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| Maple Springs Farm 3
2 Hwy. 275 Between Dallas & fu
& Stanley 3
a 704-748-1488 C
Bod 2 27, 2006
i eweaver@kingsmountainherald.com
The Double HH Ranch off
of Putnam Lake Road in
Kings Mountain held its first
Relay for Life charity barrel
races on Tuesday, April 18th
and Tuesday, April 25th at 7
pm. The proceeds raised
from this two time event will
be donated to Relay for Life,
a fund-raising team for can-
cer research through the
American Cancer Society.
“The $2 per person gate
fees, 50/50 raffle ticket sales
and ice cream profits went to
Relay for Life. The two barrel
races raised an estimated
amount of over $1,000 for the
charity.
The average entry fee for
adults and youth is $18 and
$6 for peewees. “There is an
80 ‘percent payback on
entries plus added prize
money,” said Ranch Owner
John Hagaman. Weekly win-
ners in the barrel races are
awarded prize money from
the jackpots and their times
are recorded for possible
future prizes at the end of the
season.
Every rider in the different
categories of Peewee (ages 10
and under), Youth (ages 18
and under) and Open (all
ages) raced one at a time. The
clock began as soon as each
horse crossed an invisible
laser beam sensor. Then, the
rider was faced with the
challenge of maneuvering
the horse around three bar-
rels, without knocking them
over, and bringing the horse
back through the starting
sensor which stops the clock.
All of this was to be complet-
ed in the fastest speed possi-
ble. If the horse accidentally
knocked over a barrel, five
seconds was added to the
final time.
“There are four divisions
in each race,” said Kings
‘Mountain Police Sgt. Lisa
Proctor, who came out to
ride for the cause. “If the
fastest race time is 15.0 sec-
onds. You will add half a sec-
ond to get the next fastest
time, another half a second
to get the third fastest time
and then a whole second to
get the last time.” She
explained that the runner
who made it in 15.0 seconds,
along with the runners who
came between that time and
15.5 seconds would make up
the first division. The second
division is among the riders
who had a time of 15.5 sec-
onds to 16.0 seconds. The
next division consists of rac-
ers with times between 16.0
and 17.0 seconds. The last
Linebergers * Linebergers
The Kings Mountain Herald
Page 5B
division is for any times
above 17.0 seconds. There
are winners in each division
giving more people a chance
to place.
Two of Proctor’s horses,
Trouble and Dollar, are direct
descendants of the great
Secretariat. “He was the
most famous race horse that
ever lived,” said Police Chief
Melvin Proctor. Secretariat
was named Horse of the Year
in 1972, at the age of 2, and in
1973 for his winnings and
setting world records in rac-
ing. He was titled the Triple
Crown Winner for coming in
first place in three grueling
races of increasing distances
over a 5 week period. Dollar
lost an eye in a previous acci-
dent but carried Sgt. Proctor
in the Open to a fast time of
16.6 seconds, finishing 1st in
the third division. This was
Dollar’s second time in a bar-
rel race.
Peewees, distinguishable
by their safety helmets, start-
ed the race. A few went fast.
A few went slow. A few
could not get their horse to
go and at least one little one
was lead by a handler on
foot. But all of the little ones
made for a precious sight.
The second group to race
was Youth, ages 18 and
under. The Peewees are also
allowed to race with the
Youth, but many chose not to
because of the competition
level. The Open category
ended the race.
“We had 43 Peewees last
year and 137 registered
members,” said Hagaman.
He likes the fact that a lot of
kids become involved. “It’s
good for them (to ride) and
it’s a lot better here than
what they could be doing out
there,” he said.
The Double HH Ranch
promotes a safe and family-
friendly environment with
no drinking, no profanity
and no fighting. Any rule-
breakers will most likely be
escorted off of the ranch by
the security guard or one of
the officers in attendance.
Hagaman has been hold-
ing barrel races once a week
for the past five years. His
riding season extends from
April to November. He gave
away $18,000 in prizes last
year. No one has been seri-
ously hurt at the Double HH
Ranch. Twin Lakes
Veterinary Services, out of
Shelby, is on call for every
event.
The Ranch opened in the
EMILY WEAVER / HERALD
Even the smallest of riders can exude ease and control. Morgan Bailey, 4 years old, races
her Palomino in the Peewees.
Riding for a cure
Barrel race at Double HH Ranch
raises money for Relay for Life
© EMILY WEAVER
spring of 2000 with weekend
shows and added Tuesday
night barrel racing in 2004
from March to November.
Every season riders can com-
pete to earn points that lead
to awards which include tro-
phies, plaques, halters, boots
and, to the Champion of each
of the four Open divisions, a
custom designed and fitted
Caldwell saddle.
