The Appaloosa Museum and Latah County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse hosted a “Horse N Around Weekend” at the Pony Club Grounds in Deary, Idaho, Aug 27-29. In addition to a poker/fun ride, dinner and silent auction, the groups also conducted a trail challenge sanctioned by the American Competitive Trail Horse Association. The ACTHA ride covers at least six miles and includes six judged obstacles. The “CTC” world is growing and it has some obvious attraction for various skill levels and all breeds.
The winner of the “Pleasure” division was ApHC member and Chief Joseph Trail Ride veteran George Ehmer of Milton-Freewater, Oregon. He rode P.S. No Joke (pictured here with George in casual attire). And, in what is surely more than just a coincidence for the Appaloosa breed, the winner of the Open division was ApHC member Talea Metivier, from Chewelah, Washington, riding Smart Little Cayenne.
Don’t forget, it’s never too late to support the Appaloosa Museum with a contribution. You should also consider buying a raffle ticket for this year’s horse prize, an Appaloosa colt sired by Secret Admirer. He has been donated by Rocky Top Appaloosas of New Salem, North Dakota. Visit www.appaloosamuseum.org for all the details. The drawing is October 4th.
And, I would suggest a click to the American Competitive Trail Horse Association site for information about their activities: www.actha.us.
For those of you within reasonable driving distance from Moscow, consider joining us August 27-29 for the inaugural Horse ‘N Around (HAW) Weekend. Activities benefit the Appaloosa Museum and Latah County Sheriff’s Posse. There will be a “fun” ride with prizes, a trail challenge sanctioned by the American Competitive Trail Horse Association (visit www.actha.us and click on the “Moscow Ride”), another leisure trail ride, dinner, entertainment and all sorts of fun people to meet. Location is the Pony Club Grounds near Deary, Idaho. Camping, horse pens, showers, water, etc. are available.
To sign up for camping, reserve a spot for dinner or to just let us know you’re coming for the fun stuff, email museum@appaloosa.com or visit www.appaloosamuseum.org.
To sign up for the ACTHA ride you’ll need to pre-register at www.actha.us (Moscow Ride).
Just returned from this year’s Chief Joseph Trail Ride and need to send thanks and congratulations to all the participants – riders, drivers, crew, professional support staff, scouts, etc. I firmly believe this is one of the best trail ride experiences in the world and it’s truly unique. The ride started near Wisdom, Montana and ended in the Lemhi Valley of Idaho. A number of riders specifically gushed about Thursday’s trip along the Continental Divide and said it was probably their best day of riding — ever.
We had a group of Nez Perce youth riders as well as representatives of the Nez Perce Appaloosa Horse Club and Chief Joseph Foundation. Folks were there from all across the U.S., Canada, England, The Netherlands, Germany and Norway. I’ll have a separate story about the gents from Norway who decided more than a year ago to plan a ride of the complete 1300-mile trail in one year. Now they’ve modified the route a bit to include “only” the more difficult and scenic parts of the trail, but they’ll still be riding through September.
I want to add a special thanks to Susan Fredrickson, who stepped in late in the game to serve as ride manager. She and husband Mike helped in so many ways to ensure a successful adventure. Andy Shaw, camp crew supervisor, Norman Shaw our chef and Ervin Gross the camp manager (and ever-patient parking director) all provided outstanding support. The list of people we depend on is very long. Their reward comes when riders acknowledge that they had a wonderful time and were spoiled.
The Chief Joseph Trail Ride is a commemoration, a history lesson and a family reunion that the ApHC is proud to be associated with.
We’ll have more photos in the Flicker album very soon.
The ApHC Board has given management authority for the Sheltowee Trail Ride for the next two years to Roland Haun and he has sent us this information:
October 3 – 9, Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky;
We will schedule a regular 5-day ride as in the past, but we will also provide two 3-day rides for those who prefer a shorter time away from home. Riders will receive credit from the ApHC for the Distance Program and the Trail Hall of Fame.
This year’s ride will be at the Red Hill Horse Camp near Livingston, Kentucky (the Daniel Boone National Forest); www.RedHillhorsecamp.com. Paved roads lead to the camp. Cost of the full ride is the same as last year — $335. The cost for a three-day ride will be $200. This will include campsite with water and electric, a stall for your horse and meals. Restrooms and showers are available. All horses must be stalled.
We now have a website: www.sheltoweetrailride.homestead.com
Ride applications should be mailed to Roland Haun, 872 Nacke Pike, Cecilia, KY 42724. If you have specific questions, give Roland a call at 270.862.9357.
Among a few other things I’ve noticed today, I was reminded that it’s the on-time fee deadline for those who want to sign up for the Chief Joseph Trail Ride. If you want to save yourself a $50 late fee, get something done today.
Information on the ride (July 18-24) from Jackson, Montana to Leadore, Idaho is available in the trail section of the website. I’m told you’ll spend two or three days riding the Continental Divide and the scenery is spectacular.
