I am twelve-years-old and just rode in my first ACTHA ride. It was a two-day CTC and I really liked it. I got to ride with my older sister and we had a blast. The obstacles were really fun, especially the water crossing. And, we got to see wild hogs out on the trail. I won first place both days, and won my very first belt buckle. It's so cool. My little sister also just started with ACTHA, but she was sick and couldn't do this ride. I can't wait for the next ride so both of my sisters and I can ride together.
––Bridger Jesse, Florida
Photos provided by Foster "Buddy" Hammersla Photographer (buddyimages.com)
ACTHA Monthly | 11
Here’s what not to do, but what comes natural. Riders who choose to raise the level of alarm to its highest pitch are successful when they scream. For those who can’t help screaming (I’ve known a few), my advice would be to try riding with a sock in it. I have also seen many riders who alarmingly grab the reins and jerk them up into the air to stop their horse from alarmingly jerking their head up into the air—every horse named "Silver." Then there is the “classic riding seat,” the rider who assumes fetal positioning in the saddle when trouble springs, and crouches forward ready for the launch—another knee jerk reaction (it’s so easy, it’s so easy). If you’re that scared your horse is going to wheel, bolt and run away, give yourself a calm down talk ahead of time (let both sides have equal time), and unanimously decide to have more fun. If my tongue gets out in front of my eyetooth, I can’t see what
can’t see what I am saying. I’m just saying ridin’
Ann-Louise Oudin and her Paso Fino mare, Delicias de la Sofia, display courage while encountering the Animal on the Run obstacle in the photo above.
In the photo below, Brook Nickerson Side and her Buckskin Paint Gelding, Buck, stand bravely while the 'bear' cartwheels across the path.