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By Karen Nowak

Greetings Madison County horse lovers!

Brookfield was the site of 2 trail rides from the Madison County Fairgrounds and the Beaver Creek Forest section of the state horse trail system the weekend of September 10th and 11th.

Saturday September 10th was the annual Jeffrey Dye Memorial Ride, which raises funds for the Leukemia Foundation. This event has been organized and managed for several years by Crystal Dye Cowen, in memory of her son. This very popular and well attended event is held every year on the 2nd Saturday of September. It includes a trail ride, scavenger hunt, poker run (jackpot), trail versatility class and lots of prizes. All proceeds go to the Leukemia Foundation.

The Brookfield Riding and Driving Association has become an affiliate member of ACTHA (American Competitive Trail Horse Association). On Sunday September 11th, we hosted our first ACTHA Competitive Trail Challenge. For those not familiar with ACTHA, this nationwide organization was created to recognize trail riding as a sport. It has grown by leaps and bounds with rides in every state. ACTHA supports a number of charities with their percentage of the proceeds from each event – horse rescues, 4H and therapeutic riding centers.

A Competitive Trail Challenge (CTC) is a trail ride competition that is a 6-10 mile trail ride with judged obstacles (mostly natural) along the way. Each obstacle has its own judge. Ribbons and prizes are given to 1st -6th place for each division. Jackpot cash is also awarded. Riders accumulate points from each ride and placing toward national medal awards – Bronze, Silver, Silver Elite, Gold, Platinum and Hall of Fame. These rides are a great way to meet new people, enjoy the beautiful scenery, test your skill and, most of all, have fun! For more information about the ACTHA program, go to their website: http://actha.us/faq

Our percentage of the proceeds from the ACTHA ride will be used for further improvement/maintenance of the Madison County Fairgrounds horse show arena and stables.

In 2012, we will be hosting the following events from the fairgrounds:

  • 2 ACTHA rides
  • A 3 show series, which includes the Madison County Fair horse show
  • A driven dressage festival in June
  • A dressage schooling show in May
The proceeds from all will benefit the horse show area at the Madison County Fairgrounds.

We have a fledgling website under construction: http://brda.us Watch for details on our upcoming events and shows!

Karen Nowak is the president of the Brookfield Riding and Driving Association. She may be reached at Knowak5170@aol.com
 


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