American Competitive Trail Horse Association

By May 8, 2010 Uncategorized



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.

If you have problems seeing the video below click HERE.

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