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ACTHA Monthly | July 2015 | 7
Catman ( Peppys Cat Ichi ) came to me as a long haired skinny coming 3 yr old. When we went to look at him I told my husband he wasn't pretty enough to for me but he said, “Well you might as well ride him since we are here.” I wasn't on him for 5 minutes and I was in love!! He was so light, soft and responsive for his age. His sire is a world champion cutting horse "Cat Ichi", so my Cat is very reactive. ACTHA has been great for him as it has taught him to trust me, when he wants to react to an obstacle. We both have gained confidence in each other and have enjoyed our years with ACTHA. It has been so fulfilling taking that green colt to a Hall of Fame achievement award, state champion and top 10 open nationally in ACTHA while seeing him mature into a handsome boy!! We have met some wonderful people along the way and great ride hosts! We love the relax way of riding and the new places we get to see. Thank you hosts, judges, friends and my wonderful husband for putting up with me and most of all ACTHA!
Competing this ACTHA year 2014 - 2015 has had its ups and downs. This January while checking out the national scores, I had no idea Lill Miss Feeona and I were sitting in the top 5 open division. A dear friend, of mine in pleasure, Diane, was also ranked in the top five. So these two girls from Kansas decided to give it our best shot at the championship.
Diane's quarter horse and my Mule became best of friends as we strived to become closer to the top. We gave our steeds a few weekends off to rest up realizing that the competition just kept going. I am so proud of my little Mule and I for setting goals and reaching every one of them !
We traveled 3 states to achieve the National Reserve Champion Open division, our families and friends were such great supporters in our quest. Through all the mud and rain, old friends and new, the traveling adventures, the frustrations and tears, were all worth their weight in gold in the forever memories we made. And a special thank you to Diane Ransom for sharing this wonderful opportunity with me. GO MULES !
Photo by Smooch
2nd Place Open National 2014-2015
Erika Tanney and Lil Miss Fiona
Mule Mare
Spring Hill, Kansas
3rd Place Open National 2014-2015
Anna Gay and Catman
AQHA Gelding
Ocala, Florida
Top 10 National