American Competitive Trail Horse Association

The American Competitive Trail Horse Association is just three years old but this year will have 300 sanctioned rides and raise $1,000,000 for horse charities.

Carrie Scrima and Karen VanGetson started the organization because they enjoyed trail riding, horses and riding skills but there wasn’t a friendly place to meet other riders and compete. It’s a great concept which is taking off like wildfire across the country.

ACTHA’s mission is to:

– To provide an enjoyable venue showcasing the wonderful attributes of the great American Trail Horse, granting them the recognition they so richly deserve.

– To maintain 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 enable the humane treatment of horses in need.

Generally rides are 6-10 miles long which takes 2-3 hours depending on the obstacles. There is no time limit. About every mile riders find obstacles that anyone might encounter on a trail ride – water crossings, logs that have to be traversed, hills, ropes dangling from tree limbs, gates to open and close. And there might be a place where you need to get off your horse, pickup a hat or jacket, and remount. All kinds of fun safe challenges.

At each obstacle a judge observes and records a score. Those are posted and kept permanently by the ACTHA which can be valuable if you are buying or selling a horse and want to know how it performs.

There are different levels of competition so everyone, regardless of their skill level, can participate. You can even have a “buddy rider” who accompanies you but does not partake in the obstacles unless local ride management allows.

Riders pay an entry fee and up to 50% of the proceeds are donated to charity by the ACTHA, with a focus on helping horse rescue organizations.

So it’s fun, friendly, improves your horses (and your) abilities, you’re helping charities and meet interesting people. Great way to spend a weekend!

You can get more information at their website by clicking HERE.