May 2012 SouthWest Horse Trader

Affiliate News Competitive Trail News

in the Southwest Sponsored by the

National Competitive Trail Horse Association NCTHA’s motto is “Uniting Trail Riders of America”.

Visit us at www.nctha.com NCTHA is proud to an-

nounce they are marking a brand new trail. Become a member and help bring Trail Riders together. For your paid membership you will receive points for any ap- proved trail ride or trail clinic. You will also receive points if you judge, volunteer, or have a ride. You will also receive points for placements from 1st through 6th place. For every milestone you reach you will receive an award. Also just for being a member you will receive the Southwest Horse Trader in your mail box every month with

NCTHA’s page full of trail in- formation. Membership fees are: $30

Individual; $40 Family; $10 Each extra horse. Achievement Milestone

Recognition will be given every 25 points earned - with 1 point awarded per day or par- ticipation regardless of event and regardless of level of par- ticipation, so judges and vol- unteers can earn points. Competitors will earn addi- tional achievement points if they place in the top six of their class.

AQHA 10-Mile Trail Challenge

Be a part of Texas history, AQHA and

NCTHA are proud to announce that Rock- ing M Ranch in the beautiful rolling hills of Blue Ridge,Texas will be having the first ever 10 Mile Trail Challenge held in Texas. They are located just 30 minutes north of Dallas, Texas. Come join the fun early May 19 at 6:30 for a free pancake breakfast be- fore the Trail Challenge starts at 8:00. If you want to come the night before and camp there will be stalls and a bunk house you can rent for the night. The day of the ride there will be a daycare if you have a little one who does not ride yet. There are no hookups but you are welcome to use a gen- erator. You must be a member of AQHA to compete and can become a member the day of the ride. Please contact Mike Moore at 817-851-

2276 or wranglert69@yahoo.comyou can also visit National Competitive Trail Horse Association on face book for more infor- mation. Rocking M hopes to have several more of these rides so get out there and sup- port them if you want more Competitive Trail Rides in and around Texas. w

EVENT SCHEDULE:

• May 5-6: NATRC Wimberly, Wayfarer Storm Ranch, Drip- ping Springs, TX, swiss- ranch@earthlink.net • May 12: AERC True Grit, Lonesome D Ranch, New Blaine, AR, cactx69@aol.com • May 19: AQHA Trail Chal- lenge, Rocking M Ranch, Blue Ridge, TX, wranglert69@yahoo.com • May19-20: TTC Cross Tim- bers Trail Challenge, Valley View, LBJ Grasslands, Decatur, TX, wranglert69@yahoo.com • May 26-27: AERC Old Glory, Reynolds Creek Park, Lake Waco, TX, bixlerdvm@gmail.com • May 26-27: NATRC Indian Territory, John Zink Ranch, Sand Springs, OK, wranglert69@yahoo.com • June 2: TTC Summer Stroll Trail Challenge, Storm Ranch, Dripping Springs, TX, kelove1958@gmail.com

38 SouthWest Horse Trader May 2012

NATRC Competitors & Volunteers (pictured) enjoyed 50 miles of challenging terrain and rolling

meadows bursting with color at historic Tarrant Ranch.

Tack Up for Travel By Elaine Swiss

How much tack do you carry with you to a competitive trail com-

petition? With fuel prices climbing once again, it is worth time and money to carefully consider the weight you are hauling to an event and towing a mobile tack room can add hundreds of pounds. Clearly there is basic riding equipment needed at a CTR, whether it

is a two-day NATRC event or a oneday Texas Trail Challenge. Load your saddle with its pad, girth and breastcollar, your bridle with reins, some buckets. brushes and hoofpick, and an extra halter and lead. Many experienced competitors bring two of each of these items, including a saddle, in case of breakage and in order to use a dry, clean item for the second day of competition. With the basics covered, the next consideration is safety and com-

fort equipment which includes everything from bandages, stethoscope, thermometer, wound ointments, medicines such as Banamine, fly sprays, nippers, rasp, scissors, duct tape, WD40, yacht rope and a variety of fas- teners and snaps. It doesn’t take long for the pounds to add up! What should you leave behind? Damaged or broken equipment of

any kind. Fix it or throw it out because it may be unsafe if you selected the item in error. Also sell or discard equipment that does not fit you or your horse. Happy packing for your next CTR!.w

Mileage Milestone Awards begin at 50,

100, 250, 500, 750, 1000, 2000. No matter what trail organization you

ride with NCTHA wants to see you succeed and would love to be there to make sure you do. We will assist you with clinics, judging and anything else we can to make sure you have the best time horseback. We are also working with AQHA to start up their new trail competitions. We look forward to meeting you

on the trail! w

Photography by Optical Hamonics

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