2009 Challenge Cup

ACTRA members have a personal interest in supporting those afflicted with breast cancer. The disease has stolen two beautiful, vibrant women from its midst over the past few years. The Association has honoured these women in previous functions in the past, but this was the first time an official fund raising event was organized. From there a decision was made to raise the profile of the fund raiser by marrying it up with the Association�s annual Challenge Cup.

The Challenge Cup has been an annual event since 1979 and features an ACTRA sanctioned Competitive Trail Ride (CTR). Of the six different types of events sponsored by ACTRA, CTRs are one of the most physically gruelling for both humans and equines. CTRs must be a minimum of 25 miles and are usually set at an overall pace of 6 miles an hour � not an easy task when facing the rugged terrain in South Rawdon, NS! What attracts so many riders to the challenge of a CTR is the criteria for winning � it is not the first team across the finish line (the pace is the same for everyone), it is the team who completes the run and can demonstrate the least amount of physical stress on the horse. This is very attractive to riders who want to challenge themselves but not at the expense of the health of their equine partners. More information relating to CTRs and other events sponsored by ACTRA can be obtained by visiting their website (ac-tra.ca).