Oklahoma grass fires pressed close to the Lazy E Arena forcing The Legends at the Bob Feist Invitational to be postponed around 4 p.m., Friday, March 31.
The Lazy E Ranch nearby boasts a stallion station which seasonally houses the likes of EquiStat Elite $9 Million Sire Woody Be Tuff, and top racing and barrel sire Corona Cartel.
The fires reportedly shut down Interstate 35 between Edmond and Guthrie, Oklahoma, which is about two miles away from the Lazy E Arena. As fires pressed on fueled by strong winds, competitors and fans were advised to shelter themselves and horses inside the arena. Evacuation was deemed optional at that time.
“We all feel pretty safe here, you know, we’re all parked on asphalt or concrete and there’s green grass all around us,” BFI Co-Owner Corky Ullman said.
At the time of his interview, Ullman was positive that they could continue the Legends roping and hopefully carry on with the Calcutta at The Chicken Shack. As for The Feist on Saturday, April 1, no one can predict how the fires will change overnight.
“For the event going on tomorrow, we just can’t make that call. We just have to play it by ear, and react to what we can do as this fire moves around,” Corky said.
According to Taylor Speeding, Morris Equine Marketing Manager, who was onsite the roping resumed around 5 p.m.
As of 6 p.m., Lazy E Ranch Facebook page announced that neither the arena or ranch had received any damage.
“Logan County EMS has not given the all clear yet for travel into the Lazy E. Conditions are improving,” the Lazy E Ranch Facebook page stated.
