Family is the focus at Circle Bar C Ranch in La Grange

Jason Cornett stands near the stables in the arena at his Circle Bar C Ranch near La Grange, watching a competitor on a quarter horse careen by after coming down the last obstacle in the Extreme Horse Challenge.

His wife, Ashley, is at work in the announcer’s booth, above the arena. His father-in-law is clocking the competitors, and his father is filling in by doing other duties around the facility.

For Cornett, the facility is a family affair — the “C” in Circle Bar C standing for “Cornett,” the “Circle” symbolizing eternity and the “Bar” representing the idea of keeping outsiders out and protecting the family.

And with help from them and other family members, he hopes the ranch will grow, with more events in his new 55,000-square-foot indoor arena and more horses being kept in his stables, which he plans to increase from 68 to 311.