This is My Trail Horse; Love at First Awe

By Patti Thomas Baker

 

The first time I saw Winston I knew he was special. He was a double registered spotted saddle horse/ Tennessee walking horse. He was Sir Winston's Dandy. Beautiful sorrel and white and at the top of his game in the show ring. A lot arrogant and not cuddly. He had been brought low by a tiny cut about 1/4 of an inch on his hind leg. This tiny little cut became infected and turned his tendon into a wet noodle. He was so gorgeous and so pitiful all at the same time. It was awe at first sight.

After 6 months of intense treatment he was saved from euthanization, but due to scar tissue he would never show again. I didn't think I would see him again. 2 years later, the man who worked for the stable walked into the clinic where I worked and came straight up to the counter and said, “I need some one to take Winston”. He was scheduled to be euthanized due to his severe arthritis. My heart exploded. Before consulting my husband I dived in head first and blurted out, “ME! I will take him.”

All the arrangements were made and I went to see my new horse. I had always wanted to own my own horse and I had all these thoughts in my head of how it was going to be; rehabilitating my beautiful boy, sugar cubes and carrots, fuzzy rubber lipped kisses and walking through meadows. Boy was I in for a rude awakening.

When I showed up to the muddy lot that held my boy, he had just freshly rolled in in the blackest puddle of mud he could find, his head held in the perfect 'Trail of Tears' horse pose. Back leg cocked and out to the side and looking a bit disjointed. I walked up to him and whispered his name and he immediately showed me his extremely muddy butt. I was so sad, but still I made the commitment, loaded him up and took him to my farrier.

My farrier was familiar with Winston because he was key in his treatment 2 years prior. He fashioned the brace that Winston stood in for 6 months. I told him that he was arthritic, and wanted to know what I could do foot wise to make him more comfortable. I love my farrier, and in only the way he can he ignored me totally and walked around my horse grunting and sighing. He told me to walk him this way and that, and in his blunt as a spoon way, he said to me, "Whoever told you this horse has arthritis is an idiot."

For the second time in a short time period my heart did funny things. With a mixture of dread and hope I took a deep breath and braced myself for the news to come. It seems, his tendon didn't heal correctly He went on to explain to me ever patient with my 'new horse' owner ignorance. He laid out a plan for me that he felt would work, but there were no guarantees. He stressed that my role in his rehab was huge and if I slacked then I couldn't expect miracles if I didn't work with him daily and persistently. SO for 3 long months I would saddle him and ride him in left hand circles for 20 minutes. I was greeted every day with his dirty butt turned to me as soon as I entered the pasture or barn. Despite bathing and brushing him constantly he always found the nastiest mud to roll in and was completely un interested in me and anything I did. Every other step his leg would stretch and he would stumble and it was painful to see this gorgeous horse brought so low. I was becoming disheartened and wondering if this was ever going to work.

The last week of our 3 month, exercise 20 min. a day, I pulled up to the pasture and he headed to the barn as soon as he saw me. I leaned over and was fumbling with the lock on the gate and I had warm snuffles on the back of my neck. Thinking it was my nieces horse, I nudged him away and continued as I glanced over I realized it wasn't Blaze. I absolutely froze. Still as a statue except for my hand, I inched it up and placed it softly on the side of his nose and just stood. He came to me. I was giddy! I said, “Hi boy”, and just as quickly as that I was staring at his newly muddied butt and he was ignoring me again. I took him in to his farrier appointment, hoping that 3 months of blah would turn into something great.

I walked him across 1.5 acres and we stretched every other step all the way to the waiting farrier. He then trimmed and fitted him with his signature custom made shoes. He said it looks funny but I believe this will do the trick. I told him I didn't care what it looks like if it eases the discomfort. He buttoned him down and had me walk Winston. He took the first step stopped dead in his tracks and whipped around to look at his leg. He took another step, stopped and stretched. Then we walked in circles and back to the round pen without stopping one time to stretch that leg. I was amazed.

