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!
________________________________________________________________________
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.
