10th Annual Mobstacle a Success
The tenth annual Mobstacle held on January 17, was a successful event in obtaining $425.00 in donations toward the Horse Barn at Alafia River State Park. This event was sponsored by the newly formed community support organization, “Friends of Alafia River State Park”. Members of the Myakka River Riders, Triple B, Central Florida Buggy Club, Florida Whips, and the general public came out to show their support for the Alafia Barn Project. This year the Mobstacle event was open for rider competition. The riders and drivers explored the beautiful trails together and everyone had a learning experience. Some participants found it difficult to navigate the trail map but they were quickly redirected to the correct path. Some very small (VSE-AKA Mini) equines enjoyed the water obstacle / which was created by the over night heavy rain. Rosemary’s Prince decided to lay down in the creek crossing- TWICE. Snuggles the dog, was tucked under the driver’s seat and got very cool wet feet. Snuggles did not complain, he was just glad to be out on the trail. Participants found questions along the trail about our Florida State Parks and their recreational opportunities. Park Manager, Coy Helms joined in on the fun to have a different view of the park. He was a passenger/ groom for Connie Boyette, driving Kate (Huge Draft Mule) hitched to a four wheeled wagon. Coy was very resourceful in answering all the questions without having to reference the park guide. He learned that it is sometimes difficult handle a head strong mule.
Riders and drivers kept fun in the Obstacle challenge. Some horses balked at the mailboxes, some did not like the back up box, but not one complained about the carrot/ apple obstacle.
Upon crossing the finish line, the horses were quickly tended to, and everyone gathered for a wonderful lunch. It included grilled cheeseburgers, chips, baked mac and cheese, coleslaw, pound cake and soda. The winners / closest to the secret time / included: Short Distance Drivers- 1st place Rosemary Meredith / Prince, 2nd place Nancy Slater/Fancy, 3rd place Francine Lucas/Bella, Short Distance Riders- 1st place Trudi Jo Canter/ Sonny, 2nd place Mariam Lauer/ CT, 3rd place Mary Lou Sapp/Maverick. Long Distance Drivers- 1st place Connie Boyette / Mule Kate, 2ndplace Carol Gregg/Shots of Moonshine 3rd place Becky Card Swerdloff/ Hershey / Long Distance Riders- 1st place Johnie Jamison/Zorro 2nd place Deborah White/Zante, 3rd place tie between Cathy Slusser/Tucker and Andrea Mosier/Indy.
Special THANKS to all the Friends volunteers, park volunteers, park staff, and to Connie Boyette for all the work in making this event possible.
If you were not able to make it this year, please come to the 11th Annual Mobstacle in January 2011. It will be open for riders and drivers.
For more information about the Alafia Barn Project (Completion Date/ Fall 2010) call Sharon Flack 352 796-7796.