The rest of that week his whole attitude changed. He met me at the gate singing. Three weeks later he was doing a beautiful running walk up and down the fence. He was gaining weight and shedding his winter coat. I was riding him with his special shoes and boots up to an hour a day. Eventually, this horse that was scheduled to die not once but twice, became my go-to trail horse. For short periods of time I can ride bootless, but with the boots I can now ride up to 3.5 hours without any complications.

They said he would never be ridden again and look at us now. He runs to the gate and searches me for graham crackers, and now when he whips that dirty muddy butt to me it is for me to scratch that special spot because only mom can do it just right. He is still an arrogant snob with most people, but he has included my husband and children into his small elite group. Despite his snobbery, he is mine all mine and I love him dearly, and I think he loves me too!

Many thanks to Durvet Apple Wormer for sponsoring "This is my Trail Horse". Winston 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 in Arkansas - Horsemen's Roundup Article

The American Competitive Trail Horse Association (ACTHA) continues to receive increasing interest among Arkansas riders. The association conducts Competitive Trail Challenges (CTCs) throughout the USA and Canada involving 6-8 miles of trail, with judged obstacles designated on each mile of the ride. Obstacles are mostly natural and can consist of water, bridges, maneuvering steep hills, wildlife obstacles or passing a mock campsite. The rides take place on private farms or public parks accessible to horses. An ACTHA CTC is a great way to raise funds for horse clubs, non-profit organizations, rescues or private farms and stables. ACTHA maintains a mission of charity and gives a portion of each rider entry fee to a non-profit designated by the particular ride host. Additionally, ACTHA has traditionally held an annual national benefit ride with all proceeds being allocated to a specific cause or charity. This year, the benefit ride named Horse's For Heroes, N.M. as their recipient, and dubbed the national effort 'A Ride to Remember”, to honor and benefit our veterans. Horse's for Heroes, N.M. is a non-profit organization benefiting veterans with nationwide impact who may be suffering from war injuries or PTSD by providing equine therapy. Wrangler National Patriot promised to match those funds up to $10,000.00 this year, the final results have not yet been released, but the event was considered successful.

 

Baron Fork Ridge Horse Camp of Lincoln, Arkansas was recently a host to a “Ride to Remember” ACTHA CTC. Participants enjoyed the casual competition which made its way through forest ravines, mountain ridges, descending switchbacks, creek bed water ways, bamboo groves and grassy meadows. Rider Judy Limsky, pictured left, who competes in the Open Division and is pursuing national points toward year end awards and prizes, including a 4-Star Trailer valued at 16,000.00, was one of the riders in attendance. Upon parking her trailer in the Lincoln, Ar. camp Judy exclaimed, “Wow, this is the most beautiful horse campsite I have visited yet!” Judy hauled in from Texas with her stunning Paint Horse, Picasso. The horse and rider team are currently ranking 2^nd nationally with ACTHA. Riders from other states also attended the two day event including Oklahoma and Missouri, as well as many local riders from central and eastern Arkansas. Recent Arkenasas ACTHA rides include Booneville, Lincoln and Little Rock.

A new alternative ACTHA event consists of eight obstacles and two judges and is held in an arena (indoor or outdoor) or a field. These are called ACTHA Obstacle Challenges, and can be held as stand alone events during certain off season months of the year, or in conjunction with a CTC at any time of the year. New Arkansas Ride Hosts are eager to get on board with this new venue, so watch for them to be turning up in your area soon!

ACTHA is a great association for all rider level participation. The competitions are casual, the pace is comfortable and not timed, and while the obstacles are challenging, they are not extreme. Most riders find that when participating in an ACTHA event, there is no such thing as 'riding alone', as after only a little while on the trail together riders quickly become friends and mutually enjoy the refreshing event. The obstacles are spaced one mile apart, and in between there is time to relax, ride and enjoy the scenery. After the ride an awards ceremony takes place where riders receive ribbons and prizes. Most evenings after an ACTHA ride are spent in socializing by a campfire and sharing meals together. Riders aged 7 and up are eligible for membership, making ACTHA a great family activity.

