Charlie Custer and Denny Kreischer
Hat Creek Arena was started as a place two friends could spend time riding and training their horses. Boy was that a dream come true.
It all began when Charlie Custer contacted Denny Kreischer in December of 1997 and said "Hey the old roller rink is for sale again, and I think we should take a look at it." Denny thought Charlie had lost his mind at the time, because the old roller rink building had been used as a warehouse for the past several years, and was in need of major repair. Asking Charlie what they would do with that old building? Charlie stated, we have talked about building an arena, as a place to work our horses and keep them in shape. Denny took a look at the building along with Charlie and it looked like one big fixer-upper project. They broke up the concrete floor and hauled out over 90 loads of dirt and concrete to get things started. Hard as that sounds it may have been the easiest thing they did. Well, lots of work completed by all their friends, family and themselves over the next several months Hat Creek came together and went from Roller Rink to "The Cowboy Palace".
It all sounds easy but without the help of friends, family, and the Good Lord above Hat Creek Arena would still be a warehouse falling down a little more every day.
During construction of course, everyone had all sorts of ideas on what to do with the building. One said auctions, several thought parties, a couple even liked the idea of riding horses as originally planned. We are still trying to catch up to the guy that said we should try a couple BULL RIDES.
We tried six starting in March of 1998, and guess what? People loved it! Since then we have 25 Indoor Bull Rides a season including a Year End Championship Final. We also have a Spring and a Fall Lyle Sankey Bull Riding, and Bull Fighting school. We buck over 1,800 bulls a season. We have given trophy buckles to some of the best Bull Riders in this part of the country. A couple of them are riding in the PBR. We are also proud to say that Jason Kreischer, Dennys son has improved the bull herd over the past several years with many coming from and still attending the PBR . He says it takes that calabur of stock to challenge the skilled hands getting on at the Arena each week. We do attract some of the best. To sum it up, we are here most of the time, when not at our real jobs, building Highways.. Hat Creek is still held together with friends and family. Denny's wife Debbie keeps the books and takes on a pile of other tasks, along with carrying the flag each week at the Bull Ride. Charlie's wife also keeps things going in several areas and collects our money at the door every week.. I would estimate each year she greets over 15,000 people at the door. I would also like to say without two understanding wives involved both of us would be eating out a lot more. Thank You Lord for little favors.
If you want to know how we picked the name Hat Creek as a business name, I ask you to watch Lonesome Dove, the TV series. It was a favorite for a bunch of us around here. All you need to do is get to know Denny and Charlie a little bit. You will see a little Woodrow in Denny and a bunch of Gus in Charlie.
At one time we were the only two guys wearing cowboy hats in our local town. Now on any given Saturday evening you will see a couple hundred.
By the way, the idea of building a place to ride our horses and keep them in shape? We both own the best horses we have ever had to work cattle. However they are both over weight at present time. Hat Creek is a busy place and there is always something to be done. Please come and see us some time.
Debbie Carries the Flag, as we pay Tribute to our country.
Denny anounces the Night's Event.
Charlie, before he helps in the backpen.
Remember: With the Lord as our Saddle Partner, we never Ride Alone.