Also for your calendar if you’re within driving distance of our Idaho neighborhood — the 13th Annual Apalousey Trail Ride to benefit the Museum is scheduled for August 6-8 at the Pony Club Grounds just outside of Deary, Idaho. Visit the appaloosamuseum.org site for more information.
AND, if you’re the competitive sort, the Latah County Sheriff’s Posse and the Appaloosa Museum are hosting what’s being called “Horse ‘N Around” weekend August 27-29 (also at the Pony Club Grounds). We’ll be having an American Competitive Trail Horse Association-approved trail challenge on the 28th, as well as a poker ride, dinner, music, silent auction and assorted other fun stuff. Sign up for the trail challenge on the ACTHA site. There will be more information coming soon on the museum site as well.
As some of you have heard, Kevin Pullen has resigned his position as the ApHC Trail/Distance Coordinator. We are evaluating the range of duties within the job description and will make a staffing decision later this summer. In the meantime, other staff members have taken on responsibilities such as data entry and organizing material for upcoming trail rides.
We are pleased to report that Susan Frederickson, who held this position a few years ago, will be specifically helping with final preparations for and on-site management of the Chief Joseph Trail Ride.
Anyone with questions about the trail/distance program or in need of specific trail ride information can contact the ApHC office and ask for Keri or me, or leave a message. Susan’s office hours will be limited, but she’ll be able to respond to questions about the Chief Joseph ride. You can also email trailrides@appaloosa.com.
Keeping track of your hours on horseback just got a little easier. For ApHC members enrolled in the Saddle Log program, it is now possible to manage your information via the Members Only section of our website.
The basic options available on line:
1. Purchase or Renew your Saddle Log Membership
2. Enter/Update the dates and times that you have ridden within the current calendar year
3. Enter/Update the horses that you are riding within the current calendar year
4. View your award history.
*Update from original post: Lifetime totals can now be viewed whether the person is currently enrolled in the saddle log program or not.
Rule reminder — the rider is not required to own the horse(s) ridden, but all horses must be registered Appaloosas.
Recognition is given for successful completion of 100, 200, 500, 1000 and each 1000-hour plateau thereafter for hours ridden.
I made it “down” to Nampa for the Idaho Horse Expo this past weekend. Crowds were almost as good as the weather and there was definitely something for every interest level. It’s always entertaining to watch the activity surrounding the private treaty sale, training clinics, ranch horse events and the trade show.
A real crowd pleaser was the Supreme Cowboy Race, which is basically timed, extreme trail. One of our own, Talea Morgan-Metivier, from Chewelah, Washington, competed with the best of them on two great looking Appaloosas. The picture is of Talea and her four-year-old mare Smart Little Cayenne, by Smart Little Sign (also a star of the event), who is by High Sign Nugget. Thanks Talea for showing of with colorful Appaloosas!
Thanks also to George and Lise Jumper, long-time ApHC folks from Emmett, Idaho, who came by to help at the Appaloosa table.
More photos are in the album (see left hand menu).
If you’ve had any thoughts at all about participating in the Apache Land Trail Ride next month, it’s time to make your move. Check out the details on the appaloosa.com Web site and call Kevin Pullen at ApHC extension #221.
APACHE LAND: April 25 – May 1 CORONADO NATIONAL FOREST, ARIZONA
The Apache Land is a base camp ride, departing from and returning to the camp every day. This year the Apache Land ride will take place in the beautiful Santa Rita Mountains and foothills which are part of the multi-mountain range of the Coronado National Forest, a federally protected wonderland. Apache Indians roamed and thrived in these mountains for centuries, fiercely protecting them and driving out invaders until the arrival of white settlers with their military protection. Rugged peaks tower to nearly 10,000 feet, with jagged cliffs, plunging canyons and broad grassy basins containing numerous springs and pools which support a wide variety of large game and their predators.
Photo by Joanna Bryant
The March cover story of Horseback Magazine will be about the Chief Joseph Trail Ride and the saga of the 1877 flight of the Nez Perce. The piece is by Steven Long, Editor of HM. In addition to that position, Long is an avid horseman, author of several books about crime and the accompanying courtroom drama, and a freelance writer for publications such as Cowboys and Indians Magazine and Western Horseman. He’s also been a special correspondent and anayst for CNBC and, along with his horse Facade, has appeared on Animal Planet’s “Animal Cops Houston.”
Horseback Magazine has evolved from its origins as Horse Talk, then later as Texas Horse Talk. The publication also has a strong Internet presence at www.horsebackmagazine.com.
Hello Apache Land Trail Riders,
This year’s ride will be held in the Santa Rita Mountains on the Coronado National Forest near Sonoita, Arizona. It’s beautiful country and you won’t want to miss it. This is the first time the Forest Service has allowed a week-long ride into this area.
Dates are April 25 – May 1. Application deadline is March 15th.