To learn more about upcoming Arkansas ACTHA rides, check the online schedule at: www.actha.us/rides. To talk to ACTHA's Wrangler about hosting a ride, email ridehost@actha.us.

This article was featured in the Horsemen's Roundup, a regional magazine with a distribution of three states including Arkansas and portions of Missouri, Oklahoma and Louisiana.  Written by Laurie Harris.  www.horsemensroundup.com

Member of the Week: Stephen Gregory

This nomination is for a great friend and horseman, Stephen Gregory, for member of the week, a rider and ride host with ACTHA. Stephen has a special relationship with horses and people.  You can be riding along the trail with Stephen and he will break out in song, usually beautiful, cowboy ballads.  He is a cowboy poet and loves to sit around the campfire and entertain until midnight.  He comes early and stays late to help.  He is always willing to take new riders and greenhorns under his wing, he usually goes down the trail with an entourage of new riders.  He makes everyone feel welcome and truly doesn't know a stranger.  Stephen is so giving of his talent and time and deserves recognition for his many contributions to horses and riders alike.

Stephen is the resident trainer at the beautiful Bull Pasture Mountain Ranch in Highland County, Virginia.

Click here to nominate a member of the week:  http://a.pgtb.me/TH6twF
Many thanks to Molly's Custom Silver for sponsoring this fun event! www.mollyscustomsilver.com

This is my Trail Horse: Rocky, My Spirit Horse

By Annette Marshall of Colorado

This QH buckskin busted his way into my life in early 2012. I only had a few months of horse contact under my belt when this young gelding came off a transport from the Dakota's. He broke the handler's hand then took off, running the 10 acres of snow covered Rocky Mountain property.  He seemed very distressed, but who wouldn't be after being separated from his herd at such a young age.  

 

As we worked to gentle him we found there were other reasons for his distress.  Ligature marks on his neck, his head off to one side, he separated himself from the other horses, he moved very stiffly and was extremely wary of the trainers.  He ran through one trainer, then ran with another into a wall.  He began to trust my daughter and I as we entered his stall, taught him to eat an apple and carrot (found he was missing half of his front teeth). We groomed him, worked to gentle him enough that we could remove the briars from his tail.  

 

As the days passed, the trainer became very frustrated with the lack of progression in Rocky's training, he was very combative and lacked an ability to accomplish basic tasks.  With my background working with athletes, I began to be concerned that he was injured in a serious way. By April, I had taken over his care and training. I bought a large ball to work on strength and build confidence. By Mother's Day, I was in saddle and riding bareback. It was difficult to force him to trot and lope.  I moved Rocky to a new stable in early fall and he had his first chiropractic visit.  We found his neck completely rotated and there were multiple trauma areas to his spine.  He had nerve damage in the hind quarters and who knows what else.  We began to work on stretching/flexing and more strengthening.  Each day I work with Rocky to improve his health and he gives me so much in return.  When he feels well, he is always up for a new challenge.

 

Since I could not work the usual starting methods with him, we worked on challenges like walking over teeter totters, going through water, working with tarps and flags, dragging metal cans.  In the last couple of weeks Rocky has made incredible progress after another chiropractic adjustment.  He is stretching, loping and working without the head tilting to one side. We are signing up for our first ACTHA trail challenge in April and we are excited to start this journey.  Rocky has guided me on a strong new path in life, his friendship and tenacity has shown me that all obstacles can be overcome when we have trust and strong partnerships. 

I'm lucky to have Rocky, he has provided me with hope, healing and the spirit to keep me on my path in life!  He is my true spirit horse!

 

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

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

UHC Partners with American Competitive Trail Horse Association to Help Unwanted Horses

Washington, DC – Released January 28, 2013

The Unwanted Horse Coalition [UHC] and the American Competitive Trail Horse Association [ACTHA] are joining forces in 2013 to help unwanted horses and equine care facilities.

