Mules and donkeys shine at State Games
By By Tony Krausz/assistant sports editor
June 8, 2003
Meghan Moulds of Decatur stood next to her mule, Peanut, after winning the youth pleasure events with a smile planted firmly on her face.
Her smile was not just because she won a gold medal at the mule and donkey event, which was one of five competitions that kicked off the State Games of Mississippi on Saturday, she was also grinning because her favorite part of the day was about to start at the Lauderdale County Agri-Center.
Moulds's affection for the faster events became obvious when the mules and donkeys kicked it into high gear.
The rider won the gold in the youth speed competition.
Speed events included such competitions as barrel racing, flag racing and pole bending.
The unique event at the State Games drew 19 mules and donkeys to perform for gold, silver and bronze medals.
Mule and donkey consisted of 29 different classes or competitions for the one-day event.
Owners and animals competed in halter, which is judging the mule or donkey by appearance, wagon and ground driving, costume, and various forms of timed races.
There was also some combined skill events during the day.
Competitors tested their steady hands and the ability of their animal's aptitude to provide a smooth ride.
Brad Warren of Union captured the gold in the junior speed mule events riding Delta Dawn.
Johnny Herrington of Decatur took the silver in the junior speed mule events with his mule, Hannah, and Chris Sanderson of Laurel earned the bronze with Reba.
Sharli Moulds of Decatur took home the silver medal in the junior pleasure mule events riding Cheeko, and Sanderson won the bronze on Reba.
In the senior pleasure mule events, Robert "Strick" Strickland of Newton brought home a silver medal with his mule, CE, and Kathy Hennington of Union won the bronze riding Jubal.
Jo Sistrunk won the silver in the youth pleasure mule events with Silver, and Joel Sistrunk earned the bronze with his mule, Moses.
Strickland struck for silver again in the senior speed mule competition with CE, and Tammy Rogers of Philadelphia won the bronze with Ruby.
Brady Sistrunk earned the silver in the youth speed events with Ruby, and Jo Moulds captured the bronze riding Bessie Lynn.
One of the highlights of the day's show came in the costume competition.
Wayne Rogers rode into the the adult costume competition on Moses decked out in a frontier maiden costume.