Check out the appaloosa.com Web site for further details, or contact me at 208-882-5578 ext 221, or email: trailrides@appaloosa.com.
Kevin Pullen
ApHC Trail & Distance Coordinator
PHOTO BY JOANNA BRYANT
New American Competitive Trail Horse Association list on Yahoo Groups! It’s a great way to meet other riders, chat about ACTHA rides, post ride photos, ride information and just plain chat horses!
It’s a free and easy to use list!
http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/ACTHA/
Sign up for a free webcast October 21!
Regardless of their breed preference, riding style or location, equine enthusiasts can find happy trails with help from a new course by My Horse University and Source Interlink Media’s Equine Network. From selecting a trail horse to preserving the trail, “Trail Riding 101” offers expert advice on every aspect of this international pastime.
Developed by equine experts at Michigan State University (MSU) and other major universities, “Trail Riding 101” takes participants through the process of selecting the right mount and equipment, feeding and conditioning the trail horse, and helping them learn about trail safety and etiquette. This course is aimed at helping riders get the most enjoyment from their riding experience, whether they trail ride at home, on vacation or in competition.
The $50 registration fee includes access to the course, where participants can read information, watch accompanying video clips and webcasts, and complete exercises and activities at their own pace. For more information or to register, visit www.myhorseuniversity.com/trail.
My Horse University and the Equine Network are also offering a FREE WEBCAST titled “On the Trail Ride – Best Practices,” which will air live on October 21 at 7 p.m. ET. The webcast will feature Jenifer Nadeau, associate professor of animal science at the University of Connecticut, who will share best practices for trail riding including how to determine where to go, route finding, safety, what to bring, ride preparations, how to select the right horse, how to deal with situations that arise on the trail such as crossing streams and roads, going up and down hills and encountering wildlife. A recording of the webcast will be available to anyone who purchases “Trail Riding 101.” For more information or to register, visit www.myhorseuniversity.com/trail.
Post by Kevin Pullen, ApHC Trail/Distance Coordinator; Photo by Barry Grubb.
I just got back from Ohio and the 4th annual ApHC National Championship Endurance Ride (ANCER) and WOW, was it exciting! Cat Carter and her gelding TheSpurOfTheMoment swept the field for the second year in a row. It was a heated race as the frontrunners burst out of the woods into the meadow and headed for the finish line. A gentleman on his Arabian appeared first with Cat and Spur behind. Cat urged Spur forward and it became a runoff. In the remaining 100 yards, Spur caught and passed the Arab at the finish line, winning by a neck!
Cat and Spur’s unofficial time was 50 miles in 4 hours and 46 minutes — a full 1 hour and 45 minutes faster than last year’s time of 6:31. At an average of 10 ½ miles per hour, they were bookin’! Diana Macdonald on her 14-year-old mare ‘Loosi’ came in a close third. The unofficial results show 5 Appaloosas in the Top Ten out of a field of nearly 50 entries! How’s that for a showing of SPOTS in a major competitive event?!
Spur also received the coveted Best Condition Award, a category determined by the ride veterinarian as the horse “most fit to continue”.
Keep in mind that Cat and Spur won these two awards in two categories: the OVERALL Cracked OAATS Crunch ride (on which we piggybacked our ride) AS WELL AS our National Championship Endurance Ride.
Stay tuned for more details. At this point we are still waiting for the official results!
Kevin
This weekend’s fund-raising trail ride for the Appaloosa Museum was a great blend of pleasant diversions. The opportunity for friends of the Museum to get together is certainly a primary reason for people to make the trip to Deary, Idaho. The Palouse Hills Pony Club grounds is a beautiful spot. The trails are scenic and made better this year by recent rains to dampen the dust and boost the scent levels. Some of us, of course, simply show up for the Dutch oven dinner on Saturday evening. Whatever the motivation, the Museum benefits and Appaloosa connections are strengthened.
I got lucky and served as a judge of the Dutch oven creations. Believe me when I say that there could have been a 19-way tie for best of show! Everything I “evaluated” was delicious.
Folks who always ask about George and Iola Hatley can be reassured that the Appaloosa royalty were once again great hosts for the event. George positions himself near enough to the cooking area to give advice and monitor the progress of everything from bread to beans. Lots of friends/volunteers are involved from start to finish as well. Thanks to everyone for a memorable back-to-basics weekend.
A few photos have been posted on the album (menu at left). You’ll probably notice that I focused on the food and scenery. I didn’t intentially ignore people photos. In fact, the conversations were so good that I kinda forgot to take many pictures.
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The Appaloosa Museum and Latah County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse hosted a “Horse N Around Weekend” at the Pony Club Grounds in Deary, Idaho, Aug 27-29. In addition to a poker/fun ride, dinner and silent auction, the groups also conducted a trail challenge sanctioned by the American Competitive Trail Horse Association. The ACTHA ride covers at least six miles and includes six judged obstacles. The “CTC” world is growing and it has some obvious attraction for various skill levels and all breeds.