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!

LARA Christmas Party

It's time again for our Christmas celebration! Members are invited to join the party Dec 10th at the Woodard's House. Turkey and ham will be provided by LARA and members are asked to bring a side-dish to share. We will have a campfire and Chinese gift exchange. Please RSVP to Lisa (khladyfish@comcast.net) and let her know what food you will be bringing. We look forward to another memorable celebration!

Channel 4 Interview - America's Favorite Trail Horse

Mary Baer with channel 4 news interviewed Mike and Traci (And Rusty) just before their episode aired on HRTV. The interview aired Oct 31st and then on Nov 1st, Rusty competed on America's Favorite Trail Horse. The story was in perfect time to encourage everyone to vote for #357!

Click here to see the interview from www.news4jax.com

3rd Annual Fall Poker Ride

Despite a wet early morning, our Fall Poker Ride was a fun event. Riders showed up from near and far to enjoy the trails at Gustafsons Ranch. The six mile course was decorated with Halloween ghosts and goblins and riders enjoyed seeing some new sights on the ranch.

As always, we had a super-fantastic lunch (thanks volunteers!) and some raffle prizes were given away and LARA member Micki won the $100 prize for the best poker hand. All in all it was a good day and we look forward to our next adventure.

click here to see pictures of the ride. and more pictures here!