[JollyBadger]

Just wondering if anyone else watched last night's infomercial. . .er. . .episode on HRTV?

Seemed like a lengthy infomercial promoting ACTHA, with a lot of emphasis on "rescuing" horses but not much clarification on just how ACTHA is involved in finding permanent, good homes for rescue horses. They just kept talking about all those "horses without jobs" and how ACTHA would somehow make a big difference in their lives.

It did seem like some of the obstacles were set to be judged in favor of non-gaited breeds. It was even said that, at least in one obstacle, the horse was expected to trot.

Ironically, the horse being used to demonstrate was (according to the show) a gaited horse, and it wound up doing kind of a weird pace.

Errr. . .why would someone who rides a gaited horse knowingly enter an event where they're going to be asked to make their horse trot? Are there any obstacles where non-gaited/stock breeds are asked to move at a very forward, working walk to demonstrate their ability to move at something between a snail's pace and a trot or canter?

YOu know. . .just to keep things "fair and even."

[pintosrock]

I agree, that "episode" was awful! Really just an infomercial, and they did not properly explain their tie in to rescuing. I was hoping to see some obstacles and meet a few of the contestants. And the server was insanely slow. We started watching at 7, and finally finished watching at 10.

And what obstacles they did show, were BORING! For a national tv show, I want to see obstacles that are similar to what is asked at a regular ACTHA competition, but harder!

As far as gaited goes... I've gone to regular ACTHA rides. When they say to "trot" an obstacle, they really mean, go faster than a meandering walk, but still be in control. I've ridden with gaited horses and they're never marked down for failing to trot.

[spotnnotfarm]

I did not see the episode because I do not have the channel it is on, so my comments are based on responses on ACTHA's facebook page. Most people said this was an overview of ACTHA for people that are unfamiliar with it. The next episodes should focus on the horses and riders. I guess we will wait and see over the next few weeks.

I am a member of ACTHA and they claim they give money to rescues but as far as I know, that is the extent. They are not a rescue and I hope they are not promoting themselves as one!

As far as the gaited horses, they are not to be penalized for the appropriate gait (or not supposed to be). There is a rider I know that competes in ACTHA with a Spotted Saddle Horse and usually wins. I have heard that in other areas where gaited horses are not the norm, they have been penalized.

I like ACTHA but I really want to do more Extreme Cowboy type competitions. I think I will grow bored with it in the future and have grown disenchanted with some of their policies. We will see how they grow and change as their membership grows or decreases.

[mildot]

I am a member of ACTHA and they claim they give money to rescues but as far as I know, that is the extent. They are not a rescue and I hope they are not promoting themselves as one!

Your head honcho's said here he gives $ to HSUS. Does that not bother you?

[spotnnotfarm]

Your head honcho's said here he gives $ to HSUS. Does that not bother you?

First of all, he is not "my" head honcho, thank you very much! I am not even sure what his role in ACTHA is. I have not liked his comments or promotion here on COTH and I think he does a disservice to the organization.

Second, if you had read my complete post, which I am sure you did not, I stated that I am dis-enchanted with several of their policies. How do you know that was not one of them? I am not a fan of the HSUS or Pat Parelli or Monty Roberts.
May I ask you a question? Have you researched every product you have bought, charity you have donated to and person you may have helped to see if they donated to the HSUS?


I am guessing you are wanting an arguement becuase I said I like ACTHA. Let me re-state that, I like the competitions. However, I have many issues with the organization. I also stated I wanted to get more into Extreme Cowboy race/Trail competitions and would probably lose interst in them.

Did my answers satisfy you or are you always this much of a thread killer?

[katarine]

I know the gentleman on the Spotted Saddle Horse. They are a very competitive team. I support his efforts to win the title- he's a gentleman and a very good trainer. I don't love the ACTHA but I can speak to the fact that Larry and his mare have and will kick butt and take names.

[JollyBadger]

The "six miles" trail course still seems (to me, anyway) to be more like a warm-up.

Six miles just is not really worth paying an entry fee to do, whether or not there are obstacles, prizes or gifts involved.

Maybe if they started offering different levels (distances, ratings/difficulty) they might draw more interest from people who are already active trail riders.

But, again, the constant referral to ACTHA benefiting rescues kind of confused me. They made it sound as though they were personally placing "rescue" horses with people who would give them a "job" by making them into trail horses.

The whole thing was just. . .odd. I'll probably continue to watch it for the next few episodes when they focus (hopefully) more on the horses and riders than promoting ACTHA.

[AlfalfaGirl]

Our group just hosted an ACTHA ride last Saturday. Everyone had a good time, it ran smoothly, etc.

There were gaited horses there and one of the ladies judging an obstacle rides a gaited horse (Tennessee Walker) so they certainly weren't biased on gaited horses at that ride.

I think 6 miles is a pretty short ride myself. Ours was set up as an 8.3 mile ride because that is what the loop is - it is around the woods, down the bayou and a loop around a swamp so that is the only way to go! Still, riding 8.3 miles is not a very long ride - even at a slow walk it is 3 hours at the most!