In 2013, ACTHA and the UHC will orchestrate a dedicated effort to host as many competitive trail rides as possible for the benefit of the unwanted horse and our nation’s equine care facilities. ACTHA will donate funds raised from each ride hosted this year to the UHC and the local nonprofit equine rescue or care facility. The UHC and ACTHA will be looking for equine rescues and care facilities to get involved with this effort. Currently there are over 700 equine care facilities listed on the UHC’s website. “ACTHA and the UHC would love to include each one of the rescues listed in this yearlong effort,” said Tom Scrima, Managing Member of ACTHA.

ACTHA rides are casual, judged trail rides that are untimed and 6 to 8 miles long. There are open, junior, and pleasure divisions and horses and riders can win ribbons and prizes. The rides are designed so that any skill of horse/rider combination can compete. Non competing horses and riders are also welcome at ACTHA rides.

“We are pleased to partner with ACTHA, an organization that has held hundreds of rides to benefit unwanted horses. The natural result of ACTHA’s large number of rides is that there is an opportunity for more jobs for more horses and many unwanted horses are provided with the chance of a second career. Our organizations’ missions are similar and we look forward to working with ACTHA to assist our nation’s equine care facilities, while helping horses in need,” said Ericka Caslin, UHC Director.

"The next 12 months present an amazing opportunity to help hundreds of horse rescues. ACTHA is honored to work with the UHC to help unwanted horses," said Scrima.

Anyone that is interested in participating in this effort as a volunteer, sponsor, rider, etc. can contact ACTHA or the UHC. For more information see www.actha.us or contact Tom Scrima at 8306932065 [tom@actha.us] The UHC is a broad alliance of equine organizations that have joined together under the umbrella of the American Horse Council. The Coalition’s mission is to reduce the number of unwanted horses and to improve their welfare through education and the efforts of organizations committed to the health, safety, and responsible care and disposition of these horses.

For more information about the UHC or unwanted horses, please visit the UHC website at www.unwantedhorsecoalition.org or contact Ericka Caslin at ecaslin@horsecouncil.org. The UHC website has a list of facilities that accept horses, additional assistance for horse owners in need, free downloadable materials about unwanted horses, and information about owning

Press Release: ACTHA Partners with Horses4Heroes

By Robin Tighlman, ACTHA Director of Special Projects

Horses4Heroes (H4H), based in Las Vegas Nevada has chosen the American Competitive Trail Horse Association (ACTHA) to work with their host centers in 44 states plus Canada and assist them in putting on ACTHA events to help raise funds for their efforts and cause.

"First the Unwanted Horse Coalition and their 900+ registered rescues and now this," states Robin Tilghman, Director of Special Projects. "It's just amazing to see organizations that are using the power of horses to make the lives a little brighter for those in our communities who need a leg up! We embrace their causes as ours and we will have a great time doing what we do best ... putting on enjoyable non threatening rides with the spice of casual competition for those who want to test themselves and their horse."

H4H is a multi-faceted charity that supports military personnel and their families in as many ways as it can. All through the instrument of the horse. While a spouse is abroad their family is nurtured by caring horse owners who are proud to share their love of horses. When the spouse returns, the family has a safe place to get reconnected and reacquainted and share some quality family bonding time.

According to Horses4Heroes president and executive director Sydney Knott, "Horses4Heroes was the brain child of my 16-year-old daughter, who was looking for a community service project involving horses. She felt the men and women in the Armed Forces and First Responders should be able to ride horses, as a 'thank you' for their service and sacrifice. To date, we've served over 5,000 families and more arrive every day. We're doing great, thanks to the support of large national equestrian organizations, but we are short on riding facilities near Fort Bragg, Fort Hood, El Paso, Tucson, Jacksonville, San Diego, Virginia Beach and Cheyenne. To have a organization like ACTHA come in and devote their resources to help us is the answer to our prayers."

"How could we say no to our service members and their families," added Carrie Scrima, ACTHA Founder. "What a great organization! Their grass roots growth rivals ACTHAs, and that's really saying something!"

Together, Horses4Heroes and ACTHA plan to teach as many host centers as possible to hold an ACTHA Competitive Trail Challenge or, if finding trail is difficult, an ACTHA Obstacle Challenge, which can be held in an arena, field, indoors or outdoors.

