"I am thankful for Jody and ACTHA for helping my horse and I build confidence and skills. Since 2012, Jody has been such a great trainer not only for me but for Athena as well. While I still occasionally tense up and am nervous, Jody has brought us to the point that I have no fear, I have confidence in myself and in Athena. "
- DEBBIE
RIDE HOST ACCOLADES
I have always been an avid outdoors woman, a lover of all animals but most passionate about horses. My horse obsession began before I could walk or talk and though I hadn’t ridden seriously since I was a teen, some of us are fortunate as we get older to have the opportunity to revisit the passions of our youth.
Three years ago for my 55th birthday my sister surprised me with a month of riding lessons with the wonderful Peruvian trainer Jody Childs. Jody and I became instant friends and I fell head over heels in love with the Peruvian breed. I started lessons with Jody in March of 2012 and by May I had purchased HMS Athena, a 10 year old Peruvian mare. Right from the start Athena and I faced a lot of challenges together. A show horse with very little trail experience Athena was terrified of water of any kind, including the hose and the wash rack.
Jody worked with me to build my confidence and riding skills in turn giving Athena the confidence to take baby steps in trying new things. We started horse camping and found that Athena loves the trail and loves camping!
The first ACTHA event I attended was an AOC where I was one of the judges. While judging I decided Athena and I can do this! Conveniently, the next ACTHA AOC in my area was held at the ranch where I board. Not wanting to pass up this opportunity Athena and I entered. Over time, Athena and I have had some great successes and some dismal failures, but we decided that ACTHA was for us.
With ACTHA and Jody's help, I can proudly say that we now go through any kind of water crossing, walk over tarps, walk through tons of plastic bottles and complete most of the other ACTHA obstacles. As a plus, ACTHA has given us so many opportunities to experience the amazing country side of southern California.
By ACTHA Memeber, Debbie Bachna of California
Debbie Bachna and Athena
Photo by Debbie Pye
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