rides) on, so I helped her a little bit.”
A little bit turned into a lot. Smith now keeps up a busy
schedule of judging, hosting and competing in rides throughout her
region. At the Mid Atlantic Peruvian Horse Show, Smith offered a
Friday night clinic to introduce ACTHA to participants. The show
also included an ACTHA arena obstacle competition that will ran in
conjunction with the Peruvian show’s trail class.
“The Peruvian horse was new to many of the ACTHA riders,
and they eagerly asked questions,” Smith said. “At least one rider wanted to know where she could buy a Peruvian and where to buy whites.”
Judge Nazario Villafuerte Falcón took a special interest in the
competition.
“He came early to watch the non-Peruvian riders and to better
understand how the event ran,” she said. “He really seemed to enjoy it
and was impressed with some of the performances.”
The ACTHA challenge may have inspired Villafuerte Falcón to
add a new twist to the traditional barrida of champions, Smith said.
“I had never seen a Peruvian judge lead the barrida through
any cones or other obstacles left from the performance classes, so I
was surprised and delighted to see Sr. Falcón nimbly weaving through
the poles followed by the rest of the champion of champions,” she said.
Smith says the culture and tone of ACTHA rides meshes well
with Peruvian shows.
“I truly feel NAPHA and ACTHA are a perfect fit,” she said.
“It’s a win-win for everyone. NAPHA can reconnect with the Peruvian
trail riders and have access to a new market just waiting to discover
our fabulous breed.”
If you’re interested in learning
more about ACTHA, email
Smith at [email protected].
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NAPHA News