Pennsylvania women is rewarded time spent riding her Paint Horse

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

FORT WORTH, TEXAS—Terrie Hines of Tyrone, Pa., has been riding horses since the age of four and has always had a special love for Paint Horses. Hines owns Classic Design Lady, a 10-year-old sorrel overo mare, better known as “Classy.” The duo has been hitting the trails since Classy was two and in 1999, Hines discovered a way to be rewarded for the time she spent in the saddle. She signed up with the American Paint Horse Association’s Ride America® program and has recently logged 3,500 hours on horseback.

“There’s something about the time with Classy, it makes me feel wonderful,” Hines said.

For their time on the trails, Hines and her mare receive a special  commemorative patch from APHA, a special achievement certificate and one ton of horse feed from APHA sponsor Kent Feed.

APHA’s saddle-log program has given Hines and other APHA members the opportunity to ride or drive their favorite American Paint Horse at their own pace and to receive recognition for their accomplishments. When riders enroll in Ride America, they receive an official time log and a Ride America patch. They record each hour spent riding their American Paint Horse and as they move through 14 achievement levels— from 100 to 10,000 hours—APHA records their accomplishments on the horse’s performance record and rewards the team with special patches. Depending on the number of hours ridden, participants also earn grooming products, headstalls and saddle pads.

Hines purchased Classy as a yearling in 1997 and soon began to pony her on trail rides. By the age of two, Classy was ready to go on her own.

“She is the best horse I’ve ever owned,” Hines said. “Classy has been there for so many things in my life. She is the best buddy I could have asked for.”

They enjoy the peacefulness of the many trails near Hines’ home in central Pa., but Hines’ favorite place to ride is in the woods right out her back door.

“It is the prettiest place, with the mountains and water,” Hines said. “There is nothing but wildlife and quite out there.”

Hines rides daily and is usually accompanied by her 6-year-old son and a good friend and neighbor who is also a Paint Horse owner.

More about Ride America
If you are interested in becoming part of APHA’s saddle-log program, call APHA’s Ride America coordinator at (817) 834-2742, ext. 249, or e-mail rideamerica@apha.com. You can also visit the Ride America Website at apha.com/rideamerica.

More about American Paint Horses
Among the many qualities that make Paint Horses desirable are their sound conformation, versatile athletic ability, intelligence, calm temperament, willing disposition and beautiful coat color patterns. For more information about the Paint Horse or the American Paint Horse Association and its activities and programs, visit apha.com or call (817) 834-2742.