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ABOUT ARCHA
One of Canada’s most dynamic and exciting western horse organizations! ARCHA is a group of dedicated people aiming to improve the quality of the western stock horse, and perpetuate the early Spanish – old west – traditions of highly skilled and trained working cow horses. ARCHA promotes cow horse events and enables the arena for showcasing the trained cow horses of the Western horsemen and women. Since 1981, ARCHA has maintained the tradition of showing, promoting, training and breeding of the desirable working cow horse by hosting many competitions in Western Canada. These competitions offer beginner to advanced riders a variety of classes in which to choose from that give the participant a chance to enjoy and compete in an event with people at a similar training level and ability. Thus a horse and rider may compete in as many events as they are qualified to participate in. Each year the ARCHA hosts a number of competitions for the reined cow horse. All ages of horses, all cow horse disciplines and riders of all levels of expertise compete.
There are currently 190 active members within the association made up of youth, adult and senior western equine enthusiasts. Skill levels range from the beginner to the professional.
THE REINED COW HORSE
The Old West created the stock horse, demanding a tough, enduring animal that could go for miles and herd the vast numbers of cattle in a bygone era. Not only was an athletic horse required, but one that could be completely trained in carrying out the everyday tasks of ranch life.
HISTORY
Historically, the Western horse can trace its training to the demanding and exacting discipline of the Spanish Light Cavalry, renowned for its great horsemanship.Later, this training was adapted by the early Spanish settlers in the Americas, and then modified to suit the rigors of ranch life in the 1800’s. The Vaqueros and Charros were then horsemen that combined with the hundreds of years of breeding excellence into athletic ability and good temperament, which cumulated into an elusive, but critical quality called “cow sense”. The result was a usable and desirable horse that won the West. The foundation for the highly competitive sport of the reined cow horse was established and Quarter Horses are primarily used.
Coming Events
2019 ARCHA WEEKEND COMPETITION DATES
| Date | Arena | Approval |
|---|---|---|
| April 20 | Roger Heintz Memorial Fun Show, Okotoks | ARCHA |
| April 27-28 | Claresholm Non Pro Buckle Series, Claresholm | ARCHA |
| May 24-26 | Cowtown Derby, Claresholm | NRCHA, ARCHA |
| June TBD | Claresholm Non Pro Buckle Series | ARCHA |
| July 6-7 | Ponoka | NRCHA,ARCHA |
| August 4-5 | Claresholm Non Pro Buckle Series | NRCHA, ARCHA |
| August 16 | Silver Slate Practice Woks | |
| August 17 | Silver Slate Schooling Show | ARCHA |
| Aug 29-Sept 1 | Alberta Snaffle Bit Futurity, Claresholm | NRCHA, ARCHA |
ARCHA Updates
ROGER HEINTZ YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Download PDFs:Roger Heintz ARCHA Youth Scholarship Application 2018
Scholarship Award Request Form
2019 Stallion Sale
Please use the following link to be directed to the 25th annual Alberta Reined Cow Horse stallion service sale! A great thanks to the generous stallion owners who have donated a breeding and good luck mare owners!
Live bidding begins on February 1, 2019.