ACTHA to host benefit ride for Crossroads Center

The American Competitive Trail Competition will sponsor a competitive trail competition Aug. 25 at Arkalon Park (10 miles northeast of Liberal, Kan., on Hwy 54). The competition will benefit Crossroads Center, a non-profit organization that provides riding activities for individuals with disabilities.

The competition consists of approximately six miles, six obstacles and six judges. It provides riders with an opportunity to ride the surprisingly varied terrain of Arkalon Park (canyons and hills, marshland, streams and groves of cottonwood trees) while still competing. Many obstacles are constructed from natural elements to create interesting situations that may occur on trail and challenge the horse/rider team to safely negotiate the obstacle. Riders not wanting to participate on obstacles can join up as a "Buddy Rider" (see website for details).

Awards for first to sixth place in all divisions: Open, Pleasure and Junior. Prizes will be awarded for best dressed female and male, as well as best groomed horse (not a costume event). There will be lots of door prizes given away after the ride. All riders are eligible to win.

All riders who register online at least 20 days prior to ride date will be eligible for the drawing for one cash prize of $35. You might be the lucky rider to have his or her ACTHA membership cost reimbursed--just for signing up early.

Optional jackpots for Open ($20) and Pleasure ($10) will be offered. Payout will be determined by number of entries in each jackpot.

Proceeds from the ride benefit Crossroads Center, Inc., a non-profit organization that offers children and adults the benefits of therapeutic riding.

The ride Aug. 25, but riders must sign up online by Aug. 22. Participants must register online at www.actha.us. Click the "Our Rides" icon and select "Rides & Locations" for more information about this ride. ÔÇÆRegistration for this ride will close Aug. 22. No late registrations accepted per ACTHA rules. If you need assistance with online registration, please contact ACTHA by phone at 1-877-992-2842 or e-mail: actha@actha.us.

For more information contact Crossroads Center. Visit www.crossroadsctr.org or call Rena Cross, Crossroads executive director at 620-624-3113.

Date: 8/6/12