August 1-2 showcases the Von Holten Ranch as they host the 2nd Annual Missouri State EXCA Championships. Being a natural teacher and a believer that education is the key to success regardless of the endeavor led Brandy to start a two level equine club dependent on the participant’s availability. Level 1 participants attend one training day, one competition day as a competitor or volunteer and two days with a clinician. Level 2 offers two training days, two competitions as a competitor or volunteer and four days with a clinician. Trainers are hand selected and proven to be a valuable training resource. Scheduled for 2015 VHR will host trainers Lee Hart, Shane Irvin, Ashley Purdin/Pioneer Horsemanship, Annie Chance, Johnie Clem and Vanessa Schmalz. All are available to all levels of riders from youth to seasoned competitors. Participants in the VHR equine club are eligible for a variety of perks dependent on their level of participation. Offers range from website feature to VHR Equine Club jackets and coming in 2016 VHR Equine Club buckles.
Events are offered at Von Holten Ranch almost every weekend including charity poker rides and Fall Festivals. However, Von Holten Ranch is designed for trail riding enthusiasts. In fact, the trails are where Brandy and David have added their own personal flair to trail riding. There are ten sets of ten items to find on the trail. For example, 10 bird houses, 10 American flags, 10 horse shoes, 10 license plates, etc. Literally, there are 100 items to find while on the trail, making a leisurely trail ride an exercise in sharpening your observational skills. For those wanting to sharpen their obstacle skills at their own pace, Von Holten Ranch has a permanent horse playground.
exercise in sharpening your observational skills. For those wanting to sharpen their obstacle skills at their own pace, Von Holten Ranch has a permanent horse playground.
ACTHA events resume at Von Holten Ranch beginning in July with 9 more competitions in a Halter Series. Each of these 3 day events will include a combination of CTC’s and AOC’s. In keeping with the flair of their own personal touch and fun for their riders Brandy and David are ingenious at theme rides. Celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary during their last May CTC they used the theme Las Vegas wedding, since that is where they were married.
Ride Host Spotlight
ACTHA Monthly | June 2015 | 10