Horse Illustrated Magazine

Looking for a way to have fun with your horse, meet other riders and raise funds to help injured veterans? The American Competitive Trail Horse Association (ACTHA) and Horses for Heroes – New Mexico, Inc. are teaming up to promote a nationwide Ride to Remember on Veterans Day weekend, Nov. 10-11, 2012.

Separate rides will be held at different locations across the country over the weekend. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to a local veterans’ charity and the remainder will go to Horses for Heroes-NM Inc. Horses for Heroes is a non-profit corporation that gives free horsemanship and equine therapy services to veterans and active military personnel who have suffered physical injuries or combat trauma.

ACTHA rides take place over 6-8 miles of trails and include 6-8 judged obstacles. These obstacles are similar to natural obstacles a rider might encounter, such as water crossing, bridges, opening gates from horseback, etc.

To find a ride in your area, visit ACTHA.us/rides. If there are no rides near you, consider hosting your own. The requirements for hosting a ride are access to six miles of riding space, parking for 20-25 horse trailers and volunteers to assist with judging, setting up trail obstacles, scorekeeping, etc.

For information on how to host a ride, visit ACTHA.us/hostaride.