I do not know much about HSUS but I would like to be enlightened on why so many are against it. I know they lobby HARD for $$ on TV. Their commercials are tear jerkers. So what is the story on why they are disliked by so many?

[spotnnotfarm]

The "six miles" trail course still seems (to me, anyway) to be more like a warm-up.

Six miles just is not really worth paying an entry fee to do, whether or not there are obstacles, prizes or gifts involved.

Maybe if they started offering different levels (distances, ratings/difficulty) they might draw more interest from people who are already active trail riders.

But, again, the constant referral to ACTHA benefiting rescues kind of confused me. They made it sound as though they were personally placing "rescue" horses with people who would give them a "job" by making them into trail horses.

The whole thing was just. . .odd. I'll probably continue to watch it for the next few episodes when they focus (hopefully) more on the horses and riders than promoting ACTHA.

I like to ride more than six miles too but ACTHA is the only trail competition around me. There are NATRC rides but you have to camp at all of them and I do not want to always do that. I wish there was a hybrid organization.

I really hope ACTHA is not trying to represent themselves as a rescue!!! It is simply not true at all. Let us know how future episodes go.

Katarine, The person I was referring too was a woman, so it is nice to know that another gaited person is doing well.

[TheOtherHorse]

I thought the first episode was boring and repetitive. The rescue thing seemed odd to me too, they never did specify how they are helping rescued horses, aside from some donations.

The course looks too easy. You would think for the finalists that will be on the TV show they would increase the difficulty of the course.... but the obstacles were similar to those on the ride I did. I had fun on the ride, but I agree that 6 miles is just a warm up, and the obstacles were far too easy for a well trained horse. It was great for a greenie though. I am more interested in extreme cowboy race type stuff I guess. I wish someone combined more challenging obstacles with a longer course, like 10-15 miles. Maybe timed with an optimum time, brisk pace but not too fast.

[mildot]

I do not know much about HSUS but I would like to be enlightened on why so many are against it. I know they lobby HARD for $$ on TV. Their commercials are tear jerkers. So what is the story on why they are disliked by so many?

Check your private messages

[AlfalfaGirl]

Thanks so much. I appreciate it.

[katarine]

I like to ride more than six miles too but ACTHA is the only trail competition around me. There are NATRC rides but you have to camp at all of them and I do not want to always do that. I wish there was a hybrid organization.

I really hope ACTHA is not trying to represent themselves as a rescue!!! It is simply not true at all. Let us know how future episodes go.

Katarine, The person I was referring too was a woman, so it is nice to know that another gaited person is doing well.

Good- I didn't see it but I knew he was featured in the first show, I was assuming it was him- I wondered, as his mare does NOT pace LOL but I thought you were talking about him j

[saje]

I know the gentleman on the Spotted Saddle Horse. They are a very competitive team. I support his efforts to win the title- he's a gentleman and a very good trainer. I don't love the ACTHA but I can speak to the fact that Larry and his mare have and will kick butt and take names.

I know him too, he's competed at our local club's EC events, and is doing a clinic here this weekend. He is a very nice guy, and he and his horse are one helluva team. EC type stuff is not my area of interest, really (I'm an eventer), but I am impressed with his horse handling and training.

[katarine]

Saje, the fact he's 67 and had open heart surgery and got right back to riding as quickly as he did, is an inspiration.

[Heart's Journey]

The thing that bothers me is that ACTHA thinks this competition will result in America's favorite trail horse. From what I've seen its more of a popularity contest.

I'm betting there are tons of horses that are ridden on much harder natural trails on a regular basis that perform in a high quality manner that would never get considered for this award. I've ridden in trails in Utah, Wyoming, Arizona, and Missouri that were very difficult terrain, snow drifts, canyons, hailstorm, jumping huge trees on the trail, climbing, etc much harder than one of these courses. The true best trail horses are the ones that perform day in and day out.

[spotnnotfarm]

I agree Heart. You had to pay a large fee to enter and then the competition is in Texas. Then you have to count on people liking your story to vote for you. I did not want to enter because I did not feel it was worth the hassle. My horse is MY favorite trail horse and that is all that matters to me

[Kyzteke]

Check your private messages

Why? I'm alittle mystified about this myself.

Of course I know the organization, but I give my animal charity $$ locally to our shelter (privately run; donations only), so I am not sure why HSUS is so frowned on here. If there was a big public scandal I missed it, but sometimes I get busy and DO miss things.

Surely this less than steller rep is the result of something that is a matter of public record? If not, how is it more than just whispered accusations?

Why are they so bad? Educate me.

[Kyzteke]

Why? I'm alittle mystified about this myself.

Of course I know the organization, but I give my animal charity $$ locally to our shelter (privately run; donations only), so I am not sure why HSUS is so frowned on here. If there was a big public scandal I missed it, but sometimes I get busy and DO miss things.

Surely this less than steller rep is the result of something that is a matter of public record? If not, how is it more than just whispered accusations?

Why are they so bad? Educate me.

Anyone?

[mildot]

deleted so as not to hijack the thread