden in this inaugural ride I was hooked. Most of us forget about our Canadian brothers and all the other nations defending us from the insanity of terrorism. ACTHA figures if we can help just a little we simply cannot say no. Add that to the fact Chuck is one heck of a manager, organizer and charismatic character attracting the help he needs. Soon we may be taking some lessons from CCTHA down here!"

Just one thing Chuck, any Mounties that compete must go in the open division! 

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American Competitive Trail Horse Association
ACTHA is based near Austin Texas and for 5 years has been following the below 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. 

About The Canadian Competitive Trail Horse Association
CCTHA was founded in 2013 as a Canadian not for profit corporation.

It operates under license from ACTHA and makes full use of ACTHA's proprietary training materials, web site and administrative support with full permission and encouragement of ACTHA/US. The same mission is embraced by both organizations.


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. 

My ACTHA Story: Randy Gassett


I began competing in ACTHA in 2009, initially on my Arab and then in February 2010 on my Missouri Fox Trotter, Sunrise Smokey Bear aka Sherlock. Sherlock, who is now seven, is an amazing horse and was only three when we began our journey. He is a horse that truly loves camping, trail riding and negotiating obstacles. He is so attuned to people and makes friends wherever we go. Our journey has taken us from our home state of Arizona to competitions in Tennessee, Nevada and California. What a variety those trails have been, from desert mountains, to the hills of Tennessee, to the lights of Las Vegas and urban parks. We have ridden through sunshine, thunder storms and snow and kept on trekking. When he sees the trailer hitched up, he willingly jumps in and asks “where are we off to now”? Sherlock is such a good sport and puts up with all the goofy things I ask him to do. He was a sheik for Halloween in Tennessee, a bunny for Easter in Nevada, and Uncle Sam for the Fourth of July in Arizona. And though we both love competing, it is the people, places and friends that we have met along the way that is the icing on the cake! Sherlock and I have won our Bronze and Silver Medals and are now only eleven points away from our Gold medal. We finished the 2012/2013 year by placing third in Open in both Arizona and Nevada. I’m sure the coming year will take us to new places and the pleasure of meeting more new friends along the way.

Thank you Randy, for being a valued and dedicated member of ACTHA. Would you like to share your ACTHA story? Email your story with a couple of good quality photos to debbie@actha.us OR alex@actha.us, and your story could be featured here!

Member of the Week: Kathy Covert

Introducing this week's Member of the Week, Kathy Covert of Arizona!

"Kathy has 3 horses, Jordache, Wa-Jee, and Ryha. Jordache is full Arabian, 24 years young, she was Kathy's first horse. Wa-Jee is 9 years, Arabian and Saddleback, and Ryha is approximately 7 years, she acquired Rhya just over a year ago after she was basically abandoned while boarding at Kathy's. Rhya was so thin we thought she was going to fall over. After months of food, love and care Rhya is a big beautiful well adjusted horse. Kathy uses her horses to teach children and adults, like me to ride. I have been riding Jordache for 3 years now. Jordache is my horse and Kathy is very happy that I am so in love with Jordache. Kathy is what the horse riders here in Lake Havasu City, Arizona call "A Horse Whisperer."

Congratulations to Kathy Covert of Arizona, 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 alex@actha.us .
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