Curious About Competitive Trail Riding?

Curious About Competitive Trail Riding? Learn about this increasingly popular sport and pastime from the American Competitive Trail Horse Association.

Whether you are a seasoned trail rider or just thinking of joining the sport of competitive trail riding there are numerous options out there for you, but none with the charitable commitment demonstrated by the American Competitive Trail Horse Association (ACTHA). ACTHA is concerned with the very complicated issues surrounding humane treatment of horses and realizes no solution is possible without a lot of human involvement. They have committed by donating funds and efforts to bring attention to this cause, both by taking on initiatives in house and by contributing funds to organizations already working in this arena.

The trail horse has long gone unrecognized for its incredible ability to take you cross country and maneuver you through the countryside. With that, ACTHA is working hard to give recognition to the Trail Horse and encourage riders to get out, learn, and enjoy their horses in casual competition. All breeds and any unregistered horses are welcome. Any style of riding and any type of saddle is also welcome, as long as the horse is happy with it. This is an ideal sport for any horse. It’s great for rehabilitated and rescued horses that are capable and want to have some fun. Many full-time performance horses, ropers, reiners, dressage horses and 3 day eventers, use ACTHA as a leisure time activity to keep them sharp in their show career. ACTHA firmly believes that every horse can benefit from being a trail horse.

ACTHA offers two different types of trail challenges, the Competitive Trail Challenge (CTC) and the Arena Obstacle Challenge (AOC). Each offers a unique opportunity where families and friends can get together and learn to navigate mostly natural trail obstacles in a safe and fun environment. Unlike other competitions, it isn’t a demanding or stressful sport and that is where the motto “Serious Fun, Casual Competition” comes in. The trail is an easy 6 or so miles, and it has a minimum of six obstacles. Arena obstacle challenges are held in an arena and offer participants the challenge of navigating obstacles normally encountered on the trail, but in the confines of a safe arena or field.

Events take place in a variety of places; beautiful private ranches or farms, state and federal parks, and forests. Many events span over two or three days and facilities may range from primitive camping to luxury amenities, while other events are single day. ACTHA provides guidelines to ensure all events have the same basic structure as far as the competition, but ride hosts add their own twist, making each one special and unique. Hosts are encouraged to promote fun, friendship, and education mixed in with enjoying horses in a safe environment. It’s a great way to meet new people, learn, and just enjoy a weekend with horses. Events nationwide can be found at [url=http://www.actha.us/events]http://www.actha.us/events[/url].

ACTHA CTC’s or AOC’s are not speed or endurance events. Each obstacle is worth 20 points, with 10 points for the rider and 10 points for the horse, though in some divisions there is a time limit on the obstacles. The judges like to see as much finesse as possible from the rider. Calmness, bravery, and athletic ability from the horse are also rewarded. A natural headset is appreciated, and so is a balanced rider. To assure as much impartiality and objectivity as possible there is a judge assigned to each obstacle. This gives the fairest, most impartial results for horse and rider and allows a judge to focus on judging one obstacle.

There are 5 different divisions in ACTHA and riders are judged on horsemanship and cooperation between horse and rider. Each division navigates the same basic obstacle, but with different tasks that must be completed, and with judging criteria based on the level they are competing within. Open, Pleasure, Scout, and junior riders all perform the obstacles, while Buddy riders just ride the trail without navigating the obstacles. ACTHA focuses on good horsemanship, safety, and proper equitation. Before each event, the rules and expectations are covered in a rider’s briefing.

In addition, ACTHA also recognizes the fact that many people express an interest in joining their organization but don’t because they have no one to ride with or they do not own a trailer. ACTHA has solved that problem with its Find a Buddy program. With this feature on their website you can enter your zip code and find riders in your area to buddy up with. That information can be found at www.actha.us/fab.

Hosts from around the country enjoy putting on rides that are fun, educational, and safe--yet challenging. Many events have clinics from trainers, vets, and hoof care practitioners, both traditional and holistic. ACTHA events offer a great venue for instructors to share their knowledge with riders who are all interested in improving their horsemanship skills and becoming better trail riders with their equine partners. All horses become part of ACTHA’s registry and are awarded points ranging from completion of the ride to winning the ride. This means a trail horse will have some readily-identifiable trail ability characteristics along with its corresponding value.

ACTHA provides a great opportunity for organizations, instructors, and individuals to raise awareness of their cause, be it a “for profit” venture, or a non-profit endeavor. Ride Hosts host an event under the rules and regulations of ACTHA. Hosts are given complete judging, obstacle and ride format manuals, with explicit directions and examples. All entries are done online and events are managed online with easy to use software. Rides are advertised nationally, supplementing local marketing efforts by the host. There is no cost to become a ride host, and ACTHA provides training and support throughout the event as well as insurance for the event. If you are interested in becoming a ride host, individuals, clubs and organizations will find this a great way to keep their treasuries full. For more information go to [url=http://www.actha.us/hostaride]http://www.actha.us/hostaride[/url].

For all additional information on ACTHA please visit the website www.actha.us.