Q: I have never competed in any of your rides.....am I still qualified to audition?

A: Yes! Anyone can audition. Some of our approved obstacles are listed on the ACTHA website with most having video demonstrating each challenge.

Q: Do I have to be a member to audition for America's Favorite Trail Horse?

A: Yes, due to insurance reasons all competitors must be ACTHA members. Thanks to our sponsors, there are $105 in products given for a $35 individual membership!

Q: What will determine who gets to compete?

A: Contestants will be selected on a first come, first serve basis, so register soon! The number of auditions is limited, and weekend slots will be given to early entrants.

Q: How will I know when my audition time is?

A: Your audition location and time will be given to you as soon as you sign up.

Q: When are Regional Auditions and Finals?

A: Regional Auditions will be held April 9 - April 23, 2011. National Finals will be held May 8 - May 12, 2011.

Q: Where will the Regional auditions be held?

A: Each Region will hold auditions in different areas within that Region. ACTHA will try to select centrally located sites to be accessible to all who want to participate.

Q: What obstacles will I have to do at the auditions?

A: You will be asked to do a trot over deadfall (cavalettis), a stop, a sidepass, and a back.

Q: Where will the National Finals be held?

A: The Finals are scheduled to be in the Austin Texas area at the Franklin Family Ranch...an amazing place ready to house, feed and entertain you! Go to http://franklinfamilyranch.com/ for details!

Q: How many horse and rider teams will be selected from each Region?

A: About 100 total horse and rider teams will be selected from all Regions to go to the National Finals. Each Region will be amply represented for both age groups.

Q: Will there be different Divisions in the AFTH competition like there are at Competitive Trail Challenges?

A: No. However, riders will be represented from 2 Divisions separated by age only. 45 and over, and under 45. All competitors will perform the same obstacles with the same requirements.

Q: If I am selected to advance to the National Finals, what happens then?

A: The finalists will be notified AT LEAST 2 weeks prior to traveling to Austin, Texas that they have made the cut. Each contestant will receive information with complete details on the location and all logistics.

Q: What is the cost to participate in Regional auditions?

A: The cost to audition is $149 per horse for ACTHA members. Non-members will incur the cost of becoming a member in addition to the $149.

Q: Is there an extra audition fee to go to the National Finals near Austin, TX?

A: No, there is no additional entry fee for those going to finals.

Q: How are the finalists selected?

A: Judges will be looking at the horse for communication, sensitivity, willingness, control, finesse, time, and horse personality to name a few. The horse will be evaluated on more than just the ability to complete the obstacles.

Q: Will there be other events at the National Finals?

A: YES! We've got several fun events planned. We will have a one-day Competitive Trail Challenge for all National Finalists. There will be ample time for question and answer sessions from talented advisors and clinicians. Clinics from ACTHA Founders and noted clinicians, such as national champion like Barbra Schulte and Monty Roberts. This will be a wonderful time of laughing, learning and just plain having FUN!

Q: Will I be responsible for travel costs to the Regional Auditions and National Finals?

A: Regional Audition travel expenses will be the sole responsibility of the participant. Those who make it to the National Finals and need financial assistance to attend may request assistance from ACTHA. Each request will receive individual attention and all efforts will be made to assist finalists so no one is denied due to lack of means.

Q: What costs will I incur once I get to the finals?

A: Primitive Camping - $10 per night; Lodging - $69 - $99 per night; food available - moderately priced $10-$15; stalls & paddocks - $10 per night. No hook-ups.

Q: What awards will be given at the National Finals?

A: Actual pot size will be based on the number of participants. The anticipated awards are as follows:

1st Place - $25,000

2nd Place - $15,000

3rd Place - $10,000

In addition:

In at least 10 select episodes, America will vote on their Favorite Trail Horse for that episode. In each episode, $5,000 will be given to the horse/rider who wins the most votes for that episode. (can only be won once)

Q: Can we travel to the finals to just watch the National Finals, even if we don't compete?

A: Due to the logistics, at this time, the National Finals will not be open to audience participation. However, travel family members are welcome, but lodging may be limited.

Q: Will I be on TV?

A: Auditions and National Finals will be filmed and featured selectively on ACTHA.TV and on National TV. Every finalist and many who audition will have 'face time' on TV.

Q: Do I have a chance? I'm not that good of a rider?

A: You should be at least an intermediate rider. But remember, this is about the horse and not the rider! That being said, you want to show him off in his best light. If you don't think you can do this, go on some ACTHA rides and brush up on your skills. Then maybe try next year (Yep, we plan on this being an annual event!). Or, if you are a fast learner, start practicing ACTHA obstacles and sign up late if spots are still available.

Q: What is judged exactly?

A: You will be judged on a variety of things. Horsemanship, control and communication, Horse personality, timing, willingness and of course stage presence of your horse!

Q: Am I governed by ACTHA rules during this competition?

A: Yes. Click the INFORMATION tab for the rule book. There aren't many but we do take those we have very seriously...for your safety.

Q: Can I do tricks with my horse during the obstacles to win audience votes?

A: The obstacle performance will be the main criteria. What you do in between obstacle performance is up to you, assuming no time is taken from your obstacle performance. At the Regional auditions, tricks will not be rewarded… only trail ability and general impressions.

Q: Can I ride bridleless?

A: No, we have to consider the safety of all riders who are present.

Q: Can I pick my audition time and date?

A: Signing up early gives you a better chance at a weekend date, but times will be assigned by ACTHA and every contestant will not have a weekend slot. Depending on logistics, we will try to honor general time requests, but you must be prepared to be at your audition at the assigned date and time.

Q: Can my friends and I have the same audition date and close time?

A: Yes, if you sign up together, but remember its first come, first served.

Q: How does the voting work?

A: At audition time, style will be a major consideration, but finesse and horse personality will count as well. Finalist performances will be voted on by the American public via online voting through ACTHA’s website.

Q: Who will judge the auditions?

A: ACTHA staff will judge the auditions in 2-person teams.

Q: Who will judge the finals?

A: American viewers! We will be there to help you, but America votes will determine America's Favorite Trail Horse.

Q: What prevents people from multiple voting?

A: As with any reality series, this is a challenge. We will note IP addresses from online voting and caller ID for phone voting, but some abuse is always possible. However, we will do all we can to ensure that the voting is fair.

Q: Can I campaign for votes if I make the finals?

A: ABSOLUTELY! We will provide you with social networking ideas to get your wonderful horse "out there".

Q: Can I use a gift certificate towards the entry fee?

A: Yes.

Q: Can I send a check to pay my entry fee?

A: No. Entry fees must be paid for with a credit card or prepaid Visa/MC posted to your ACTHA account.

Q: Can I change my horse after I have entered?

A: YES, but you need to notify us in time to register your new horse into the ACTHA system! Also if you wish you can try out with more than one horse. If you qualify for Finals with both horses, you may only compete with the horse that earned the highest points.

Q: Can I showcase a sponsor for my audtion?

A: The only sponsors that can be showcased are ACTHA sponsors.

Q: When will I know if I won anything?

A: America votes on each award (13 cash recipients ranging from $5000- $25,000!). Airing of shows and payments will begin in 2011 and as soon as possible after the finals are completed.