A southwest Minnesota family is hoping for a fresh start in the new year after a fire destroyed their barn and claimed the lives of 9 horses and a dog.

On New Year's Day, friends came together to show support and raise money for a new beginning. Horse lovers gathered in a barn just west of Tea to start the new year by roping calves. But there's special meaning behind the event. It's to support Steve and Bridget Hinrichs and their kids, Paige and Tannor.

Last month, the Hinrich's lost a barn Steve built with his dad on their farm near Ellsworth, Minnesota. Inside were 9 horses and the family's beloved cattle dog. Steve says, "It's just like losing a family member. Basically you just start over."

That's what friends gathered to help them do. They share the same passion as the Hinrichs and understand their loss.

Steve says, "That's what we kind of revolved around, everything we did was the horses and now it's gone." So being surrounded by the horses comes with mixed emotions.

The Hinrichs know the fire's damage totals more than $100,000 with the horses, the saddles and more.

Steve says, "It was my mom's stuff and dad's stuff, you know. How do you put a price on that kind of stuff?"

But feeling the love and support of friends, is priceless and it fills the Hinrichs with hope for a better 2009.

Steve says, "What a way to start the New Year, with everybody and stuff and all the help and support to try and rebuild and go on."

About 75 ropers were involved in the event.  Money raised through entrance fees, concessions and donations were given to the family.

If you'd like to help the Hinrichs, an account is set up First State Bank Southwest. Just mention that it is for the Steve Hinrichs fund.