McDonald County Mules Usually Winners In Pea Ridge

PEA RIDGE, Ark. — “I promise you these animals feed off your energy,” announcer Kent Morris said encouraging the crowd of nearly 3,000 people to cheer the mules over the jump at last year’s Pea Ridge Mule Jump, the 28th annual jump.

The 29th annual Pea Ridge Mule Jump is slated for Saturday, Oct. 14. Events begin at 9 a.m. with the pro jump slated to begin no earlier than 1 p.m. It will be held in a field off Weston Street, south of Pickens Road (Ark. Hwy. 94).

Several mules from McDonald County — Pete, Socks, Carry from Powell, Kit from Anderson, Dan from Jacket — competed in various events throughout the day last year.

Don Shockley of Powell took third place in the 51-inch and over John Mule halter class with Pete. His grandson, Tyler Shockley, took second place with Carry in the 51-inch and over Molly Mules, and Paul Arnold of Washburn, Mo., took third place with Daisy.

Joe Sams of Anderson, Mo., entered Kit in every event, usually winning, garnering enough points throughout the day to win the Negel Hall Memorial Award in the senior division.

Other winners from McDonald County in 2016 were:

Barrel Race Adult, ages 17 to 49

3rd — Cuz, Jesse Hayworth, Washburn, Mo.

Senior, ages 50 and over

1st — Kit, Joe Sams, Anderson, Mo. 19.399 seconds Flag Race Adult, ages 17 to 49

3rd — Socks, Tyler Shockley, Powell, Mo. 19.09

Senior, ages 50 and over

1st — Kit, Joe Sams, Anderson, Mo. 17.801 seconds

2nd — Daisy, Paul Arnold Pole Bending Senior, ages 50 and over

1st — Kit, Joe Sams, Anderson, Mo., 26.5 seconds