Long hours on horseback
Jessica Read of Plains
February 25, 2010-Jessica L. Read of Plains, Mt., recently earned an award for logging 1,500 hours in the American Quarter Horse Association Horseback Riding Program. The program recognizes and rewards AQHA Members for time spent with their American Quarter Horse in activities such as trail rides, working cattle, pleasure driving and simply riding.
February 25, 2010-Jessica L. Read of Plains, Mt., recently earned an award for logging 1,500 hours in the American Quarter Horse Association Horseback Riding Program. The program recognizes and rewards AQHA Members for time spent with their American Quarter Horse in activities such as trail rides, working cattle, pleasure driving and simply riding.
A unique aspect of the program is its simplicity. Current AQHA Members complete a program application and pay a one-time $35 enrollment fee. Each enrollee receives an official AQHA log sheet to record their hours driving or riding an American Quarter Horse. Participants need not own their own horse, but all official hours must be accrued with a registered American Quarter Horse.
Fifteen subsequent awards are presented at 25 to 5,000 hour levels and range from merchandise gift certificates from Drysdales Western Store to a Montana Silversmith trophy belt buckle at the highest level.
Other awards provided by AQHA corporate sponsors include a $25 gift certificate at the 25 and 250 hour levels, good towards any item from Drysdales Western Store, and 750 hours earns a Horseback Riding denim jacket. For each additional hour level acheieved, members will receive Montana Silversmith roducts as awards. Also at both 500 hour and 5,000 hour award levels, recipients receive recognition on AQHA's website at www.aqha.com. Stephanie A. McCommon, AQHA Manager of Membership Services said, "AQHA is very proud to offer this program rewaring people who enjoy riding and driving American Quarter Horses. Enrollees are doing such diverse activities that it's obvious this program literally fits everyone who likes spending time with horses."
AQHA actively encourages horseback riding as a recreational activity that can be enjoyed alone or shared with family and friends. For more information about AQHA and its programs, visit www.aqha.com or call (800) 376-4811.