ministry Rita Kay and Andy attended a ride in Mineola, Texas later in 2010. Here, they participated as riders in a CTC to learn exactly how events worked and become educated in the duties of the ride host. With their maiden ride behind them Andy and Rita Kay decided that they indeed had the ideal venue to host ACTHA events and becoming ACTHA ride hosts would be the perfect opportunity for them to raise much needed funds for their own non-profit.
The proceeds from the rides and donations from this new family of friends have kept this ministry afloat! For the first time, we have the money to repair and improve our facilities.”
Monies from ACTHA rides have not only benefitted the ministry and their leadership camp for financially challenged teens, but ACTHA riders as well. With the idea of hosting the perfect weekend getaway with your horse, family and friends the amenities at the ranch are plentiful. They have three dorm style cabins that can accommodate 45 people, 12 trailer hookups, 25 outdoor stalls, and a dining hall where they serve 6 great meals over the weekend. For those choosing to camp out there is more than enough room to set up tents, pens and even generators close to the dining hall.
Southern hospitality doesn’t stop there. Neighboring land owners with adjoining properties happily allow Rita Kay and Andy the use of their land for their events. As their 30th ride approaches Rita Kay and Andy have become skilled event planners. A staff of 25 volunteers (many met during ACTHA rides) and teens from MSR leadership program all work together to ensure a smooth running event. Jobs ranging from greeters who aid in parking trailers, registration staff, judges and judges helpers, and kitchen staff ensure that ACTHA riders are well taken care of throughout the weekend.
Fun at Morning Star Ranch’s ACTHA events isn’t limited to just trail riding, camping and getting together with friends and family. At every event Rita Kay and Andy offer their guests a number of other opportunities to participate in throughout the weekend. These range from Friday night spa parties (and who doesn’t love a good facial or makeover) hosted by Rita Kay whose day job is a Director for BeautiControl Cosmetics, educational clinics and seminars, prayer meetings, and Praise and Worship Service outside on Sunday mornings.
As experienced ride hosts Rita Kay and Andy have some advice to offer potential, new or even current ride hosts. First, make a newcomer feel as comfortable and welcome as possible. Many
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"I had the most wonderful weekend at Morning Star Ranch! I got to take my oldest daughter to meet some of the best people on earth, and we rode in two CTC's. It was pretty cold and wet but we had a blast!" Debbie Dunaway Ayres and daughter, Gina.
Now, four years later Andy and Rita Kay will host their 30th ACTHA ride on March 29, 2015. As Rita Kay says “just at a time when we were wondering if we could keep our ministry open our prayers led us to ACTHA.
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Ride Host Spotlight