Rebecca Phelps of Kempner recently enrolled in the American Quarter Horse Association Horseback Riding Program which recognizes and rewards AQHA members for time spent with their American quarter horses in activities such as trail rides, shows, working cattle, pleasure driving and simply riding.

A unique aspect of the program is its simplicity. Current AQHA members complete a program application and pay a one-time $25 enrollment fee. Each enroller received an official AQHA log sheet to record their hours driving or riding an American quarter horse.

Participants need not own their horse, but all official hours must be accrued with a registered American quarter horse.

Nine subsequent awards are presented at 100- to 5,000-hour levels and range from merchandise gift certificates to belt buckles.

Horseback riding provides good exercise, according to the U.S. Department of the Interior, which notes that 27 million people participate in horseback riding nationally. For program information, visit www.aqha.com or phone (806) 376-4811.