HUDSON VALLEY RANCH HORSE ASSOCIATION

Welcome to the Hudson Valley's newest ranch horse organization! The Hudson Valley Ranch Horse Association (HVRHA) was formed in 2008 to help fill the demand for a local, convenient place for horsemen to rope, ride and slide with their ranch horses. Our mission: to promote horsemanship and sportsmanship and to provide an opportunity for ranch horses to shine.

Ranch horses, and ranch horsemen, are a unique group of athletes who must function as a team while adapting to the varied challenges that ranch horse shows and activities provide.  The HVRHA is dedicated to these athletes, both human and equine, at all levels of age and experience – and provides opportunities for youth, novice, amateur and open riders and their mounts.  Events and activities follow the guidelines of the American Ranch Horse Association (ARHA) and points can be earned for both the HVRHA and ARHA.  Clinics and activities throughout the year are open to both members and nonmembers in order to give both seasoned riders and “newbies” access to established talent and an opportunity to hone new skills in a low pressure and fun environment.

HVRHA typically has two different types of shows within a show year. We have our ARHA approved ranch horse shows and then have Open type ranch horse shows. The ARHA approved shows are judged by an ARHA sanctioned judge and follow the ARHA rule book strictly. Our Open type shows are judged by a local judge and they follow the ARHA rule book as a "guideline" but HVRHA rules are used as a whole.

When showing in our ARHA sanctioned shows, you must have an ARHA registered horse, which you can do the day of our shows or ahead of time. A few divisions do not require ARHA registered horses but please contact us for more information. The ARHA recognizes the following breed associations as eligible to be registered with the ARHA. If your horse is not registered with an association that is listed below, then your horse is not eligible for ARHA registration.

The following breeds are accepted:
American Paint Horse
American Quarter Horse
Appaloosa Horse Club
International Buckskin Association (Quarter Type)
Palomino Breeders Horse Association (Quarter Type)
Pinto Horse Association (Quarter Type)
American Buckskin Registry Association (Quarter Type)

The HVRHA is a volunteer run and sponsor driven association and we are proud to say that since 2008, our ranks have continued to grow with each successive year.  Members largely hail from the Hudson Valley of New York, but membership extends as far as Vermont!  Our membership list contains individual owners, breeding farms, ranches, and even families looking for an activity that everyone can enjoy.  Benefits of HVRHA membership include: eligibility for Year End Awards, discounted admission to certain HVRHA-run clinics, a 10% discount on in-store items at Walker’s Farm, Home and Tack (some exclusions do apply) AND 50% off the hourly arena fee and trail admission fee at Adirondack Foothills Equine.

The HVRHA plans to stay in the local area to allow competitors to keep expenses affordable while learning, showing and having a good time.   Any comments or suggestions are welcome - please visit our guestbook page and drop us a line – or better yet, COME JOIN THE FUN!

President
Scott Keyes

Vice President
Jeff Harrison

Secretary
Tacey Shannon

Treasurer/Charter Representative
Linda Delisle

Youth Advisor
Mark Samu

Board of Directors
Mark Samu
Kathy Urbanski