2016-2017 Six White Horses’ Team Announced

October 5, 2016 Meredith Foster (Staff Student Writer)

Twelve students tried out for the Six White Horses’ team September 20 at the Taylor County Expo Center. The following morning, the program announced its eight new team members:

Kaylon Bonnema- Blanket, TX, 2nd year

Barbie Claussen- Kaufman, TX, 3rd year

Tilden Gutierrez- Abilene, TX, 1st year

Lexi Hogan- Trent, TX, 1st year

Whitney Martin- Cleburne, TX, 3rd year

Samantha Pennese- Porter, TX, 2nd year

Yulissa Rios- Snyder, TX, 1st year

Alyssa Stegner- Cisco, TX, 2nd year

The first events for the new team were performing at the Trent Parade and then at the HSU Tailgate Party before the first home football game.

Our riders not only represent HSU but also the rich western heritage of The Lone Star State,” Debbie Jones, Director of the Six White Horses program since 1998, said. “With over 100 events a year, we strive to share the blessings of God, Hardin-Simmons University, good horses and great riders to all we come in contact with.”

The tradition started in the 1920’s when Will “Sheriff” Watson decided to ride his white horse, Silver, with the Cowboy Band at a parade. As the idea gained popularity, the six flags of Texas history were added.

Jones said, “What started out as carrying the American and Texas flag with the World Famous Cowboy Band has blossomed into a thriving student activity at Hardin-Simmons that involves parade appearances, children events and a fast paced rodeo routine.”

Then in 1962 Dr. W.O. “Doc” Beazley the director of the Six White Horses program. He did more than coach the team. He also authored 11 children’s books about the Six White Horses, which can be found at the HSU library.

For more information about the Six White Horses visit https://www.hsutx.edu/student-life/teams/sixwhitehorses/.

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