American Competitive Trail Horse Association

Hey guys! I was reading this month's Horse and Rider, and on page 16 there's a little blurb about the American Competitive Trail Horse Association. ANYONE with ANY BREED of horse can be a member of this group, and can compete in the trail rides. Or if you don't want to compete, you can just ride along for fun with your friends.

Check out their website - www.actha.us. As of right now they don't have any rides scheduled for Michigan, but if you click on the "Request a Ride Near You" link on the home page and submit your request, a message pops up that if they get 10 requests in an area then they'll start working on a ride in your area!!!

Even if you don't want to compete, this would be a great opportunity to set some goals for you and your horse to work towards, and then get out and enjoy some new scenery! Plus we can all ride together, so it could be a THF team effort!

If this is something that interests you please forward to all of your horsie-friends - it could be a really fun opportunity!

Two Horses - Great Story

There is a field with two horses in it. From a distance, each horse looks like any other horse. But if you stop your car, or are walking by, you will notice something quite amazing.

Looking into the eyes of one horse will disclose that he is blind. His owner has chosen not to have him put down, but has made a good home for him. This alone is amazing.

If you stand nearby and listen, you will hear thesound of a bell. Looking around for the source of the sound, you will see that it comes from the smaller horse in the field. Attached to the horse's halter is a small bell. It lets the blind friend know where the other horse is, so he can follow.

As you stand and watch these two horses, you'll see that the horse with the bell is always checking on the blind horse, and that the blind horse will listen for the bell and then slowly walk to where the other horse is, trusting that he will not be led astray. When the horse with the bell returns to the shelter of the barn each evening, it stops occasionally and looks back, making sure that the blind friend isn't too far behind to hear the bell.

Like the owners of these two horses, God does not throw us away just because we are not perfect or because we have problems or challenges. He watches over us and even brings others into our lives to help us when we are in need. Sometimes we are the blind horse being guided by the little ringing bell of those who God places in our lives. Other times we are the guide horse, helping others to find their way....

Good friends are like that. You may not always see them, but you know they are always there. Please listen for my bell and I'll listen for yours. And remember...be kinder than necessary - everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

Live simply, Love generously, Care deeply, Speak kindly...Leave the rest to God...