Sept. 16, 2013 — Tucker Trail Saddles, the official saddle of the American Competitive Trail Horse Association (ACTHA), will present the Tucker Gaited Award for the 2013-2014 season to any gaited horse in ACTHA that accumulates 100 points over their lifetime in ACTHA events.
The Tucker Gaited Award is dedicated to any horse that is gaited, to showcase the amazing abilities of the gaited horse, and give recognition that every horse can be a versatile trail horse. The award recognizes the effort put forth by the horse and rider team with a brand new Tucker trail saddle of choice. Select models are available with Tucker’s FB tree fits made specifically for a flatter barreled horse–conformation typically seen in gaited breeds. Tucker will help the winning rider decide which tree fit is best suited for the gaited horse.
To earn the points necessary to win the Tucker Gaited Award, riders must compete at the casual and fun Competitive Trail Challenges (CTC) that are all across the U.S. Competitors ride a five- to 10-mile trail and are judged at obstacles along the way. At each obstacle, the horse and rider team is awarded points based on their performance. Horse and riders who place in each division are awarded prizes from a variety of sponsors, and the ACTHA maintains a database of points earned by each horse.
Tucker Trail Saddles also awards the year-end National Hi-Point Open and Pleasure division awards. The winners choose a Tucker saddle from the current saddle line and can be customized with conchos or other aesthetic options. Tucker works with the winners fitting their horses or mules to provide an exceptional saddle fit for ultimate trail comfort.
Since the beginning, Tucker Trail Saddles have been designed with the gaited horse in mind with tree bars that flare at the front for free shoulder action. Tucker Saddles extensively researches saddle fit especially as it applies to the gaited breeds. Saddle designs are taken a step further by keeping skirt lengths short for no gait interference. Tucker saddles have always been built to accommodate both standard and gaited horses to provide exceptional freedom of movement.
“Tucker saddles have always been designed with the comfort of the gaited horse and rider in mind, so it made perfect sense for Tucker Trail Saddles to recognize gaited trail horses by sponsoring the ACTHA Gaited award,” said Mark Jemelka, Chief Operating Officer of Tucker Trail Saddles.
The American Competitive Trail Horse Association was started in 2006 by two horsewomen that wanted a fun, casual trail competition. The mission of the ACTHA is to promote the great American trail horse through these casual trail competitions while raising money for horse rescues and charities. Up to 50 percent of ACTHA’s proceeds are donated directly to charity. With all breeds and riding disciplines welcome, points accumulated through the competitive trail challenges stay with each horse for its lifetime. ACTHA has grown into a national phenomenon which has rides all across the United States. For more information on the ACTHA, visit their website at www.actha.us
For more than 30 years, Tucker has dedicated themselves to the development, design and manufacturing of trail saddles and equipment that provide their signature Ultimate Trail Comfort for both rider and horse. Today, Tucker saddles are the standard in quality and style for trail riders. With the patented Gel-Cush shock absorbing seat incorporated into every Tucker trail saddle, riders all across the world experience ultimate comfort for hours on the trail. Tucker products are proudly made in Yoakum, Texas, and are sold through a network of authorized dealers; visit www.tuckersaddles.com to learn more.
