"RIDE for the RESCUE"

A huge congratulations needs to be extended to the many riders who came out across the United States for “Ride for the Rescues” sponsored by the ACTHA "American Competitive Trail Horse Association" and the Humane Society of the United States. The trail ride did break the Guinness Record for World’s Largest Trail Ride Competition while also raising over $70,000 to benefit the Humane Society equine protection programs, horse rescue groups and the (At-Risk) equines across the nation.


I spoke with Tom Scrima, General Manager of the ACTHA about this event today. Tom stated they called on volunteers to try and coordinate the largest ride the group has sponsored. About 700 volunteers and 1,684 riders and horses met the call, and arranged and participated in more than 60 “Ride for the Rescues” competitions at locations across the country on June 13.

In May I wrote an article here for American Cowboy "The ACTHA going for the GUINNESS World Record" http://americancowboy.com/blogs/south-texas-cowboy/actha-going-guinness-... where Tammy Sronce, Two Time World Champion Cowboy Mounted Shooter of the Cowgirl Division was working very hard to put this event together. She has been a strong ambassador to ACTHA, said Tom who continued, “The ‘Ride for the Rescues’ marks a new era for horses and humans. We showed that coast-to-coast horse owners are willing to step up to the plate with their equine companions to help support horse rescue. The goal of ACTHA is to reduce the number of at-risk horses by creating ‘jobs’ for America’s horses and equines. This ride was the first, giant step toward a day when there are no homeless or jobless horses in America.”

“The Humane Society of the United States is committed to the success of every horse rescue in the country, and we are grateful for the opportunity to partner in this effort to raise funds for at-risk horses across the United States,” said Keith Dane, The HSUS’ director of equine protection. “By providing an outlet on a national level for more people to enjoy their horses and set goals in a low-stress competitive environment, the American Competitive Trail Horse Association is increasing the number of jobs – and homes - for adoptable rescued horses, and will be a big part of the solution to end the slaughter of America’s horses. I hope that more equestrians nationwide will follow ACTHA’s example, and work to find and create more opportunities for second careers for horses.”

ACTHA, a nationwide trail riders’ association and registry , is a true leader in the horse industry for recognizing and celebrating the value of rescued horses. The group demonstrates that rescued horses can be safe, reliable and lovable companions on the trail, and through its donations to equine charities, helps the heroes in the horse rescue community who give neglected horses a second chance. Because of The HSUS’ commitment to providing outlets for rescued horses to find good homes, ACHTA decided to donate all proceeds from the June 13 coast-to-coast benefit ride to The HSUS, which plans to grant funds to the local rescues where rides were held as designated by local ACTHA ride managers.

"This kind of selfless support to the entire equine community is what made working with The Humane Society of the United States so rewarding. People don't always realize that The Human Society is a charity and operates the largest sanctuary for rescued horses in the nation. What we found refreshing was that they take on the responsibility as the nation’s largest, oldest and most successful animal protection organization to actually grant money to other non-profits! It’s pretty amazing when you think about it...Anyone who is in this arena knows you always need more money," stated Tom Scrima.
There are more than 500 horse rescue groups in the United States. It takes a lot of resources to rehabilitate even one horse, and horse rescue groups, like other nonprofits, rely heavily on donations to sustain their work. These funds will help them help more horses.

The HSUS is a pioneer in horse rescue outreach efforts: As the nation’s largest animal protection organization, we offer nationwide hands-on assistance in horse cruelty and neglect cases; developed and maintain a national horse rescue database and Equine Adoption Network; co-founded the Homes for Horses Coalition dedicated to rescued horses, and cosponsor the Coalition's Annual Conference, convening concerned horse rescue staffers from across the country. The HSUS is also the nation's largest provider of sanctuary care to equines, providing care to more than 800 equines at the Duchess Sanctuary in Oregon and Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch in Texas.
Later this year, The HSUS (Humane Society United States) will open the Doris Day Horse Rescue and Adoption Center at Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch, allowing us to assist even more animals, over time, through rehabilitation and locating of new homes for adoptable horses.
Each year, ACTHA sponsors hundreds of rides across the country. The goal is to provide a casual, fun venue to showcase horses of all breeds while at the same time raising funds for equine welfare charities. To date, ACTHA, with the support of their affiliates, has raised more than $300,000 to support equine charities.
Tom stated, "Next year we hope to raise $200,000 during the 2011 Riders for the Rescue event." Additional information assisting ACTHA with their goals or becoming a member can be found at their web site http://www.actha.us/ Tom concluded, "this event could never had been so successful without the tireless efforts by so many volunteers who got the word out recruiting people to become part of a note worthy cause while breaking the world record."

Tammy Sronce,  was on hand at South Point Casino, Las Vegas, NV to receive the certificate presented by Guiness for breaking the World Record for largest trail ride competition event in behalf of the ACTHA. Founders Karen VanGetson and Carrier Scrima of ACTHA, are proud of the fasted growing equestrian sport in the country , where the great American trail horse is ‘not JUST a trail horse anymore.’
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