Lee Garner Adding New Air Conditioned Arena In Batesville, Miss Over 100,000 Square Feet A new arena being built on the grounds of Ranch One will bring more competitive equine events to Batesville, Mississippi when it is completed early next year. Cutting enthusiast and promoter Lee Garner is building a 100,000 plus sq. ft. building that will house an arena, a restaurant, company offices and a health spa. Garner says he is also planning on living in part of the facility. It was 20 years ago when Garner built his first covered arena. “Nobody had an indoor arena. It was built for the Mid-South Cutting Association and the first show was September 26, 1987,” recalled Garner. Cutting has flourished at Ranch One. There are now two covered pens that are used at the same time to speed up large shows. The North Miss. Cutting Horse Association also hold their monthly shows at the facility. Interest in cutting in the area has grown tremendously since 1987 says Garner. And he says he has enjoyed providing the facilities and hospitality that has kept cutters coming back. “ I get excited when I see people enjoying themselves. People like to be treated good.” Garner says he has always strived to have good footing in the arena, fair and knowledgeable judging, decent cattle, and good hospitality for people who travel to his facility. And people do come from several states away to compete in the cuttings. The NMCHA offers four or five three day shows during the year that offer $1,000 in added money classes. These shows attract leading contenders in the top 10 World standings. Garner is well known in cutting circles across the county. In 1996 he won the NCHA Non-Pro Futurity on PEPONITAS ACRE, a Bob Acre Doc stallion who has over $250,00 in earnings. In 1993 Garner was named to the NCHA Non-Pro Hall of Fame. He was the 1990 Non-Pro World Champion. When the additions are completed Ranch One will be one of the largest privately owned equine venues in the Southeast. 400 new stalls are being constructed to supplement the 303 already in use. Presently there are 62 electrical hook-ups for RV’s and 104 new ones are being installed reported Garner. The new facility will be available for any equine discipline. Garner says events such as pleasure horse shows, barrel races and ropings will now be sought to be hosted at Ranch One. The arena inside the new facility will be 140’ x 315’ with an additional covered area for the cattle that measures 64’ x 315’. The restaurant will seat 90 and will offer much more than typical arena fare. The health spa will have a jacuzzi a sauna, and workout equipment that will be available for persons competing in events. “I hope Mississippi will embrace this arena,” said Garner as he provided statistics that showed a three day show that brought 500 competitors (and their friends and family) to the area would have a 7.5 million dollar economic impact if their expenditures were turned over five times in the community. “God has blessed me. Business has been good,” said Garner. And from all the building underway it is clear he expects business to be good in the future. For information on scheduling events at Ranch One call 662-578-5824.