"The second phase is very exciting," said ACTHA General Manager Tom Scrima. "All of us in the industry guard our data bases like Fort Knox. But when you have a chance to do some real good with them it's time to open the vault. H4H needs more sites. The good thing is they can pin point exactly where they need them. ACTHA members are among the most generous people on earth. We can pin point those areas and send a simple request to see anyone can help. Boy would we have loved to have this assist when growing ACTHA! But it's great to help someone else like Horses4Heroes!

About Horses4Heroes, Inc.
Based in Las Vegas, Horses4Heroes,Inc. is a non-profit organization that is using horses as teaching, therapy and motivational partners to engage, inspire, and empower military families and individuals served. Through its national network of kid-friendly, family friendly facilities, the organization offers affordable able-bodied and therapeutic equestrian programs that emphasize fun and safe activities with horses, mounted and un-mounted for all ages. Participants learn valuable leadership and teamwork skills, make new friends, and develop a lifelong love of horses!

• For more information, visit www.Horses4Heroes.org
• Click here to visit Horses4Heroes on Facebook

 

Member of the Week: Natalie Revels

Natalie Mundell Revels has been nominated for member of the week not once, but by three individuals! It seems overwhelming that she should be bestowed this honor. In essence, her nominees state, "Natalie is highly organized and professional. She is the perfect candidate for Member of the Week as she sets a good example for all members with her positive energy and willingness to help. I believe she deserves this honor.

As an ACTHA Ride Host, Natalie puts on rides that are fun and challenging. Even during those rare moments when things may get tense she keeps smiling and handles the situation with class. Everyone can expect Natalie to get the job done right with no detail being overlooked. She knows no limits when it comes to great prizes, she simply raises the bar. Natalie brings so much to the equestrian community, her efforts and accomplishments should be rewarded.

Natalie is a wife, mother and a horse woman herself, yet she puts forth so much in making riding opportunities available to others. While equestrian events may be a source of income for Natalie, it is also very obvious it is her passion as well. I am pleased to make this nomination in her behalf and hope to see her lovely face up in lights with recognition she has earned. And thank you ACTHA for this opportunity to give good wishes and appreciation for a young lady such as Natalie."

Congratulations Natalie, and thank you for all you do!

 

ACTHA's Member of the Week is sponsored by Molly's Custom Silver.  Each member of the week receives a silver pendant from Molly's Custom Silver and is entered into a drawing to be held in December 2013.  The drawing will be held for a silver buckle valued at 195.00.  Many thanks to Molly's Custom Silver! www.mollyscustomsilver.com

 

To nominate a Member of the Week click here

This is my Trail Horse: Slim

​By Jessica Gonzalez as told by Slim

​You may have noticed the cloudiness in my eye that was caused by an abscess. Or that my right eye droops and my right ear doesn’t move forward as a result of a small stroke. Then there’s the large bump or ‘crest’ on my neck, a side effect from a more serious problem called insulin resistance which resulted in laminitis. I was a mess when they took me in, but Jessica & Charles hauled me all over central Texas to visit with farriers and vets to find the best way to treatment for my ailments.

Charles and Jessica have always been softies for animals that others might not give a second look, from dogs and cats, to motherless baby squirrels and goats, and yes, ME. They say I started it all. More than a few "unwanted" horses have touched their hearts. From the neglected Dude they picked up at an auction barn to the badly abused Jeep. Then there was baby Tuff, whose owner at the time just couldn't afford to care for and feed him, a yearling with pneumonia and internal parasites who just needed some TLC. Then along came Roo, a little boy's horse that was loved dearly by his family but they found they were emotionally unable to care for the horse after the loss of that same little boy. Charles and Jessica were able to give him a fresh start, working hard to make sure Roo could prove himself the title of a babysitter and it was that same Roo who ultimately gave a man confidence and purpose in his own life.

Their newest friend is Blue, who was left to fend for himself on a Boy Scout Ranch. They have been actively working with Blue on all the ACTHA obstacles, building a great foundation for a well- rounded trail mount. Clearly, Charles & Jessica have a big hearts when it comes to animals in need, wanting only that all of us to have a chance at life and love.

