Established almost 50 years ago, the Gaston County Horseman's Association continues to serve the equine enthusiasts, with our motto;

"JOIN THE FUN!"

PEGLEG COWBOY POKER RUN ON HORSES

Where: Kings Mountain State Park

When: Sept. 18th, 2010 Ride out at 10:00a.m.

Why: To raise money for Timothy Rhinehart to buy a prosthetic leg

Costs: $30.00 per rider - Includes Lunch and a TShirt

Contact: Linda Jo Rhinehart at (803) 222-2050 for more information

ACTHA - American Competitive Trail Horse Association

                                Not JUST a trail horse anymmore!

South Mountains CTC -

Ride Date:October 16, 2010

Affiliate Contact information: Debra Porter Email:dporter8@carolina.rr.com

Phone no.:704-517-9688

World Renowned Trail Ride Critic Dutch Henry`s Ride Proclamation for-

South Mountains CTC - Connelly Springs NC - 10-16-2010

Howdy Folks,  

Debra Porter and the volunteers from the Gaston County Horseman`s Association are invitin` you to take on a challenge. They`re hostin` their first ACTHA sanctioned Competitive Trail Challenge – That`s an eight mile trail with eight natural obstacles mixed in to test your horse comunicatin` skills. Not only will you have a great time ridin` with your friends, enjoyin` your horse and the beautiful scenery of South Mountain State Park – You can win fabulous prizes and ACTHA Bucks, too!  

You`re welcome to set up camp Friday. There are limited primitive sites and stalls available. Please call South Mountain State Park to reserve – 828-433-4772. Ride management will be there from noon on, and who knows what kind of fun and frivolities Debra will instigate with the early arrivals.  

If Saturday morning suits your particulars better don`t be late for breakfast, the Biscuit Burners are servin` up doughnuts and burnt coffee at 8:30 – And the FOOD AT THIS SHINDIG IS FREE OF CHARGE! – Ride briefing at 9:30. Ride out at 10AM. 

Bring your camera. You`re gonna want to stop and take pictures of your friends surrounded by the splendor of the mountains. The beauty and serenity of the trails at South Mountain are the very reason Debra chose to hold GCHA`s first CTC there. She`s invitin` you to lose yourself in 18,000 acres of majestic mountains; to enjoy the fall foliage, peaceful streams, your friends and your horse. Most of the trails are wide enough to ride side by side. Be ready to tackle the ACTHA obstacles and the mountain trails. Debra says, "This isn`t a ride in a city park."  

When you ride back to camp, tend your horse; grab your eatin utensils then high-tail it to Debra`s cook-fire for some of her homemade chili. Sit around and brag about your horse while the Judges tally the scores and hand out piles of fantastic prizes. And after the awards she`ll be servin` up homemade pies for dessert! 

Folks call your friends and make an effort to get here and explore a part of God`s beauty that you don`t do often enough. South Mountains State Park is one of the state`s most ruggedly magnificent parks. And Debra says GCHA plans on making this the most hospitable ride in Region Four this year!  

For all the specifics and notables about this ride call Debra Porter - 704-517-9688.  

To learn more about ACTHA go to www.actha.us - Be sure to watch the videos, too!

Gitty Up!

Dutch Hentry

 Over 18,000 acres with 29 miles of equestrian trails, beautiful mountain streams. Shoes are recommended, some elevation climbs on trail.  CTC ride will be appx. 7 to 8 miles on a wonderful trail.  Camping is available at the park with 33-stall barn, bathhouse with hot showers and flush toilets. Go on line www.ncparks.gov to make reservations. Park office number: 828-433-4772.  This is a ride you will enjoy because of the scenery, beautiful trails and the Gaston County Horseman`s Association hospitality you are going to receive. South Mountains in October will be gorgeous!  

PARTICIPANTS MUST REGISTER ONLINE TO PARTICIPATE. If you need assistance in signing up, please call the affiliate listed above.

Agenda:

Check-in Friday evening or Sat morning before 8:30  (Coffee will be provided)

Rider`s briefing: 9:30 am

Ride out: 10:00am - 11:00am

Trail will take about 3-4 hours, appx. 7-8 miles, 7 or 8 obstacles.

Lunch is included in entry fee and will be ready at end of your ride. 

Awards following lunch.

• Entries limited to first 60.
• Great prizes for 1st - 6th place Open/Pleasure/Junior divisions. Voluntary $20 jackpot for open division at check-in. Payout will be divided at ride.
• Open, pleasure, junior, and buddy divisions. See the FAQ page for questions regarding the divisions.

Fees payable online:

• CTC entry fee - $58 pleasure/$58 open/$43 junior/$40 Adult buddy/
• New membership fee - $25 individual; $40 family of 2; $75 family of 4; additional horse - $10 ea.; additional rider - $10 ea.

Fees collected at check-in: meals, electrical hook ups and stall fees

Lunch -complimentary

Stalls: $10.00 per horse/night

Campsites are $18.00 per night

Reservations for stalls and campsites must be made with park.

Additional contests will be:

Best dressed male/female

Best groomed horse

DIRECTIONS TO OUR RIDE:      Park address: 3001 South Mountains State Park Ave., Connelly Springs, NC 28612  (located in Burke County, 18 miles south of Morganton. From I-40, turn south on N.C. 18, travel nine miles and make a right turn onto SR 1913 (Sugarload Rd). Turn left on Old N.C. 18. Travel four miles and turn right onto SR 1901 (Ward`s Gap Rd). The park is onSR 1904 (South Mountains State Park Ave.)  Day of ride will have additional flagging and ACTHA signs.

Registration for this ride will close ____10/14/200__(2 days before the ride date).

If heavy rain expected, rain date will be October 17, 2010, otherwise come prepared for some light rain and bring your slicker!

*************************************************************

     From competitive trail riding, to hunt paces, events, rodeo, shows or simply riding for pleasure, G.C.H.A. is a family oriented organization, inviting all horse lovers to join.

     Monthly meetings are hosted at the Dallas Civic Center, local restaurants and different member's barn.

     Monthly programs include: Veterinarians, Farriers, Equine Nutrition, First Aid, Trail Equipment, Saddle Fitting, Equitation, Natural Horsemanship and much more equine related guests.

    Members receive a monthly newsletter on activities and events and are invited to all meetings.  The club plans monthly day rides, weekend camping trips, a fun show and an open show for the public to enjoy.

   Enjoy our website and contact us if you have any questions or comments.