Equestrian Network Magazine

American Ranch Horse Association

by M. Y. Mim

Erica Keeney, Secretary of the American Ranch Association (ARHA), explains that "The mission of the American Ranch Horse Association is to promote well broke, reliable, working horses and members who share a love for that true equine athlete.

"ARHA is open to all western stock horse breeds, whether ridden on the ranch, on the trail, or in the ring; and to all horse enthusiasts who want to become better horsemen and have more fun with their horses."

ENM: What is the purpose of ARHA?

PEEK N MY Zipper & Sharon Larkin, Green Brier, Tennessee, earning the first ARHA Superior Event Horse Award in conformation.

ARHA: To promote the abilities of the all around versatile working horse, regardless of breed, through shows, clinics and sales in a positive atmosphere where honesty, personal growth and politeness towards fellow horsemen exists, where horses are always respected, and where true western tradition is genuinely honored.

ENM: What are the advantages of belonging to ARHA?

ARHA: The American

Ranch Horse Association is organized to encourage, promote, advertise and develop the ranch type horses as a unique and excellent athlete.

ENM: How does ARHA accomplish its goals?

ARHA: The Association conducts and sponsors ranch horse activities, events and contests nation-wide; establishes standards, rules and regulations for the efficient promotion of ranch horse competition; establishes qualified affiliate groups and organizations; establishes standards for judging the performance of ranch horses; maintains active records of individual ranch horses and riders; establishes recognition for such achievements; maintains the traditional and historical connection of the ranch horse with the ranching and livestock industry; and cooperates with other equine associations having a common purpose.

ENM: What makes ARHA special?

ARHA: The ARHA is a group of dedicated horse enthusiasts looking to enjoy their horses in an entirely different type of competitive atmosphere.

ENM: When was the Association formed?

ARHA: Only two years ago and already we have 2,800 members across the nation. ARHA is divided into these regions: Pacific Region, West Central, East Central, Southwest, Southeast and Northern. Currently, about 70% of our members are in the Southeast region which includes our physical headquarters in Nancy, Kentucky.

ARHA logotype and accompanying photo.

ENM: What are the primary activities in which you participate?

ARHA: Our list of activities is impressive, particularly for a relatively new organization. We host competitions, clinics, and educational events for registered stock-type breeds throughout the year. Our biggest event is the ARHA Stallions Stakes and Three-Year-Old Ranch Horse Challenge are set up much like a breeders' classic or futurity, with money paid out for both events.

For kids, we have special youth memberships and youth division competitions, include a Rookie of the Year Award.

For the ranch horse enthusiast who enjoys the wide open spaces of the trails and woods, ARHA offers an alternative to the show ring, and a way to earn awards and recognition with your ARHA registered horses. The purpose of the Horseback Riding Saddle Log program is to encourage and reward casual, non-show oriented pleasure riding. This may include competitive trail rides, trail trials, etc.

To learn more about the American Ranch Horse Association, visit the website at www.americanranchhorse.net.

About the Author: M. Y. Mim is a free-lance journalist based in Santa Barbara, Ca. She may be reached at mymim3@cox.net, or through her agent R. Almqvist, 805-705-5349.

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