Six IJA Judge’s and several FOSH volunteers headed to Missouri to support the first ACTHA Festival. “Not only did we come to partake in this inaugural event, but were active throughout the entire Festival.”
When FOSH first learned of the ACTHA Festival, the location and the time of year, some of us from warmer climates were a little skeptical about an outdoor competition in Missouri in November. But not only was the Von Holten Ranch in the heart of America the perfect location, the weather couldn’t have been nicer! A quick downpour on Thursday afternoon was followed by a double rainbow, which brought the promise of beautiful weather and clear skies for a pleasant weekend of competition, education, fun and fellowship. The ACTHA management team and ACTHA competitors welcomed us with open arms and expressed their appreciation of our joining them for the Festival.
Six IJA judges donated their time and expertise to attend the Festival and assist with the judging the Open and Junior divisions. Working with other ACTHA judges provided an opportunity for the exchange of philosophy and perspective. Along with the exchange of information was the opportunity to become colleagues and share in a mutual experience. A special thanks to the IJA Judges who came ~ Martha Chatten (New Jersey), Pauline Stotsenberg (California), Kirsten Kuzmanic (Arizona), Cheyenne Dunham (Missouri) Diane Sept (Pennsylvania and Montana) and Dianne Little, IJA Director of Judges (Canada).
The FOSH booth, was set up near the entrance of the Big Top on Thursday and stayed bustling throughout the weekend. All ACTHA members and friends were welcomed to the FOSH booth while gifts and raffles were handed out throughout the weekend. Lady “C” t-shirts, grooming supplies and lots of candy were enjoyed by all. FOSH donated prizes for competition winners. A special thanks goes to FOSH member Lucy Rangel and Gaitway Horse Association for the countless hours of compiling information, gifts, donations, setting up the booth and the “not so fun” job of tearing down the booth and hauling everything back home. Another big thanks goes to FOSH and Gaitway Horse Assocation members Anita Dunham and Patty Potts for their time supporting and manning the FOSH booth. Without their commitment to the horse and expertise in booths, a FOSH presence would not have been possible.
The ACTHA decision to honor the trail horse was enlightened. The Festival was an indication of the popularity of the ACHTA philosophy and that growth will continue. We were there, and proud of it!
ACTHA's Inaugaral Festival Event
FOSH & IJA WERE THERE AND PROUD OF IT!
By: Pauline Stotsenberg,
FOSH Board Member & IJA Judge
ACTHA Monthly | 44
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English & Western