Central Florida Buggy Club

Alafia Barn Benefit a Big Success

Riders and drivers came from all areas of the state to support the barn project at Alafia River State Park. The Myakka River Riders of Southwest Florida area was well represented. Myakka River Riders are the first club to make a major contribution to the barn fund. The $500.00 donation has moved the project from the pole barn stage to the horse barn/completion date Fall/2010. The club is qualified to have two permanent plaques placed in the barn to signify their support to the barn project. It is hoped that other area clubs will match this donation. Several private donations were also made on this day. The entire event brought in over $2000. This includes the proceeds from the Gift Card Raffle and used tack sale.

All the riders were winners of a beautiful day as they explored the winding trails in the Alafia River State Park. Upon their return, they enjoyed grilled hamburgers with all the fixings, bake beans, potato salad, chips, and beverage. Several participants also won nice door prizes.

Connie Boyette compiled a stack of donated gift cards

(Valued at over $230.00) to local business and restaurants. She has been selling raffle tickets for the past 3 months. The drawing was held on Saturday and the winner was Ms. Diane Popovice.

The Park Manager, Coy Helms was on duty to welcome everyone to the event and to inform us about the newly formed Community Support Organization. The Friends of Alafia River State Park is one of the faster forming groups in the park service. This is due to the hard working officers on the board and the dedication of park staff. This working club will be the vehicle for completing volunteer projects and to receive tax deductable contributions to finance the projects. You are encouraged to join the CSO to show your support and willingness to work for the enjoyment of the park.

The next fundraiser event will be the Mobstacle Drive and Ride event on Sunday, January 17, 2010. For more information, please call Sharon Flack-352 796-7796.

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10th Annual Carriage Mobstacle Drive and Ride

at Alafia River State Park

January 17, 2010

A mobstacle is a combination of a driving marathon and an obstacle course. It is a timed event but it is not a race. The winners will be determined by the drivers and riders coming closest to the Secret Optimum Time. During the marathon you will be able to explore some of the most beautiful driving trails in our state park system. The grassy trails provide easy-going footing for your equine. The trails will have some fun challenges with rolling hills and small creek crossings. You will encounter both natural trail obstacles and man made obstacles. This year, we have included obstacles for the riders. Please keep the fun in this event. Use trail manners and safe driving practices at all times. Helmets are suggested. Horseback riders must yield to the carriages. Riders under 16 years of age must wear a helmet.

Marathon Part

To get started you must select your course distance. Short course (3 to 4 miles) or Long course (8 to 9 miles). The theme of this drive is “Exploring Florida State Parks”. Along the mapped course, you will search for information that relates to our state parks recreational opportunities. This information must be turned in at the end of the drive to validate that you were following the course. Please make sure your starting time and return time is noted by the timer.

Obstacle Part

Upon completing the marathon, you will go to the obstacle course.  The eight obstacles should be attempted but do not have to be completed. We want to keep the fun and saftey in this event. If your equine has a problem with an obstacle, just move on to the next obstacle (there will be no penalty). Your time in the obstacle course will be added to the marathon time.

This event will be a fundraiser for the 12 stall barn in the camping area at Alafia River State Park(completion date/ Fall 2010). Your $20.00 registration/donation (under 18 yrs./ $10.donation) will include park entry fees, great lunch, beverage, fun and chance to win great door prizes. Their will also be a used tack sale. For more information call Sharon Flack 352 796-7796 or email croomrider@juno.com or check our web site centralfloridabuggyclub.com

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Governor Crist Signs Bill Increasing Equestrian Safety for Youth

 “Nicole’s Law” promotes safety of children under 16 who participate in equestrian activities

LOXAHATCHEE – Governor Charlie Crist today signed House Bill 169, “Nicole’s Law.” The legislation creates safety standards to minimize the number of serious or fatal head injuries to Florida youth sustained during equestrian activities and recreation.

“Today I am proud to sign legislation that will help ensure the safety of Florida’s children and prevent serious injuries that otherwise could have been prevented,” said Governor Crist. “I applaud our Legislature for taking action to protect Florida’s future leaders.”

“Nicole’s Law” is named for Nicole Hornstein, a 12-year-old girl from Loxahatchee who died after being thrown from a horse in June 2006. This legislation creates safety measures for children who participate in equestrian activities and recreation. It requires a child under age 16 to wear a helmet that meets the current standards of the American Society of Testing and Materials for protective headgear.

Sponsored by Representative Joseph Abruzzo and Senator Dave Aronberg, “Nicole’s Law” applies to children age 16 and younger who are:

Riding on a public roadway or right-of-way.
Riding on a public equestrian trail, public recreation trail, public park, public preserve or public school site.
Riding on any other publicly owned or controlled property.

“Nicole’s Law” does not apply to children under age 16 who are riding while:

Practicing for, riding to or from, or competing or performing in, shows or events such as rodeos and parades where helmets are not historically a part of the show or event.
Riding on privately owned land even if the land is occasionally separated by a public road or right-of-way that must be crossed.
Engaged in an agricultural practice or pursuit.

Governor Crist signed the legislation at Hamlin Park, a seven-acre equestrian park, in Loxahatchee. Nicole’s father and mother Gary and Monique Hornstein, as well as two sisters, attended the bill signing ceremony.

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Horse Barn at Alafia River State Park needs Your Donation!!!!!

 The plans for the 12 stall horse barn at Alafia River State Park have been approved by the park system and it is now in the permitting process with the Hillsborough County Planning Department.  The barn will follow the same pattern as the barns at Fecthel Ranch and Rock Spring Run State Park.  The big difference is the Alafia horse barn will be built by 100% public financial donations and volunteer labor.  This will reduce the cost from over $100,000. to less than $10,000.   All donations are tax deductible and each penny will be used to build the barn.  A secure account has been established with the Friends of Florida State Parks to receive your donations.  All horse clubs are asked to meet with their members to discuss the barn project and vote to make a donation from their club treasury.  Clubs are encouraged to sponsor fundraiser events such as: poker rides, trail pace, 50/50 drawings, or just collecting pocket change during the meeting for this project. Any size donation is greatly appreciated.  If you don’t know what to get that special someone for Christmas or Birthday, just make a donation in their name and we will send a special thank-you note to them.  A program has been established to recognize large financial supporters to the barn project. Clubs, businesses, and individuals making a donation of $250.00 or more will have a personalize permanent plaque placed over a stall to signify their support.  This plaque will be engraved with your personal message such as ”In memory of ” or it can be used to promote you business or club.  Please make your check payable to Friends of Florida State Parks and write a note on the check For horse barn at Alafia River State Park and send it to:  Friends of Florida State Parks – Attention: Bunny Hanley – P.O. Box 6633 – Tallahassee, Fl. 32314.

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