FORT WORTH, Texas— There’s nothing better than leaving today’s often- hectic lifestyle behind and exploring the vast lands that America has to offer. The American Paint Horse Association (APHA) gives you the opportunity to do just that while riding your horse. From pine forests to breathtaking mountain views to spacious prairie lands, you can enjoy the great outdoors on APHA-sponsored trail rides that will be offered throughout 2007. Saddle up with APHA for a great time with your horse and other riders with the same interests. Following are the trail rides that have been confirmed so far.

Rancho Oso
Santa Barbara, Calif.
Feb. 23-25
California’s Rancho Oso Guest Ranch and Stables is located on 310 acres surrounded by the Los Padres National Forest. The rustic mountain setting makes you feel like you are worlds away from civilization. With a blend of Southern California’s natural scenic beauty, Rancho Oso offers miles of beautiful backcountry trails to suit any riding style, from beginner to advanced.

Horse Heaven Ranch
Talihina, Okla.
May 4-6
Horse Heaven Ranch, located in Talihina, Okla., is true to its name. You and your horse will both enjoy the pine-covered countryside and native wildlife on the scenic trails. The ranch borders the Ouachita National Forest and has five entrances to more than 125 miles of marked trails. You can ride for hours and never see the same view twice.
Black Hills Trail Ride
Nemo, S.D.
July 13-15
Hosted by the South Dakota Paint Horse Club, this ride explores the trails of the Black Hills. The HOM (Hideaway of the Mountains) Camp is nestled in the peacefulness of the pine trees. Activities include a sing-along on Friday evening, and possible side trips to Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse or Deadwood. For information on this ride, visit the South Dakota Paint Horse Club Web site at sdphc.com, or contact Sharon Karp at (605) 754-6415, e-mail [email protected] .
Golden Hills Trail Ride
Raymondville, Mo.
July 27-29
Golden Hills is located in the heart of the beautiful Ozark Mountains of south-central Missouri. This picturesque ranch, which encompasses 5,100 acres, offers a variety of natural wonders. Golden Hills has more than 250 miles of trails, as well as nine miles of spring-fed streams, massive bluffs, wide open range, forest land and caves large enough to ride your horse into. Your riding experience will cover some of the most amazing countryside in the Ozarks, with occasional sightings of deer or turkey.

Fort Robinson
Crawford, Neb.
Sept. 3-8
An annual favorite, the “Fort Rob” ride combines the history of the American West with majestic natural surroundings. Located three miles west of Crawford, the park is located in the Pine Ridge region of northern Nebraska. Fort Robinson spans more than 22,000 acres, with outstanding trails that pass through tall-grass prairies, breathtaking rock formations and Ponderosa pine forests. Activities will include an evening steak fry with entertainment, a cattle roundup and breakfast on the buttes.

Additional APHA and regional club rides are being organized for 2007 in New Mexico and Tennessee. Look for updates on the APHA trail ride Web site at apha.com/trailrides . You may also contact APHA at [email protected] or call Cindy Grier at (817) 834-2742, extension 413. Please note that all breeds of horses and mules are welcome as are non-APHA members.

Enjoy the benefits of Ride America®
Before you sign up for one of APHA’s trail rides, why not join the association’s Ride America program? Ride America members can earn two hours of credit for every hour ridden on official APHA Trail Rides, or by riding in national and state parks, grasslands or historic areas, as recognized by the U.S. or Canadian National Parks Services. It’s an easy way to log additional hours.

Through the Ride America saddle-log program, APHA members earn rewards and recognition for their achievements while riding or driving an American Paint Horse.

When riders enroll in Ride America, they receive an official time log and a Ride America patch. They record each hour spent riding or driving their American Paint Horse as they move through 14 achievement levels—from 100 to 10,000 hours. APHA records their accomplishments and rewards them with special gifts, such as patches, feed and grooming products.

To learn more about APHA’s Ride America program, log on to apha.com/rideamerica .

Recreational Riding Guide is now available
Whether you are able to take part in one of APHA’s trail rides or are just a weekend recreational rider, you want to stay safe, and be prepared and fully informed while on horseback. That is why APHA offers you the updated Guide to Recreational Riding (PDF Download). This guide contains information that will ensure your trail ride experience is safe and enjoyable for both you and your horse. For your free copy, call (817) 834-2742, extension 439.