AQHA Has 29 Rides on Tap for September

Amarillo, Texas - School might be back in session for some, however, the busy time for people to take a break - horseback - will be during September. One of the most popular programs among American Quarter Horse enthusiasts is AQHA's Ride Program, an international series of charity trail rides that celebrates the joys of horseback riding while supporting many areas of the equine industry. Although branded to AQHA, horses of any breed and riders of all disciplines are welcome to participate. In September, there are 29 rides scheduled to take place from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada to Moab, Utah to Rothenfluh, Switzerland and just about every location in between.

"September is the biggest month for horse enthusiasts to saddle up and enjoy the great outdoors," said Gilean Newman AQHA's Manager of Recreational Riding Programs. "AQHA's Ride 2001 events are a great way for families to spend time together, couples to plan a getaway or for anyone to just spend a day or weekend on the trail with a horse. I'm excited that these rides and the affiliates hosting them are literally offering something for everyone."

Inaugurated in 1997, AQHA's Ride Program is sponsored by GMC Sierra in conjunction with Sooner Trailer. Each ride is hosted by an AQHA Affiliate with additional rides sponsored by the Association's International Affiliates. Riders will explore private ranches and some of the world's most scenic public lands. For the first time since the program began, AQHA and its affiliates also will present rides during the months of December and January.

All rides benefit local charities chosen by each host affiliate; local therapeutic riding centers; and equine health research, youth scholarships and other programs of the American Quarter Horse Foundation.

The complete list of rides for September is:
7 - 9 Robbie Rainer Ranch, Hunstville, MO
7 - 9 Springwood Ranch, Ellensburg, WA
7 - 9 Fair Hill Natural Resource Management Area, Elkton, MD
7 - 9 Ray Sutton Ranch, Gettysburg, SD
8 Laurens, SC
8-9 Sorrel River Ranch, Moab, UT
9 Rothenfluh, Switzerland
14 - 16 Langdon Ranch, Oakland, OR
14 - 16 Roosevelt State Park, Bar Best Ranch, Warm Springs, GA
15 The Sportsman Lodge, Livingston, AL
15 Centre Equestre De La Montagne, QC, Canada
15 Leatherwood, Mtn., Ferguson, NC
15 Crockett Ranch, Gillette, WY
15 Kapapala Ranch, Pahala, HI
15 Horse Power Hotel, Halifax, NS, Canada
15 - 16 Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, ME
15 - 16 Gettysburg Battlefields, Gettysburg, PA
16 Falls Creek Farm, Oneco, CT 16 Belgium Beach Ride
21-23 Hidden Valley Ranch, Eureka Springs, AR
22 - 23 Pond Hill Ranch, Castleton, VT
22 - 23 Lauderdale Co. Agriculture Center, Meridian, MS
23 Bradley Palmer State Forest, Topsfield, MA
28 - 30 Wrangler's Campground, Land Between the Lakes, Golden Pond,KY
29 Spruceview Farms, Mt. Upton, NY
29 Norman G. Wilder Preserve, Wyoming, DE
29 Cheff Therapeutic Riding Center, Augusta, MI
29 Cold Creek, Las Vegas, NV
30 Swains Greenhouses Inc., Eagle, ON, Canada

For more information on AQHA's Ride Program, visit www.aqha.com and select Recreational Riding. There, you'll also find a trail ride community chat, trail riding safety tips, and a complete schedule.

People also can call the Sooner Trailer Ride Hotline at 1-888-414-RIDE. Tom Persechino AQHA P.O. Box 200 Amarillo, TX 79168 www.aqha.com