30/ DECEMBER 2012 THE RIDER ACTHA 2012 Season Closes
Windsong Ranch in Bognor, Ontario was the host site for the Canadian year end Competitive Trail Challenge on October 28th. Holding the Trail Challenge this late in the season was a big gam- ble for me. We could have easily been shut down by snow or heavy rains at this time of year. As it was, all of us were intently watching the weather forecast with baited breath as Hurricane Sandy was set to make landfall on the eastern seaboard any day now. Fortunately mother nature smiled on us with a ride day that started snow and rain free. In total, a dedicated group of 27 horse and rider teams head-
in the days prior to the ride made the trail muddy but still quite passable, even for the last horse through. Two water crossings were required on this trail, one of which was part of the 6 judged obstacles the horse and rider could negotiate for a score. Some of the obstacles were placed in strategic locations to take full advantage of the spec- tacular views of the surrounding landscape from elevation. An example of what the view was like can be seen in the picture of a rider negotiating an obstacle. All horses and riders were up to the challenges of the trail and returned to the start point safe
relief fund. Susan, who had recently lost her training facility barn in a fire, never waivered under the stress and remained committed to supporting the ride as a vol- unteer judge.
After the ride, ribbons were awarded for placing 1st through sixth place in the three main competitive divisions Open, Pleasure and Junior. Also, certificates were awarded for 1st to 3rd in the new
point earners for the 2012 riding season. The recipients are determined by combin- ing the points earned for placing in all rides held in Ontario 2012. Rabbit Run CTC in the spring and Windsong Ranch year end CTC.
Buckles were awarded as follows: Gordon Wiesner; Open Division 2012 Champion,
Mary-Ann Parker; Pleasure Division 2012 Champion
Zoe Richards; Junior Division 2012 Champion
ed out and challenged the 10 km trail. The trail that meandered through rolling hills near Bognor was painted with mixed forest and farmland providing a good technical challenge for horses and riders to negotiate. The amount of water deposited on the region
and sound.
On return to the barn riders were treated to a hot meal of pulled pork on a bun as well as a variety of hot drinks and sweets. The food vendor graciously donated all the proceeds from food sales to the Susan Dahl
SCOUT division that allows prospective competitors try an ACTHA Trail Chal- lenge at a reduced cost. After the ribbons and certificates were issued for the high scores from this ride, it was time to put the icing on the cake. Year end silver Champi- onship Buckles were awarded to the high
A special thanks to Thomboys of Owen Sound for the use of an ATV for transporting judges and volun- teers. I think a few of the horses were jeal- ous, or worried about losing their jobs to your machine.
Many thanks to all are sponsors who supported us with prizes for the ride. Including but not limited to: The Horse habit, Purina, TSC Owen Sound, FS Owen Sound, Bay Shore Feeds, Rockford Petro Canada, Owen Sound Pioneer gas.
Congratulations to the 2012 Champions, and all riders who took part in this year’s Competitive Trail Challenges.
DA continues to grow and expand. Look for more rides in new locations for 2013. Three rides are on the drawing board for 2013 already. One ride in August is already set up so that all revenue generated will go to Wounded Warrior Association Canada. Even better it is scheduled to take place in a very special location befitting of a ride to support our troops. Any guesses where?
Photographic services were provided by Wendy Webb Photography. She did a great job on these pictures.
Want to learn more, go to
www.actha.us , Or look on facebook under ACTHA CANADA, If all that fails come and see us at Grey Bruce Farmers week on horse day in Elmwood.
Stay with us as ACTHA in CANA- Ride Safe, Ride with a purpose.
Islandview Farm Equipment
633520 Hwy 10, Orangeville, ON • 519-941-9098 or 1-866-892-8452
www.islandviewfarmequipment.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68