Size is not always the best predictor of ability.
One of the smallest mules competing in the pro jump -- little Baxter at only 49 inches tall at the withers -- cleared 50 inches. His ears barely showed above the curtain and he could not see over it, but he trusted his owner, Jerry Nelson, who coaxed him over.
Dozens of mules of various sizes, colors and ages gathered in town this weekend for the 28th annual Pea Ridge Mule Jump. There was Boo, Cadillac, Ginger, Mollie, Sissy, Bedalia, Baxter, Chuck, Jes, Levi, Concho, Comet's Shadow, Pete, Cuz, Dollar, Pearl, Daisy, Kansas, Priscella, Clover, Carry, Socks, Molly, Jewell, Cooper, Ester, Miss Kitty, Kit, Maverick, Bulls Eye, Grasshopper, Sadie and Radar to name a few.
Last year's winner, Sadie, won this year, clearing 62 inches. Sadie is owned and shown by owner Les Clancy of Ozark, Mo. Second place went to 28-year-old Radar shown by Mike Call of Henley, Mo., and third place went to Peaches (a former winner), shown by Clancy. Dan, shown by J.R. Fletcher of Jacket, Mo., successfully cleared the jump five times before dropping out when he wouldn't jump 52 inches.
Announcer Kent Morris encouraged the crowd to cheer for the mules, especially when they balked at a jump. Each mule had two tries to clear each height and were eliminated until only one remained.
"Alright guys, let's make it go higher," Morris said. "We've got eight left."
The jump for mules 51 inches and taller began at 40 inches. One, by one, mules either balked or knocked down the curtain until there were six left at 48 inches.
"Miss Sandy wanted your help," Morris tells the audience. "Alright ladies and gentlemen, help her -- and over she goes!
"Here's your 2015 champion of this jump," Morris says when Bulls Eye saunters up to the jump. "They have a winning hat."
And, when he doesn't clear the jump, he says: "Bulls Eye just wasn't feeling it today. Tell 'em thank you."
Then there were three -- Miss Kitty, Rooster and Grasshopper. The latter two failed to clear 52 inches leaving Miss Kitty as the winner and them tied for second.
Multiple events -- a barrel race, a flag race, pole bending -- were interspersed with the jumps. Many of the competitors were related to one another and have participated both at Pea Ridge and other jumps over the years.
"Ragin' Rooster has got a woman on his back who ain't afraid to ride him all the way to the ground," Morris said as Maranda Stites of Pea Ridge came in with a time of 17.2 seconds in the barrel race to win first place.
There were many first time visitors to the mule jump.
Robbie Land of Bella Vista said: "That was a lot of fun! Amazing to see."
Julie Cook of Pea Ridge said: "My first mule jump and I loved it."
General News on 10/12/2016