3rd Annual Poker Ride

Please join us Saturday October 29th for the LARA Poker Ride. We have been fortunate to secure a non-hunting location for the ride this year. Thanks to the generosity of Sherwood Gustafson, the ride will be held at Gustafson Ranch in Green Cove Springs.

The ranch encompasses thousands of acres and in the past was home to over 10,000 dairy cows. The Gustafsons no longer make milk, and the land is now used for timber, cattle and deer. This is a unique opportunity to be able to ride on this beautiful private property.

There is not a street address for the entrance to the ranch... It is on Oak Ridge Ave, between Hwy 16 and Hwy 17. Coming from Green Cove, you pass the old dairy on the left and a little distance further on the right is the entrance to the area we will be using. We will put out plenty of markers so you will know where to turn and park.

For more info, registration, and release form, please click here

GROOMING CLINIC OCTOBER 1ST

We have a great grooming clinic scheduled for October 1st at the LARA arena. This is open to members and non-members, and you can either bring your horse and participate or audit the clinic.

Topics to be covered include clipping, braiding, banding, hoof polishing, and general tips for preparing for a horse show... OR if you don't show and just want to know how to braid and some good grooming tips, you will enjoy this clinic too!

Fees for the clinic are: Members $15 / Non Members $25 / Auditors (no horse) $10.
Please RSVP to Lisa to reserve your spot.

Click here for more details!

Worthwhile Website

I would like to invite everyone to visit an excellent website... it is www.riders4helmets.com. Some very good information and statistics are offered on this site, as well as some very touching stories.

I am guilty of sacrificing safety for "looking cool," but after seeing a video about Olympic dressage rider, Courtney King Dye and her TBI (traumatic brain injury) I am going to try to be a better rider and wear a helmet. This is an unpredictable sport that we love. It doesn't matter if you are riding a green 2 year old or your 25 year old broodmare, anything can happen. Courtney's horse was walking and tripped and the fall was near fatal for the rider. She is still trying to learn to speak again.

Last weekend I rode at Union County Riding Club with a bunch of barrel racers. I DID wear my helmet and I DID get some looks, but some of the looks were from kids, so if I can set an example for them, I feel that I have done my part in spreading the message. Do your part... Use your Head.... Strap one On!

August Meeting

We had a fabulous first meeting for this year! A large crowd attended, despite hard rain and after-work traffic. Guest speakers from Black Sheep Search and Rescue (including LARA's very own JIM WILL!) told us about their mission and training and invited members to come out and see if it is something they would be interested in. It was very interesting to hear some of their stories.

Newly amended by-laws were available for review as well as financial information. LARA has an exciting year planned. Everyone is looking forward to the cooler weather so we can get out and ride without suffering from heat and/or bugs! Thanks to all who attended.

Click here to see photos from the meeting.

LARA 20111-2012 Membership Season Kicks Off

The new year has begun for Lake Asbury Riding Association. If you wish to become a member or renew your membership, please contact Lisa Buchanan, or join us at the first meeting of our new year. The meeting will be held at 7PM on Thursday August 18th at the Lake Asbury Community Building. We will discuss plans for the new year and update you on our events and community service plans. This will be an exciting year and we hope you can be a part of it! We need your participation, both as a volunteer and/or participant. Support YOUR club!

Autumn Obstacle Challenge

The Woodards are putting on an Obstacle Challenge October 8th at Bond Arena in Middleburg. There will be classes for Adult and Youth as well as in-hand and under saddle divisions. Entries are limited to 50 participants, so if you are interested in participating, please contact Traci Woodard for more info. We have some great raffle items, including a custom made cap by Cowgirl Swank - who designs caps for Miss Rodeo America.

LARA Picnic at Jennings

Don't forget the club picnic this Saturday June 25th at the Live Oak trail head in Jennings Forest. Come early and ride before lunch. Club will provide hotdogs and drinks. Participants are asked to bring a side dish or dessert to share! Please contact Lisa if you plan to attend (khladyfish@comcast.net) We hope to see you Saturday!