We horses need a purpose, a place to succeed and shine. Charles and Jessica found ACTHA and started competing about 3 years ago. They have traveled thousands of miles, explored some beautiful ranches in the southwest and made loads of new friends. Jessica helped me win bronze, silver and gold medals for my performance in the 2009-2010 season, as a team, Jessica and I finished as Region 2 Grand Champions that same year!

ACTHA provides the horse and rider team a friendly competitive sport where even a horse with a few imperfections can shine! In just one years’ time, Jeep learned to trust Charles was able to win him a bronze medal. While all the horses that come into Charles and Jessica’s lives do not stay here forever, they each are given the love, care and when able, training to participate in ACTHA. And more importantly, Charles and Jessica always strive to find each horse their perfect, forever guardians.

​From the perspective of one of those ‘unwanted’ horses, I ask, “what more can a horse ask for?” Clearly, the futures of those horses blessed to be taken in by Charles and Jessica, well that’s an adventure waiting to unfold.

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

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

Ride Host at Morning Star Ranch, Texas

ACTHA Ride Host, Rita Kay Isaac of Morning Star Ranch in Texas,
talks about how ACTHA has affected daily life on their not-for-profit
ranch.

Carrie's Bit: Spring in Texas

Carrie Scrima, one of ACTHA's founders and Ride Host Trail Boss, talks
about what's new with the association this spring 2013.

Member of the Week: Betsi Bixby

Photo by Aponi Studios

This week's Molly Monday Member of the Week is Betsi Bixby of Weatherford, Texas. An active ACTHA member and Ride Host, Betsi is a source of encouragement and strength to all who meet her, including her trail horse, Deedee! Deedee, a QH mare, was the first horse Betsi ever started on her own. At the age of 2, Deedee got a great start under the masterful guidance of one of the world's greatest horsemen, Ray Hunt, when Betsi took Deedee to one of his clinics. Deedee is now 14 years old and the team have been riding with ACTHA since March 2010. Betsi states she felt Deedee was a solid trail horse, until she attended her first ACTHA ride which helped her discover areas where they could both improve, and improve they have! The team ranked 2nd in Texas two years ago and were in the top ten nationally last year. They were also among the top 100 finalists of ACTHA's first America's Favorite Trail Horse television series, and are the third all-time recipients of ACTHA's Platinum Award.

Betsi exemplifies keeping a positive attitude, and extending kindness and generosity of heart in all aspects of her life. Betsi had a dream of helping women through the love and trust of horses. Two years ago that dream became realized through the founding of Freedom Horses, a nonprofit organization, created by a group of dedicated individuals who wanted to make a difference in the lives of survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and other violent crimes. Freedom Horses enables survivors to gain courage and confidence through interactions with hand-selected horses, increasing their horsemanship skills and knowledge. Freedom Horses is registered as an ACTHA charity and many Ride Hosts in a variety of areas continue to show their support of this dream by selecting Freedom Horses to receive benefits from their rides.

Betsi states, "The inspiration for Freedom Horses really got started at an ACTHA ride hosted by Morning Star Ranch, and then cemented in at America's Favorite Trail Horse finals. It was at AFTH filming after Monty Roberts talk that I stated my dream publicly and women started flocking to help. By July we had the corporation put together and the partnership with our local shelter. Freedom Horses literally could not have happened without Tammy Sronce, all her time and energy and stepping up to the plate to be our first test site. She worked tirelessly over that first year until her accident and even after, with once per week sessions with various ladies. Overall, it has been an incredible journey, amazing how God has worked!"

Congratulations to Betsi and Deedee for all their accomplishments, awards and tremendous achievements. We are proud of you!

Please visit www.freedomhorses.org for more info.

ACTHA Member of the Week sponsored by Molly's Custom Silver: www.mollyscustomsilver.com

This is my Trail Horse: Thousand Pound Diamond

By Frances Phillips of San Antonio, TX. 

