St. Jude horse-riding event returns to Myakka City for 25th year

MYAKKA CITY -- For a quarter century, Wishful Thinkin' Farms has hosted a horse-riding event to benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Tampa.

"We're not going to quit. The kids still need the money," said organizer Marie Jones.

Marie Jones, and her husband, Doug Jones, an U.S. Army Green Beret during the Vietnam War,and former rodeo cowboy, operated the property as a place to camp and horseback ride starting in 1989.

St. Jude approached the couple a year after they had lost a grandchild, and asked if they would consider hosting a horse-themed fundraiser. The Joneses agreed.

"They didn't know that we had lost a grandchild. That might have been divine intervention," Marie Jones said.

The fundraiser has been an annual event for 25 years, enduring even after Doug Jones lost his fight for life after a long illness in 2009.

Wishful Thinkin' Farms at 5815 Juel Gill Road now has a new owner, Ray Shannon, and through his generosity, the St. Jude three-hour guided horse ride will be held with check-in at 8 a.m. and riding starting at 9 a.m. Saturday.

In the old days, when the Joneses owned horses and a stable, the St. Jude fundraiser was a bigger event with participants signing up locally and from overseas.

"You have never heard yippie ki-yay until you've heard in it Chinese," Jones said.

This year participants who want to ride will have to bring their own horse. Those who don't ride can still take part to enjoy the country scenery and a good meal.

No reservations required. Folks can just show up, Jones said.

Any size donation is appreciated. Each rider will receive a commemorative pin. For $40, participants will receive a T-shirt and lunch, which includes chicken, pork, smoked mullet, fried green tomatoes, vegetables, salad and dessert.

Bobby Taylor, who handles much of the cooking for the event, says it's hard to say if the smoked mullet or smoked chicken is more popular.

"They don't last long," he said.

The Southern Brothers Band will play live music.

Sheila Taylor, who will lead the three-hour horse ride, said riders will see lots of woods and marsh.

"It's a beautiful place to ride with lots of pines and different kinds of trees," Taylor said. "It's very peaceful and quiet out here."

Those who want to ride can call it a day when they like, Taylor said.

Information: Call 870-589-3602 or visit facebook.com/horselady007.

James A. Jones Jr., East Manatee reporter, can be contacted at 941-745-7053 or on Twitter@jajones1.

This story was originally published November 18, 2015 at 5:19 PM with the headline "St. Jude horse-riding event returns to Myakka City for 25th year ."