ACTHA Monthly | March 2015 | 59
classes!
The rule book is not big but it is necessary none the less. Please remember that the situations inside an arena are very different from that out on a trail. For example, we totally appreciate the skills needed for a horse to ground tie, however, if a bear runs through camp, there is no such thing as a ground tied horse. The way things are done at a horse show, does not necessarily work for a trail rider. I am often asked for example about our dismount policy. We prefer to see you land on two feet, because you are often landing on uneven terrain, with many unseen hazards.
You do not have to vault off hour horse like a jockey. You may jump, slide or slither to the ground. Just make sure that Both feet land simultaneously… we really hate crutches!
So there you have it. Rules yes but as few and as reasonable as we can make them. Always with your safety first and foremost.
Happy Trails,
Carrie
Photo by Aponi