LARA Year Coming to a Close!

It has been a busy and fun-filled year. Our fund raisers for the past year (obstacle challenge and poker ride) were very successful and generated new interest in our club. We always enjoy opening up our membership doors to new folks who can add to our unique mix of skills and personalities! Elections are coming up. Watch your email for ballots and a member survey. Please take the time to complete both of these items and return to Lisa Buchanan. We are in the planning stages for next year's events, so if you have any suggestions or requests, please share them so we can accommodate your wishes. There are several volunteer opportunities with the road side clean up program and the trail marking efforts for the new Long Branch Trail in Jennings. LARA is now a proud member of the "Friends of FL State Forests" program and we look forward to making our mark on the trails here in North Florida! Help us make the upcoming year even better than the last one! We need and want your participation and suggestions!

Long Branch Horse Trails in Jennings Forest

Finally - after a year and a half - we got to ride with Rangers Frank and Beth to see the proposed horse trails in Jennings Forest. The rangers have been working on this project as time allows... between forest fires, re-assignments, and other duties. We were pleased with the route that has been mapped out. Most of it is on seldom-used older roads along shady corridors. Several areas follow the creek and are very scenic, and there are even a few small hilly areas.

We are encouraged to ride the trails by horseback (our scouting trip was by truck!) and get a true feel for the route. In about a month, Frank will submit the proposed route to Tallahassee for review and hopefully approval. After that, we will beging officially marking the trail. There are 3 loops varying in length from 2 to 8 miles. The trail head is already established and can hold about 8 trailers. There are picnic tables and a kiosk in place, but no water or restroom. We look forward to getting things under way on this project so we can have a new place to ride!

click here for pictures of the outing!

McCulley Spring Ride

Several LARA members enjoyed the Spring ride at McCulley Farms in March. This time of year, we never know what to expect... sometimes temps in the 30's and sometimes 80's. This year we sweated through several 85° days, topped off with lots of gnats and no-see-ums! Each night, rain threatened, but there was never more than a few drops, so the campfire was the center of activity. As always, it was a wonderful time and we appreciate the beauty of the McCulley Farm and the hospitality of the McCulley Family.

Click here to see pictures of the weekend!

3rd ANNUAL OBSTACLE CHALLENGE

Lots of members, spectators and other horse people braved the wind and cold for the obstacle challenge. We had a GREAT turnout and the day was a huge success. People went raffle ticket crazy and took advantage of the many nice gifts that were donated by local businesses and club members. One participant suffered a concussion and some broken ribs, but not due toe the obstacles... some horses running in a nearby pasture spooked her horse, causing it to bolt and the rider came off. Thanks to CCFR for their prompt response with no sirens!

The winners are:
Youth in Hand - 1st place Alexis Patton / 2nd Brooke Adams
Youth Under Saddle - 1st place Denise Will / 2nd place Katrina Willison
Adult In Hand - 1st place Traci Woodard / 2nd place Christine Adams
Adult Under Saddle - 1st place Karen Giroux / 2nd place Tammy Klaiber

Thanks to all of the volunteers that worked so hard to make the day fun! Thanks to Barbara Aponte for judging!
Following are some links to see pictures and results. Please note that on the results, at the bottom of the link, there are 4 tabs which account for the 4 divisions of competition.

RESULTS
PICTURES
MORE PICTURES

Obstacle Practice at the Arena

Lots of people came to the arena to practice obstacles before the big challenge. It was a good day with plenty of time to get the horses (and ponies) used to the new sights and sounds. Everyone did a great job and learned something from the practice.. even if it was that they needed more practice! Click here to see pictures from the practice, Sprite's first ride, and our trip to Perry GA to see Clinton Anderson.

We look forward to seeing everyone February 11th for the third annual Obstacle Challenge... Come have fun with us on Thunder Road in Middleburg!

GET READY FOR THE OBSTACLE CHALLENGE!

LARA will hold our 3rd annual obstacle challenge February 11th at Kenyon Ranch on Thunder Road in Middleburg. There will be in-hand and under saddle classes for both youth and adult competitors. You are welcome to enter in-hand and under saddle classes if you want more opportunity to show your horse's skills. Entry fees have not increased since last year... LARA members pay $20 and non-members pay $25 per class(PRE-ENTRY INCLUDES LUNCH!!) Plenty of raffle prizes and fun give-aways for your enjoyment. Bring your own chairs and all horses and mules must have a current negative coggin's. email khladyfish@comcast.net or twoodard@stellar.net for more info.

LARA members - this is a big event for us every year and your volunteer services are appreciated. Contact Lisa to find out how YOU can help! assorted Obstacles are available for practice (members only) at the arena.

click here for entry form1

Merry Christmas

Thanks to everyone who came to the Christmas Party, despite the dreary weather. We had some fabulous food in the barn and enjoyed a Chinese gift exchange. I'm not sure how Miss Lisa manages to keep her gift every year, but she does. Must be that "stink eye" that she gave the would-be gift stealers!

After the gifts were opened, we opened the barn doors to find a nasty drizzling rain. The campfire was going nicely, but not exactly good weather for sitting outside. Most everyone left and the cleanup crew went inside to do dishes and pack away food. Lo and behold, like a Christmas miracle, when we went outside again, the rain had stopped and we sat by the fire until midnight. It was a very fun evening and thanks to all who supported this event!