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| Three
rides now offered in 2001
APHA takes trail ride program
to Philmont Scout Ranch this spring
FORT WORTH-The American Paint
Horse Association (APHA) recreational riding
program will cover exciting new ground this
spring, with the addition of a ride at the Philmont
Scout Ranch in historic Cimarron, New Mexico,
April 30-May 4.
The addition of the Scout Ranch ride means
APHA will coordinate rides at three locations
this year, all within about a day's drive from
most of its members. Other rides this year include
the Black River Trail Ride, to be held Aug.
6-10 in the Ozark foothills of Lesterville,
Mo., and an outing at historic Fort Robinson
State Park, planned Sept. 3-8 in the rugged
Pine Ridge region of northern Nebraska, near
Crawford.
For more than 10 years, trail riders have signed
on for APHA rides that have taken them though
some of the most scenic and historic countryside
in the United States. As in previous years,
APHA's goal for this year's events is nothing
short of creating the ride of lifetime for participants.
APHA Executive Secretary Ed Roberts is excited
about the opportunity members will have to experience
riding in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, home
of the Philmont Scout Ranch. Set in northeastern
New Mexico, Philmont spans more than 137,000
acres of the most beautiful countryside in the
nation.
"We are thrilled to be able to offer this
ride to our members," said Roberts.
While the sights alone are sure to be breathtaking,
riding through the majestic region on horseback
is certain to be an unforgettable experience
for those who attend.
It was the desire to create memorable riding
opportunities that led Roberts and Ride Coordinator
Pat Meade to establish the first American Paint
Horse Association trail ride in 1991. The popularity
of the rides, held from 1991-1995 in Missouri,
and from 1996-2000 in Nebraska, prompted the
association to expand its program to three rides
this year.
"There have been so many people who have
enjoyed these rides that we wanted to place
the activities in areas that were within about
500 miles of our members," said Roberts.
The executive secretary cited a poll showing
that half of APHA's 100,000 members consider
recreational riding to be their main activity
with their Paint Horse.
"We are committed to reaching out and serving
those riders," said Roberts. |
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In addition to its trail rides around the country, APHA also
serves members with its Ride America® program. While participating
in this innovative saddle-log program, members earn rewards
and recognition for their individual achievements riding an
American Paint Horse.
When riders enroll in Ride America, they receive an official
time log and a Ride America patch. They record each hour spent
riding their American Paint Horse, and as they move through
seven achievement levels-from 100 to 3,000 hours-APHA records
their accomplishments and rewards them with special patches.
Depending on the number of hours accumulated, participants
can also earn saddlebags, halters, lead ropes and saddle pads.
APHA also promotes recreational riding through the free distribution
of its Guide to Recreational Riding.
The 36-page guide is packed full of useful information, from
the importance of keeping horses in good condition to commonsense
safety guidelines. The booklet also contains valuable tips
on tack and equipment, saddling up, riding manners, trailering
a horse and general horsemanship. The guide also has a special
section on trail riding.
"Whether they're riding with us in New Mexico, Nebraska
or Missouri, gaining hours in our Ride America program, or
just riding along the trails in their hometowns, we want to
help people do what they enjoy," said Roberts.
"There's a bonding that extends not only from person
to person, but from rider to horse. The underlying foundation
for someone's enjoyment of trail riding is that person's relationship
with his horse. It's so basic, especially when you consider
that the founding of this country is so closely tied to the
relationship of man and his horse.
"We want to help people capture that experience."
For more information on APHA's recreational riding program,
or to receive the free Guide to Recreational Riding,
write or call:
APHA Ride Coordinator
American Paint Horse Association
P.O. Box 961023
Fort Worth, Texas 76161-0023
Phone: (817) 834-2742, extension 773
Information on the APHA Ride America" program can be
accessed on the association's Web site at http://www.apha.com/programs/rideamer.html
For information on the rides in New Mexico and Nebraska,
call APHA's ride coordinator at (817) 834-2742, extension
773.
Specific information on the Black River Trail Ride, in Lesterville,
Missouri, can be obtained by calling the Wilderness Lodge at
573-637-2295. |
