By: Matthew M. Brendal
Methods, techniques and strategies to win an ACTHA ride
The American Competitive Trail Horse Association (ACTHA) was instituted to give trail horses the opportunity to display the skills considered needed to be valuable on the trail. ACTHA rides are competitions designed to challenge horses by negotiating six obstacles in a controlled and comfortable manner. To some horses and riders these competitions can be very difficult to complete let alone win. The ACTHA competitions should be used as a gauge and a tool to truthfully evaluate the skill level of both horse and rider. Here are some methods, techniques and strategies I have used to win two ACTHA rides. It took many months to from worst to first but both my horse and I have a stronger working relationship.
1. Know the rules of the competition. Losing points on an obstacle from lack knowledge shows lack of preparation to win.
2. If unsure of how to properly negotiate an obstacle go to the ACTHA website www.actha.us or purchase the training DVD.
3. Practice the obstacles at home. Perfect practice gets results during competitions. Practice varied versions of the obstacles. Every ACTHA is different. Get you and your horse used to things constantly changing. The more you and your horse are used to varied obstacles the better prepared you will both be.
4. It is important to truthfully discover your weaknesses and your horse’s weaknesses. This is important as you should spend lots of time on weaknesses and less time on strengths. If the horse is sensitive and over reactive then it needs to desensitized more. If the horse is sluggish and or almost non-responsive that needs to be addressed.
5. ACTHA rides are usually in groups of six more or less. Try to ride with as many different horses you can in practice. Some horses are anti-social or may have separation anxiety. Competition should be about competing. The more distractions and problems the horse has the less he will focus on the task at hand.
6. Before attempting the obstacle at an ACTHA ride ask the judge to go over the obstacle and maneuvers. Once you start it’s too late to ask questions for clarification. Also remember that you are being judged the whole time you are doing the obstacle. You want to make the task look easy and with as little drama as possible. The horse should willingly do what you ask him to do.
7. Take the horse on long trail rides to ensure he is in shape and allow you and the horse to learn how to calmly respond to unexpected encounters.
8. When arriving at the ACTHA ride get an obstacle sheet for that event and practice simulating the obstacles as much as possible. Warm up the horse to the idea that he is about going to work for a few hours. ACTHA rides are low key events. The idea should be to keep the horse relaxed yet very responsive.
9. It is a good strategy to watch a few riders go through the obstacle to determine the best way to attack the obstacle. Don’t be last if you can help it. You want to give your horse a break AFTER completing the obstacle. This gives the horse an incentive to do the obstacle. If the horse knows it will get a rest it may not rush the through the obstacle.
10. Keep your distance from any horse you suspect that could cause a problem to you or your horse. You can’t win if you get hurt.
