ACTHA Announces National Champions for 2014-2015 Competitive Year water, and the animals entrusted in our care). To create an enjoyable venue to showcase the wonderful attributes of the great American trail horse and granting the recognition they so richly deserve. Leading by example, ACTHA donates 20% of its member rider proceeds from each event to registered 501(c)3 organizations (usually equine charities providing care for horses in need), and provides a vehicle for organizations to raise funds to support their cause. Our mission focuses on creating and enabling humane treatment and employment options for every able bodied equine, reducing the burden on local, state, and federal programs to support the ever growing problem of unwanted, unused, abandoned, and abused equines. To further our mission, ACTHA will create and maintain 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. Left to Right: Pleasure National Champion Dr. Susan Wingo & Open National Champion Kathie Norman The culmination of ACTHA’s seventh competitive season was led by a sweep of southern belles and their AQHA horses. The Lone Star state of Texas is the home to a pair of National Champions in ACTHA’s 2014-2015 Competitive Season: Open National Champion Kathie Norman and her AQHA mare Handy Dulce Bar from Malakoff, Texas Pleasure National Champion Dr. Susan Wingo, with her AQHA mare Cat Bar Bobby from Karnack, Texas. Not only are these two ACTHA National Champions from the same state, but the pair have been friends for more than twenty five years. Together, they set their sights on winning their respective divisions in the 20142015 competitive year and competed side by side throughout the southwest to achieve their goal. Completing the trio of southern belles is ACTHA Junior Champion fifteen year old Elizabeth Bazemore of Micanopy, Florida and her AQHA gelding Cookie Monster. Quite the accomplishment for this young rising star in competitive trail riding as the number of competitors in the junior division of ACTHA continues to grow. ACTHA President Robin Tilghman stated, “We are extremely proud of all our competitors and the goals they have achieved this season. The dedication our members and volunteers bring to our mission of ending equine unemployment while raising funds for charity truly demonstrates that together we can make a difference in the lives of equines in need.” OUR MISSION: The American Competitive Trail Horse Association’s mission, duty and purpose is to address, educate, coordinate, and provide aid and relief to unwanted, unused, abandoned and abused equines on a national level. ACTHA’s mission to provide a venue for the trail rider to participate in the sport of competitive trail riding, focuses on educating participants on all aspects of the equine, care, training, as well as the importance of being a good steward of our natural resources (land, 36 Issue 6 • 2015 www.PerformanceHorseDigest.com