06/20/2023
Update post, and while it's a long one, I hope it leaves no stone unturned and no grey areas for unanswered questions. This is about as transparent as it gets.
On March 25th, the owner, Richard Spreckelmeier, suffered a bad fall resulting in surgery to repair his ankle. It was broken in two places and severely dislocated. He received plates and screws to repair the breaks. The breaks are healing well, however, the dislocation is proving to be a whole different ball game. While they initially put it back in place, a recent x-ray revealed that the joint is not supporting him anymore and is unable to maintain proper placement, we are waiting to hear back about what the next steps are for the current news, right now the team handling the situation are discussing options.
Over the recent weeks, there have been conversations with family about where to go from here and one relative in particular has been involved in a very hard, yet silver-lining bearing decision. Richard Spreckelmeier started this endeavor at 60 years old and his son will be handed the reigns to manage it and carry it on starting at the same age.
Russ Spreckelmeier will be taking it on in Ohio to manage his father's set-up and string of bulls. It is still Hang'n Tree and Richard Spreckelmeier still maintains ownership and will be making trips up as often as possible to see and be a part of what he established. Over the years Hang'n Tree built so many great, talented individuals and will continue to do so. Russ will move forward with the Hang'n Tree series up in Ohio and host schools as well. If you're interested and willing to learn and want to further your skills, you won't want to miss this opportunity - as someone who made his start at 9 years old on a calf, later moved to bulls/broncs and went on to earn world titles, he is no stranger to the sport and has worked in pretty much every area it takes to run a rodeo. Verbatim quote from Russ himself, "It'll be his (dad's) brand forever. Gonna be a lot of work but I'll move forward with it".
Huckleberry, Black Magic, Chicken Truck, Dementia, Whiskey, Reckon Krew, Toad, Spaz and two yearling bull calves by Spaz will be making their trip up to Ohio soon. Greyghost, Copperhead Kid and Amos Moses will remain here in North Carolina to enjoy retirement.
A huge thank you to those who have taken part in the behind the scenes part of making these shows happen over the years. Alex Sullivan, Kelly Sullivan, Dustin Gooding, Kyle Brummett, the Riddell family, Cole Kelly, Ryan Seifert, Klancy Moeller, Douglas Schwartz, Shawn Arcaro, Ethan Johnson, Austin Hamblin, Travis Finley, Mel Phelps, Jesse and Sarah Horton, Lisa Richmond, Kasey Ord, Andrew Salis & family, Chuck Jones, Susan Young, Billy Austin, Mark Hardin, Nick Debnam, Trevor Jones...and so many others. Also a huge thank you to the community that came out to our events. Everyone's support over the years has been truly appreciated and we enjoyed seeing each and every one of you.
If you would like to help out during the transition, message Robin Spreckelmeier or myself (Samantha J Clarke) and we will keep you updated on the date to be here. Thank you.
Bull riding - Outdoor - Sports
