By Michele E. Buttelman, Signal Features Editor, Signal Newspaper

The resounding “crack” of multiple shotguns split the morning air at the Oak Tree Gun Club in Newhall as 12 teams of five trap shooters each stalked their clay pigeon targets to benefit charity.

The second annual How the West Was Won trap shoot to benefit Carousel Ranch Therapeutic Riding Ranch brought out experts and beginners to test their skills and win prizes.

As the teams competed for trophies, individual shooters were able to compete for T-shirts and other small prizes at a variety of shooting stations.

The event included skeet shooting and an opportunity to shoot a Remington gun from a large-scale rocking horse used at Carousel Ranch for children unable to ride a real horse during inclement weather. A third station awarded T-shirts to individuals who could shoot and make a strike out of 10 bowling pins.

The event was founded by Carousel Ranch supporter Wayne Crawford and son-in-law Eric Stroh. Carousel Ranch provides a therapeutic horseback-riding program for the disabled.

Lundgren Management was among the businesses fielding a team at the trap shoot for the second year.

Jason Munoz, of Lundgren, took aim while sitting on the large rocking horse and tried his luck at a special shooting prize.

“It’s not something you do every day,” he said. “But it was exhilarating and a lot of fun.”

Munoz said it was nice to be outside doing something good for the community.

“It’s a beautiful day, too,” he said.

After a morning of shooting, the teams adjourned for lunch and a live auction. Among the auction items were a Cabo vacation, a Six Flags Magic Mountain VIP Fright Fest package and several guns.

The event, which raised $23,000 for Carrousel Ranch in its first year, netted nearly $17,000 this year.

“This is an event with a limited capacity and we sold out all our team slots so we were thrilled,” said Denise Toomey, executive director of Carousel Ranch. “We are so grateful to have so many faithful supporters.”

Toomey said because of the economy, Carousel Ranch finds the needs of its clients increasing — as well as the needs of the nonprofit.

“We have more and more families coming to us for scholarships and help,” she said. “In this economy we have found you can’t just rely on one big fundraiser to bring in the money you need.”

Carrousel Ranch serves nearly 100 clients a week, mostly children, and has a waiting list of 18 months for new clients to receive services.

“We’re trying to get clients in sooner with some new programs,” Toomey said.

Don Fleming, a Carousel Ranch supporter, said the event was fun, but supporting Carousel Ranch was his reason for attending.

“They have a wonderful program,” he said.

Heather Edwards, event coordinator for Carousel Ranch, said the How the West Was Won event ran smoothly.

“It’s one of those streamlined, fun events,” she said.

Edwards said in addition to the live auction a small silent auction included a variety of items designed for maximum appeal.

“We wanted to have something for everyone,” she said.

Crawford said he was happy to be out shooting in the pleasant weather.

“This is for a good cause. We’re not even going to worry about how well we’ll do, all that really counts is how well Carousel Ranch does,” he said.

After the last shotgun blast echoed through the still canyon and all the clay pigeons lay shattered on the Oak Tree Gun Club hillside the team from Williams Homes ended up the winner.

Next up for Carousel Ranch will be the 14th annual Heart of the West.

Heart of the West, Carousel Ranch’s major annual fundraiser will be held Aug. 28 at a new location at Agua Dulce Airpark, said Toomey.

“It is a nice location and we’re so grateful they’ve donated the use of the venue,” she said. “And we are so happy Princess Cruises will be our title sponsor.”

Edwards said items and donated services are needed for the Heart of the West live and silent auctions.

“Items can be mailed to 34289 Rocking Horse Road, Santa Clarita CA 91390 or donors can arrange a pick up by calling (661) 268-8010. Tickets can be purchased online at www.carouselranch.org or guests can call for more information,” Edwards said. “The money raised from Heart of the West helps support our special riders who need financial assistance for their vital equestrian therapy.”

For more information about Heart of the West tickets, sponsorship packages or donating to Carousel Ranch call (661) 268-8010 or visit www.carouselranch.org.