“Each Peewee will receive
a trophy for participating
whether it was once or every
night all season. They are
the future of the Barrel racing
industry and we want to
encourage them all we can,”
Hagaman said. He admitted
that most of his work at the
ranch is for the children.
The Double HH also offers
weekend opportunities at
Barrel racing as well as
Junior Rodeo events and Bull
Riding drawing competitors
from as far away as
Maryland, Georgia and
Tennessee. In addition clin-
ics are held to provide train-
ing in: various aspects of
horsemanship.
The ranch averages about
100 entries per night. “We've
had as many as 200 people
come out (to ride),” he said.
“Anyone can register to be a
member and member or not,
anyone can come and enjoy
the events.”
General admission is $2 for
each person. Kids 12 and
under get in free. The new
rule changes and safety
improvements for the 2006
season are:
- All peewees must wear
helmets when riding or rac-
ing. i
- All riders must wear
jeans and cowboy boots on
horse back.
- No horses in the arena
while tractors are moving.
Hagaman would like to
thank the Proctors for their
help and support. Due to
their idea, a prayer box has
been set up at the ranch for
requests. He would also like
to thank Deb Hawkins and
Karen Hoyle who he says
has been his “right hands” at
Double HH. Hoyle has been
the ranch’s bookkeeper, barn
manager, and people organ-
izer, while still providing for
her 10 orphan children.
A Junior Rodeo is sched-
uled for June 23-24. For more
information on the Double
HH Ranch and upcoming
events call John Hagaman at
704-477-6655.
Collin Hart
Party.
older brother, John.
of Ruth L. Homesley.
Collin in the son of Dr. George
and Tammy Randall and has an [&&
Grandparents are Buddy and |
Sandy Blanton and Don and Tuck
Randall. He is the great grandson
Collin turns two
: Randall §
celebrated his second birthday on |
March 10 with a Bob the Builder
Double HH Ranch Awards
presented at Patrick Center
EMILY WEAVER
eweaver@kingsmountainherald.com
Cowboys and cowgirls gathered for recog-
nition, honors, good food and laughter at the
recent Double HH Ranch’s Awards Banquet
at 7:00 pm. The ceremony was held at the
Patrick Senior Center and hosted by John
Hagaman, owner of the ranch. Proceeds from
the 2005 riding season provided $18,000 in
prizes and a fully-catered banquet.
The ranch had 137 registered members last
year, including 43 Peewee riders, ages 10 and
under. Fifty volunteers help make the Double
HH a success in providing affordable, quali-
ty family entertainment. The ranch rules,
which ensure a safe environment, ‘strictly
prohibit alcohol, drug use and profanity.
“Our part in the horse industry is very
family-oriented. It’s a great way for people to
come out, have fun, enjoy the horses and
competition. It’s not an expensive deal
either,” Hagaman said. “Plus our concessions
are really good.” The vendors offer grilled
hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken* and other
treats at every barrel race.
Champions in each division among the
Youth, Senior and Open classes were award-
ed custom-fitted leather saddles. Reserved
champions or those who were awarded 2nd
place received boots for their horses. Third
through 5th place were awarded halters.
Peewees got to take home trophies and photo
frames to cherish the memories of their time
at the ranch. Many plaques were also handed
out for special recognition.
Awards were given to the following peo-
ple:
Peewees:
Champion Cheyenne Cearley; Reserve
(Close second) Hannah Warlick; Ashley
McCarter, Aston Johnston, Billy Warlick,
Logan Calvert, Morgan Bailey, Kelsey Bailey,
Tori Royster, Desiree Willis, Betsy Roland,
Megan Cole-Edwards, Abby Green, Taylor
Royster, Karsyn Armstrong, Legend Fowler,
Peyton Wilson, Zachery Billings, Luke
GoForth, Ethan Bailey, Steven Lyman,
Rebecca Hoyle, Heidi Alred, Heather Bailey,
Ashton Beard, Amber Brown, Rebecca
Howe, Lanie Cash, Olivia Deaton, McKenzie
Feimster, Laramie Fredell, Amanda
Gullickson, Morgan Hyder, Taylor
Rinehardt, Bobby Payne Bailey, Amber
Barber, Victoria Gosnell, Lizzie Hunter, Tyler
Hoyle, Cheyenne Nestlerode, Toby
Nestlerode, Tanner Tillman and Parker
Wilson.
Youth (ages 18 and under):
First Division - Champion Lindsey
Littlejohn, Reserve Casey Royster, 3rd Place
Hannah Miller, 4th Place Brad Rhymer, and
5th Place Mikey Callahan.
Second Division - Champion Meaghan
- Perrigo, Reserve Brad Rhymer, 3rd Place
Lindsey Littlejohn, 4th Place Mikey
Callahan, and 5th Place Kimberly Morgan.
Third Division - Champion Brooke Wright,
Reserve Tori Royster, 3rd Place Mikey
Callahan, 4th Place Kimberly Morgan, and
5th Place Betsy Roland.
