ACTHA Monthly June 2015 | Page 31

Through competing with ACTHA, Allison has grown immensely, not only horsemanship skills, but life learning skills as well. She has taken her trail horse that knew nothing more than a walk/trot and developed her into an athlete with all the complex buttons, teaching Stormy how to back, sidepass, leg yield, turn on the haunches and forehand, walk and trot over poles and over and up to scary objects. They are truly a team now having 100% confidence in each other.

She has learned to love the huge responsibility of taking care of her horse and maintaining the discipline and practice to be a top competitor.

Busily setting goals and reaching milestones, Allison and her Stormy, that she now refers to as her best friend, have just completed 100 rides exploring the states of Indiana, Kentucky, Iowa, Tennessee, Georgia, and Ohio. They have reached the Hall of Fame with ACTHA and won the Indiana state title each year for high point junior.

But the most important of all rewards is that she has made numerous friends, traveled to great places, found a love of horses and a love of nature that I'm sure she will continue to enjoy for a lifetime.

By Diane Denny, Indiana Member

One Proud Momma!

ACTHA Monthly | June 2015| 31

During this incredible journey with Stormy, Allison has learned how to speak with confidence, remain poised in difficult situations, and has developed quick thinking and problem solving skills.

Five years ago at age 7, Allison participated in her first ACTHA ride. After the fun, friendship and competition of that first ride, she has been absolutely hooked on ACTHA since.