I have become a sponge for learning natural horsemanship techniques, and my appreciation for great horsemen grows daily. I have achieved so much growth in my own horse knowledge within the last couple of years, but am still so far from the horseman I am striving to be. I study any great horsemen that I can (like Pat Parelli, John Lyons, Buck Brannaman, and etc.) and I am not above watching YouTube videos to try and learn something new (having discretion of course). ACTHA has been a huge motivation to better my horsemanship, and I look forward to competing in more events. A huge “Thanks!” to everyone who made the Great American Trail Horse Festival a success.
The Winnings
Before long, I heard my name for 2nd place in the CTC, and 4th in the AOC! Needless to say, I was very excited, and came out with an awesome Cashel saddle pad. Come to find out, Friday’s winnings were just the beginning, and I ended up winning three 1st places and a 3rd place throughout the rest of the weekend.
After the festival, I thought I might, just might, have a shot at the Overall High Point Award. There were so many great horsemen in attendance at the festival, and the judges were superb. When the announcement was made for the High Point Awards, and I had earned the Overall High Point, I was so surprised, and so excited! In my second ACTHA event ever, with between 80 and 100 riders each day, over a three-day event, I earned the Overall High Point Award!!! WOW.
It was a great opportunity to learn from John Lyons who held clinics and private lessons daily
Michael Lyons with Chais and Taressa with their sons, Camden and Cuylar
ACTHA Monthly | 15
Photo by Rein Photography