Amarillo, Texas - April 16, 2003 - More than 60 rides already are scheduled with the American Quarter Horse Association's Ride Program-the kick-off event of the 2003 Ride season begins April 30 at Crawford, Nebraska. The April 30 - May 4 ride event is sponsored by the Rocky Mountain Quarter Horse Association.

Since 1997, more than 29,000 riders have traveled through scenic canyons, ridden across snowcapped mountains and strolled horseback along sunny beaches through AQHA's Ride Program.

Earlier this year, AQHA introduced the Passport card as a way to encourage recreational riders and recognize participants who attend more than one trail ride a year. Riders who have a Passport need to present the card at each ride attended. With the Passport, AQHA members can earn awards by attending numerous AQHA trail rides in one season.

Awards will be given in five-ride increments. All Ride participants who attend an event in 2003 will be entered in a random drawing where three lucky participants will receive either a grand prize of a Dude Ranch vacation, a new saddle provided by AQHA Corporate Partner Tex Tan or a $100 gift certificate to Quarter Horse Outfitters. The rider who attends the most trail rides during the 2003 Ride season also will receive a Tex Tan saddle.

AQHA members who also are enrolled in AQHA's Horseback Riding Program will continue to earn double hours on all AQHA-approved trail rides.

The Ride Program is an international series of charity trail rides that support many areas of the equine industry. Horses of any breed and riders of all disciplines are welcome to participate. Each ride
is hosted by an AQHA Affiliate.

The Ride Program, sponsored by Sooner Trailer, offers a variety of rate packages. Call the Sooner Trailer Ride Hotline at 888-414-RIDE for more information about an AQHA Ride Program event near you or visit the online schedule at http://www.aqha.com/recreation/ride/schedule.html.