I am twelve-years-old and just rode in my first ACTHA ride. It was a two-day CTC and I really liked it. I got to ride with my older sister and we had a blast. The obstacles were really fun, especially the water crossing. And, we got to see wild hogs out on the trail. I won first place both days, and won my very first belt buckle. It's so cool. My little sister also just started with ACTHA, but she was sick and couldn't do this ride. I can't wait for the next ride so both of my sisters and I can ride together.
––Bridger Jesse, Florida
This month’s obstacle tip is directed toward the ride hosts. The amount of creativity you can add to each obstacle, well, make ‘em so good it would make a jack rabbit spit in a coy dog’s eye.
The Campsite Obstacle
A campsite with a tent, cooler, and campfire simulation is to be set up. Dry ice may be used to simulate campfire smoke. The tent needs to be at a safe distance so that the ropes and pegs do not pose a danger to horses.
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Photo by Andrew Wilson
“I hate snakes,” the rider snarled as she readied herself and her stick to dislodge the slithery camper from his sweet repose. Without faltering, she extended the stick and slid it up and under the snake’s body, lifting him up into the air. Then, slowly, carefully, quietly, she flicked the wiggly reptile over toward the water. “Don’t come around here no more,” she smirked. “Whew, glad that’s done.” She patted her mount, moving him beyond the campsite and over to the grass where he could graze for a bit.
From the side, an onlooker emerged, clipboard in hand. “Obstacle number six was completed in the allotted time,” she announced as she walked over to retrieve the rubber snake and place it back on its perch.
“You did very well,” she stated, encouraging her latest rider. “The open division had a complex obstacle to perform here. Pick up a rubber snake and toss it, while your horse stands motionless on a loose rein. You did very well.”
Betcha didn’t see that coming.
ACTHA Monthly | 17
Melissah Heidenreich as Bigfoot
Photo by Aponi