July 9, 2013 — Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) and the American Competitive Trail Horse Association (ACTHA) announced they will be working closely together under a joint sponsorship and partner agreement.
When asked why this union, ACTHA’s General Manager Tom Scrima stated, “It may be the most obvious and truly symbiotic relationship I’ve ever seen. CHA has thousands of instructors throughout the USA and Canada. ACTHA has thousands of members looking for local instruction for themselves and their horses. CHA has hundreds of CHA accredited equine facilities. ACTHA has a need of hundreds of facilities to host both their ACTHA Obstacle Challenges (AOCs) and its popular Competitive Trail Rides (CTCs). CHA has wonderful training and equine management publications and DVDs. ACTHA’s members and volunteers have a thirst to read and learn more. Add to that CHA clinics, conferences and a host of other activities, and we saw a wonderful, over 45-year-old organization we could work with and make each other better. We are humbled by CHA’s longevity and its purpose and accomplishments.”
Christy Landwehr, CHA Chief Executive Officer, added, “We are excited about our relationship with ACTHA, as this association gives recreational riders that want to set goals a chance to compete in fun events on their wonderful horses. It is a bonus that ACTHA gives back to worthy charities when a ride is hosted, and CHA is pleased to be one of those non-profit associations and provide our certified instructors and accredited equine facilities with a chance to meet and work with ACTHA members and their horses.”
ACTHA is based near Austin, Texas, and for five years has been following this mission: To create an enjoyable venue showcasing the wonderful attributes of the great American trail horse and granting them the recognition they so richly deserve. To create a registry open to all breeds and a point designation system which will stay with each horse for its lifetime, thereby adding to their value and distinction. To create and enable humane treatment options and employment for horses in need.
The purpose of CHA is to promote excellence in safety and education for the benefit of the horse industry. CHA certifies instructors and trail guides, accredits equestrian facilities, publishes educational manuals, produces educational horsemanship DVDs and hosts regional and international conferences. For more information on the Certified Horsemanship Association please visit www.CHA-ahse.org or call 859-259-3399. To find a certified horseback riding instructor or accredited equine facility near you visit www.CHAinstructors.com.