 

My 1000lb Diamond ~ The only sparkle I would ever need again, well that is what I promised my husband as I pleaded his case!

I was looking for a place to board my next horse; in my mind it was going to be an 8-10 year old well trained horse. They offered to show me some of their stock that was for sale. I walked onto the isle and there he stood. His eyes were piercing mine and it took my breath away. He was stunning, but he wasn’t really what I was looking for. A four year old untrained Morgan… Oh he could pull a cart, which he had done from 3 – 4 years old and he wouldn’t throw you off, but he didn’t know what to do when you got on him.

I continued on through the barn, looked at a 3 yr old, even less trained. I saw his dam, she was also for sale, but older than I wanted. I thanked them and left the barn. I could not stop thinking about the young gelding. They called him D.A., his name I would find out later was Baccarat’s Diamond Affair.

My husband wasn’t enthused about my interest in a young untrained horse, however I convinced him to go back with me to see him. He saw the response from Diamond, he nickered when I entered the barn and stared at me intently. I would learn later that the motto for Morgan horses is “the horse that chooses you” ~ I had been chosen! Once my decision was made, I spent a day at his stall reading out loud, he nuzzled me and one would think he understood articles in Western Horseman Magazine. It was a bonding day!

Diamond is my life horse, although I have had a horse since I was 9 yrs old, he is THE HORSE God intended to bless my life. He has always been easy to train and is the best trail horse I have ever ridden. He can ride in front, in the middle or at the end on the trail; he just loves to go, as much as I do.

When I arrive at the barn, he whinnies at the sight of my car or the sound of my voice. He keeps talking back and forth to me until I reach him. Everyone smiles because it is so endearing. If he is in the pasture, I can whistle and he comes running to me. He has a ton of heart and is eager to work whether it is some time in the round pen, arena or our favorite on the trail. I am often asked if I can train other horses to come to a whistle, especially when they witness Diamond come running to see me. To be honest, I didn’t train him, after all, he chose me… I am so blessed!

 

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

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

Member of the Week: Donna Martin

Congratulations to Donna Martin who has been nominated for this week's Molly Monday Member of the Week. Donna is an ACTHA Ride Host living on a ranch in Jamestown, Tennessee. Those who meet her are immediately impressed by her positive outlook, inspiring demeanor, and go-get-em attitude! Donna is a truly dedicated ACTHA Ride Host, she doesn't let anything slow her down, even though she continues to work a full time job, and manage a unique campground. Donna possesses the true pioneer spirit, she and her husband Shaun, moved to Tennessee from New Hampshire to pursuit their dream of owning a campground. They took a leap of faith and purchased 'True West Campground Stables and Mercantile', boasting 34 RV camping sites, 67 bedded stalls and 10 park trails, not to mention an old west town!

"ACTHA has been really great for us in not only bringing business to our campground, and helping with its continued success, but it has also brought our community here and we've gotten to meet so many people who are now our friends. Our family has so much to thank ACTHA for." ~ Donna Martin

Visit Donna's Campground site: www.truewestcampground.com/

ACTHA Member of the Week sponsored by Molly's Custom Silver: www.mollyscustomsilver.com

Member of the Week: Karen Yeager

Karen Yeager has been an active ACTHA volunteer for four years. As a non-rider, she has attended nearly every ACTHA ride with her husband, Tom Yeager, and volunteered at most of them to assist the judges. Karen is a friend to all and always offers encouragement. As a dedicated volunteer, Karen stands out by knowing every approved ACTHA obstacle, rule and regulation! Karen spent countless hours helping during the filming of America's Favorite Trail Horse as a volunteer as well. She always has a smile on her face and often greets riders as they arrive on site, always willing to lend a helping hand. Karen is a valued volunteer and is loved by all who meet her.

 

We are happy Karen was nominated for ACTHA's Member of the Week, we personally would also like to thank Karen for all her efforts and contributions, and for her positive contributions she continues to bring to the association. Thank you Karen!

ACTHA Member of the Week sponsored by Molly's Custom Silver: www.mollyscustomsilver.com