Winning at a horse show isn't the only way to earn a big, shiny Montana Silversmiths buckle. Through the American Quarter Horse Association Horseback Riding Program, thousands of AQHA and American Quarter Horse Youth Association members have discovered another way to enjoy their time horseback, while still having the opportunity to set goals and earn awards.
The program was started in 1991 and is open to all members. Participants keep track of the time they spend in the saddle, using the hourly log sheet available at www.aqha.com/recreation, and send in their logs to AQHA. Rewards begin at the 25-hour level and go up to the 5,000-hour point, which is the highest level of recognition and is rewarded with a Montana Silversmiths buckle. Lower-level prizes include T-shirts, patches, jackets and gift certificates to AQHA Corporate Partner Drysdales Western Store.
AQHA recently created a Web page, http://www.aqha.com/recreation/500-Hour%20Achievers/500hourachievers.html, to recognize the 500-hour riders. Riders who reach the 5,000-hour level will be featured in an article in America's Horse, AQHA's official member publication.
The All-Breeds division of the Horseback Riding Program recognizes and rewards AQHA or AQHYA members for time spent riding any breed of horse. Sponsored by AQHA Corporate Partner Drysdales Western Store, this program allows riders to log the hours on official log sheets to earn a patch and rocker bars. The awards series culminates at 2,000 hours with a certificate of completion.
The one-time enrollment fee for the program is $35.
For more information on visit www.aqha.com.
