When Jordan was 7, we decided she needed a horse of her own. My farrier had a 4 year old gelding he felt would be the perfect match. I’ll admit, I was nervous about putting my daughter on this young gelding, but I trusted my friend wouldn’t put her on anything that wasn’t gentle. Soda Pop didn’t know much, but he was so calm and laid back he had to join our family! Neither Jordan nor Soda Pop knew anything about obstacles when they attended their first ACTHA ride. Everything they have learned they’ve learned TOGETHER as a team. Sometimes they time out on obstacles, but Jordan calmly works with her horse and they don’t stop until they’ve finish what they started. I’m so proud of her, especially her determination, she never gives up on Soda Pop and he definitely takes care of his girl. Without a doubt, what this pair has accomplished in ACTHA they’ve definitely earned. It wasn’t easy since they had great competition!! I’m not sure which is more stubborn, but there is a bond they share that melts my heart. I often find her sitting on him while he’s grazing, no bridle, no halter, just a horse and his girl!
5th Place Junior National
Jordan Sommer, age 11
Soda Pop, AQHA Gelding
Texas
Have you ever thought about anything that just brought you joy? Well I have, and it’s ACTHA. Everyone is so nice it’s like going to a big family reunion at every ride. Everything I’ve done with ACTHA has been a great experience for me.
I first started ACTHA in 2013, and now that I think back, it seems so long ago. As everyone says, “time flies when you are having fun!” Of course I wasn’t really sure about it when I first started, I was very nervous, but after a while you just seem to fit in and make friends along the way.
2014 was my second season in ACTHA and Jackie and I were off to a wonderful start when my riding came to a sudden and unexpected halt. On November 21st I tripped, fell backwards and tore my ACL while running away from hornets. The severity of my injury left me with surgery as my only option. Surgery was on December 16th, followed by months of rehabilitation and no riding for 4 months. I couldn’t do anything, which also meant I couldn’t compete in ACTHA.
Overall, ACTHA is an amazing experience for everyone who rides horses. Even after tearing my ACL and not being able to ride for months I still came out on top, something I would have never imagined possible.
4th Place Junior National
Mackenzie Walsh, age 15
Jackie, AQHA Mare
Panama City, Florida
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Photo by Smooch
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Photo by Mark Limsky