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!

Woodard's Obstacle Challenge

Despite impending bad weather, the obstacle challenge went on, rain or shine. The rain held off Friday long enough to get most of the obstacles set up. Saturday started with a monsoon rain and high winds about 7AM, but then the weather cleared and the world-famous set up crew put the finishing touches on TWO outstanding courses. Due to the high number of entries, we had a course for in-hand and a different course for riders.

After a quick walk through, the competition began. There were many good riders and horses, and it was nice to hear everyone cheering on their fellow riders. At the mid-point, some really cool raffle prizes were given away. Special thanks to those who bought T-shirts and tickets for the Cowgirl Swank bling cap. Proceeds from these items will be donated to the Leukemia Society.

As always, LARA members made a good showing, both on the course and off. Without you all, we could never have been able to put on this event. Thank you for your support and participation. To see pictures of the event, click here!

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