What separates the American Competitive Trail Horse Assn from other trail organizations? It's more than being the largest….much more. For many of us the decision to join a trail organization is a major step with a variety of factors involved. Does the organization offer multiple divisions, how close are events in my area, and what is the total cost outlay are just a few.
A competitive trail ride for all horse owners
ACTHA is on course to hold approximately 1,000 events this year alone across the United States and Canada and hat means more trail rides closer to you and your horse.
If supporting a worthy cause is just as important to you then the American Competitive Trail Horse Association (ACTHA) may be the organization for you. ACTHA is one of the largest growing trail organizations and the only one that contributes largely to charities, hundreds of thousands in their 6+ year history.
ACTHA is on course to hold approximately 1,000 events this year alone across the United States and Canada. That means more rides closer to you. More than most if not all of the other competitive trail organizations…combined. That’s major in that your gas bill is usually the major expense in any ride.
But what separates ACTHA from other trail organizations can be found in their mission statement. “To create and enable humane treatment and employment options for horses in need.” And how do they do this? Tens of thousands of ACTHA riders have created a demand for reasonably priced horses.
Thousands of horses have been rescued from shelters and out of high risk environments to be given a new purpose and a new challenge. Thoroughbreds off the track find a new career, grade horses get the acclaim they deserve while competing alongside their papered brothers and sisters.
ACTHA however is also a registry (this is included in every $35 annual membership)…every horse is tracked with its performance results on every single obstacle it encounters. Year in and year out…that’s his trail pedigree. What a wonderful thing to have when and if you are buying or selling.
Not only have their members put horses back to work but they have helped to raise many hundreds of thousands of dollars for farms, rescues, training facilities and equine charities.
Ride host not only earn money they actually select what charities ACTHA is to donate the 20% of ACTHA’S “gross” proceeds for every single ride held throughout the year. It adds up to big numbers! Many times these incredible ride hosts will donate all or some of their monies as well.
ACTHA ride hosts and the charities they benefit are as diverse as the horse breeds.
Dr. Cordula Robinson is a professor in Physics and Astronomy at Northeastern University whose biography reads like who’s who in the world of science, and has even worked at the German Aerospace Center to help prepare for the Mars 1996 mission. In addition, she is a PATH Intl. (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International) certified instructor at Strongwater Farm Therapeutic Equestrian Center in Tewkesbury, MA. whose mission is “enriching lives through the healing powers of the horse.”
Her reason for becoming involved with ACTHA was twofold; she was looking for something to do with her horse, and realized it would be a great way to raise money for Strongwater. Strongwater now has hosted 3 events this year and is planning a fourth. Many plus students and staff participate in the rides and needed funds and local attention are raised. Getting additional volunteers and local funding is a key ingredient and objective of each event.
Kenny Harlow, of Kenny Harlow Training with Trust, a renowned equestrian trainer in Virginia, who specializes in unbroken and problem horses reached out to help his friends, by hosting a ride to benefit Legacy Mustang Preservation.
Legacy Mustang Preservation was in need of thousands of dollars for the purchase of young mustangs known as the North Dakota Badlands Mustangs, from the Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Thanks to Harlow, and those who attended his ACTHA event this remarkable nonprofit succeeded in purchasing 36 horses and foals that now call Virginia home. All are on their way to loving homes.
Joe and Phyllis Petronella of Texas are the region 5 directors for the nonprofit Texas Equestrian Trail Riders Association (TETRA). Over the years their ACTHA rides have benefitted this organization whose mission is to promote all phases of trail riding, build and maintain trails, and create safety and public awareness throughout the state of Texas. And they have succeeded in spades. One of their most notable areas was upgraded and had round pens and parking with other improvements with the money raised from their ACTHA events.
The list goes on and on from various Back Country Horsemen groups to therapeutic centers far and wide as well as some notable very large charities. All are offered the fishing pole of ACTHA events and the help that all of them need.
So when you are considering which trail organization to join think about the one that strives to help all horses in need. For more information please visit their website at www.actha.us. Information can be found about ACTHA’s hundreds and hundreds of events, how to become a ride host and a member.
Look at the ACTHA registered charities and all the benefits of joining ACTHA. Not the least of which are the great prizes…like trips to Australia’s Equitana Horse Show with ACTHA’s oldest sponsor Cavallo Horse and Rider as your local Aussie hosts. New trucks and hundreds of wonderful prizes resulting from the generosity of ACTHA’s 100+ sponsors, partners and supporting publications.
ACTHA calls it Casual Competition and Serious Fun….
ACTHA'S 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 and employment options for horses in need.