On the night of May 10th, 2010 at approximately 9:30 p.m. the Ucross Arena took a direct hit from a tornado. From what we can access, the tornado touched down directly to the northwest of the indoor arena. When it hit the building on that corner it found the building sturdier then what it could break through so swung around the back of the arena, tearing out the back covered area, bending and moving the west wall and taking out about 60 feet of the roof. It then proceeded through many feet of the beautiful vinyl board fencing, taking out several of the RV connections and then completely demolished the covered arena leaving it in a heap of twisted tin and metal. As it left our property, it must have been completely on the ground and gaining strength as it took out several 100 feet of vinyl fencing along the front of the property.
Kenny, Michelle and Guy Sartin were all in the enclosed arena when it happened.
We would like to say "Thank you" to all of the ropers and barrel racers who showed up to help us move horses (many of which were out in the pens where the tornado's path went directly through them) , gather livestock out of pastures where fences were completely destroyed, and brought us food and beverages for the coming days. Your continued support these last few days has been very appreciated.
It was the most terrifying 15-20 seconds that we've ever experienced. It will be months before we see an end to what occured in just a few seconds. Our way of trying to make a living, our home, our horse trailer and alot of our personal belongings were destroyed...but we still have our lives of which we are blessed and thankful.
