Debbie J. Hoffman of Clear Spring recently enrolled in the American Quarter Horse Association Horseback Riding Program.
The program recognizes and rewards association members for time spent with their American Quarter Horses in activities such as trail rides, shows, working cattle, pleasure driving and simply riding.
One aspect of the program is its simplicity. Association members complete a program application and pay a one-time $25 enrollment fee. Each enrollee receives an official association log sheet to record their hours driving or riding a quarter horse.
Participants need not own their own horse, but all official hours must be accrued with a registered American Quarter Horse.
Nine subsequent awards are presented at 100- to 5,000-hour levels, and range from merchandise gift certificates from Drysdale's Western Stores to a Montana Silversmiths trophy belt buckle at the highest level.