The Texas Panhandle is widely known for its history surrounding cowboys and ranchers. For a long time, people from the north believed that Texans still rode horses to school when in fact the vast majority of the Texas population didn’t even own a horse. There are, however, still a number of people in the state that participate in rodeos, race their own horses, and other things of the sort. Some people even join clubs dedicated to their activities on horseback. In Amarillo, TX, there are a few different riding clubs, one of these being the Will Rogers Range Riders.
If you have heard of the Will Rogers Range Riders, it wouldn’t be much of a surprise. This esteemed organization was invited in 1947 to Governor Buford Jester’s inaugural parade and again for Governor Preston Smith’s election. Traveling to Austin, TX, each rider was accompanied by their own horse on a train and was specifically selected to represent the Texas Panhandle. The Will Rogers Range Riders have a venue named the same. The organization was formed in 1938 when the Will Rogers Memorial Highway was instituted. If you aren’t familiar with this highway, perhaps you know it better as Route 66. After all the celebration, a group of people decided to form a club based upon their love for horses.
The Will Rogers Range Riders are the United States oldest operating riding club according to their website. When the group first formed, it was located along Route 66, or Will Rogers Memorial Highway, which it was named after. The members would meet at the Amarillo Fairgrounds in their old racehorse stables. That was until 1947, when 50 acres of land was purchased for the club to relocate. For the recreation hall, one that is still standing today, was brought from its original location at the Fairgrounds to the new land in 1951. Today, the Will Rogers Range Riders are made up of more than 100 members.
The group realized their need for a headquarters and purchased a majorly historic Amarillo landmark that would be moved to their property and serve this purpose. A home built in 1911 belonging to Miles Bivins was bought and transported to the venue. Before being relocated, the home was situated at 10th and Tyler St. The daughter of Miles Bivins himself, Betty Bivins Childers, is the one who sold the home to the organization.
Another cool fact about this club is that they were prepared for war by the U.S. government to fight in World War II when the Japanese launched their attack on Pearl Harbor. With the nation on the verge of a potential invasion, the armed forces appointed groups across the map and issued 30-30 Winchester rifles to each member of the Will Rogers Range Riders as one of these groups. Because no foreign power entered the United States during this time, the group was not required to see any action. Similarly today, the organization helps out law enforcement during search and rescue operations in the panhandle by providing horses for their men.
The club enjoys hosting events for the public. During Easter, check out the Will Rogers Range Riders’ annual Easter egg hunt. Children from all over the community are invited and welcomed to participate. Eggs are hidden throughout the area so the kids can find them. This annual tradition was started all the way back in 1952. For over 70 years, the club has been hosting this event. They also participate in charity by renting out their facilities to non-profit organizations for their events. They do this at no charge.
Another good read when you follow this link.
Map from Will Rogers Range Riders to Connie’s Alterations & Dry Cleaners:
Map from Will Rogers Range Riders to The Big Texan Steak Ranch & Brewery: