Rockin’ A Ranch Arena-- Running for Amanda

        Rockin A Ranch Arena in Pavo, Georgia runs barrel race competitions for kids and for adults and is run by Dawn Weaver Krauss and her husband. The Ranch arena is also known to many others as part of the Florida equine athlete. The Florida Equine Athlete is a magazine that publishes and promotes barrel, roping, and other rodeo competitions. You can find them and Rockin A Ranch Arena at http://www.floridaequineathlete.com/rockin-a-ranch--pavo--ga.html?fbclid=IwAR3xRJzjvGYOVE4ySSjzEQD2aFbUiQB_cQJXobmixHV5HOMAOR6AftJkuzE.

 This past week has been one of the more somber times for this facility since they lost a friend, competitor, and fellow horsewoman just a few weeks before. In remembrance of her and for her family, Dawn at the Rockin A Ranch Arena hosted an all-benefit competition for Amanda Leverett Davis.

           Amanda Leverett Davis was 40 years old and passed away after fighting cancer for five years. She left behind her parents, husband and a daughter, several friends, and those she considered her “Barn Family”. She was a teacher and owner of JustAmere Farm where she taught children how to ride and compete.

           Rockin A Ranch Arena many of the competitor riders donated winnings to the family, Sunny Dee’s Photography shot several pictures of the runs for the family to have and S91 videotaped the entirety of the competition.  Other businesses chose to come out and donate some of their amazing goods from horse equipment to western women’s accessories. Other business helped to sponsor this event including Tiffany Surles of State Farm at 850-577-1779, Fulghum Well and Pump Service at 229-896-4403, Team Sunset Rodeo Company, ANS Signs, Inc., Ace Development/Health Day (229) 561-2562, Milo Portable Toilets, Inc. (229) 460-0009, Patti’s Performance Products (850) 333-3825 and Shea’s Well and Pump Service. Personal sponsors included Taylor Bruce, Julie Murphy, Ala Wiggins, Bill Touchton, Jean Stephenson, Jake Sanders, Joel and Kristy Bailey, Jessi Nichols, Bev Langdale, Patty Roberts and Chuck Ramsey.

           Those who attended the event expressed their love of a friend, colleague, and fellow horsewoman. Her husband Anthony Davis posted for those who helped to make this happen,

“I want to thank everybody that was involved with today’s benefit show for Amanda Leverett Davis, especially Dawn Weaver Krauss and Steve Krauss Sr. for hosting. I’m not listing people, as I’m sure I will leave somebody out. Just know everything that was done today was appreciated by Amanda and me! I know she’s smiling big, up there 😇.

It’s awesome to see such a healthy horse community and even non-horse related community come together in honor of Amanda. She left her mark on us all, and it showed today.

I’m excited to announce that JustAmere will be hosting some jackpot barrel/pole races, as well as a potential buckle series in the future (not right away). We’re taking JustAmere in the direction Amanda wanted it to go and appreciate anybody that supports us!

Thanks everyone and enjoy the rest of your weekend!”

Dawn Krauss also wanted to thank all those who helped her during this competition; Serena Johnson, Taylor Bruce, Judy Griner, Rachael Thompson, Bonnie Foster, Caitlyn Griner, Jean Murray, Jennifer Marx, Jessi Nichols, and Kim Shea.   

 Dawn also posted to those who competed and donated their winnings. She stated on Facebook “Thank you ALL Who DONATED YOUR WINNINGS BACK to Amanda’s Family.”

Rockin A Ranch Arena also posted a huge thank you to all those who attended, competed and especially those that sponsored. Results for the barrel runners who competed is available at https://www.facebook.com/Rockin-A-Ranch-Arena-105293751782338/photos/pcb.1132866360913588/368216102156767.

Sunnie Dee’s Photography added pictures of the event and posted them to her Facebook page stating, “Here are the pictures from Saturday, August 27^th at Rockin a Arena! Please make donations to @Anthony-Davis-173 on Venmo to help carry on Amanda’s legacy, instead of paying me for photos! I usually charge $7 per phots, so please donate whatever your hear leads you to donate! Amanda left a lasting impression on so many people and this is the least I could do! XXIf you do use my photos DO NOT take my watermark off please!XX Please like and tage me for credits on these photos when using!” To access her album Amanda Davis Benefit Barrel Race you can visit her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066684618705.

Concession volunteers for Saturday’s benefit were Mike Sumner, Kraig and Amber Witmer, Lindsey Glass and her parents, Annie Paulk and their kiddos (as Amanda would call them). All proceeds from the concession were given to the family of Amanda.

Amanda Davis touched many lives while here on Earth. By the Grace of the Lord and maybe just a touch of her encouragement, this event in itself shows just how much of an impact she had to those who knew her. Everyone from friends and family to complete strangers were encouraged by compassion and spirit to attend this event, contribute to this benefit, and to show love. A community coming together is and always will be the way the Lord designed it.