Fourth Division - Champion Betsy Roland,
Reserve Stephanie Barlett, 3rd Place Brooke
Wright, 4th Place Kimberly Morgan, and 5th
Place Brittany Gilwreath.
Open (all ages): J
First Division - Champion Danielle
McCraw, Reserve Todd Royster, 3rd Place
Casey Royster, 4th Place Stacey Plonk, 5th
Place Mikey Callahan
Second Division - Champion Lindsey
“Littlejohn, Reserve Stacey Plonk, 3rd Place
Brad Ryhmer, 4th Place Meaghan Perrigo,
5th Place Hannah Miller
Third Division - Champion Sherry Tickle,
Reserve Richard Russ and Taylor Royster, 4th
Place Roger Bradley, 5th Place Bobby Truitt
Fourth Division - Champion Bobby Bailey,
Reserve Sherry Tickle, 3rd Place Rett
Waggoner, 4th Place Bobby Truitt, 5th Place
Tonya Cearley
Senior (ages 10 to 65):
First Division - Champion Roger Bradley,
Reserve Tim Studley, 3rd Place Peggy Lusk,
4th Place Steve Eaker, 5th Place Richard Russ
Second Division - Champion Roger Bradley,
Reserve Richard Russ, 3rd Place Gary Taylor,
4th Place Tim Studley, 5th Place Vicki Russ
Third Division - Champion Roger Bradley,
Reserve Don Vergason, 3rd Place Jack Farris,
4th Place Sandy Taylor, 5th Place Randy
Littlejohn
Fourth Division - Champion Randy
Littlejohn, Reserve Sandy Taylor, 3rd Place
Roger Bradley, 4th Place Don Vergason, 5th
Place Tim Studley
Special Recognition:
Most Improved Peewee: Logan Calvert
who went from being led around the arena
by her mother, Amy Calvert, to finishing 6th
place in the 2005 season.
Senior Class Cowboy Up Award: Randy
Littlejohn for surviving the death of his horse
during the season and continuing on with a
different horse to become the 4D Senior
Champion.
The Funniest Incident Award: Roger
Bradley for his sportsmanship in barrel rac-
ing.
Most Improved Youth: Morgan Bailey
whose riding showed great improvement
over the past season.
Cowgirl Up Award: Kimberly Morgan for
her resilience in switching horses mid-season
after her favorite mount was hurt and for
continuing to excel in her riding by placing in
three of the four Youth Divisions.
Cowgirl Up Awards: Brooke Wright and
Tori Royster for outstanding sportsmanship
in the face of a tie for Champion in the Youth
Third Division. The tie was decided with the
best two out of three runs in a work-off with
Brooke Wright winning.
Kings Mountain Police Sgt. Lisa Proctor
came on stage to arrest tractor drivers Jim
Hawkins, Sam Poole and Eddie Matthews
for driving while under the intoxication of
tractor fumes, speeding, reckless driving.
Her face was very solemn and a few people
in the crowd appeared to be quite bewil-
dered, but the charges were in good humor
to recognize the gratitude Hagaman had for
his tractor drivers and the comfortable,
friendly relationship that they share.
. Fastest Time of 14.864: Danielle McCraw.
New Arena Record: Priscilla Hubbard for a
time of 14.817.
Trainer of the Year: Becky Griggs who gave
a lot of time and effort to help the youth and
for her excellent support to all who need it.
Most Improved among Open Class: Mary
McKee. .
Horse of the Year: Chance, Chance’s owner
Sherry Tickle accepted the award and said
that while she appreciated the saddle the
award for her horse Chance meant more.
Cowgirl Up award: Deb Farris for her
spunk and resilience.
The last award was given by Deb Hawkins
and Karen Hoyle to Hagaman for their fond
appreciation. The plaque which read, “Thank
you for a great season, Love Deb & Karen”
was engraved with what he describes as “the
south end of a horse facing north.”
Laughter and punch lines made the night
complete. Credit and appreciation was given
where it was due and the love that Hagaman
and everyone feels for each other resounded
with laughter off of the walls.
Charlie
Johnson, 15,
warms up
her horse
Rerun in the
exhibition
before the
race. The
exhibition
was prac-
tice time for
the horses
to get used
to the pat-
tern.
YEN
Lr] SOMES KES
Emily
Weaver
photo
FRI. 9:00-12:00
DAVID R. MCDANIEL, OD, PA
IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THE
REOPENING OF HIS
KINGS MOUNTAIN OPTOMETRIC PRACTICE
AT
510 WEST KING STREET
KINGS MOUNTAIN, NORTH CAROLINA
(704) 739-1394
OURS: MON.-THURS. 9:00-5:00
NEW AND ESTABLISHED
PATIENTS WELCOME!