Six White Horses Team Tryouts Approaching

(Abilene, Texas) Any member of the Six White Horses team could tell you about the thrill of a thundering gallop, the team bond between horses and riders or the pride of being part of a unique HSU tradition.  

The Six White Horses team proudly represents HSU and carries the six flags of Texas at many parades, public and school events and of course at rodeos.

The team will be hosting tryouts on September 20 at 5 p.m. at the Beazley White Horse Center.

Prospective students and current team members try out each year, and a panel of judges rates each rider’s horsemanship, attitude and appearance. The top eight will be selected as this school year’s team.

Students must be currently enrolled at HSU with at least 12 credit hours, and practices are normally two to three times a week.

Debbie Jones, Director of the Six White Horses Program since 1998, said, “Our riders not only represent HSU but also the rich western heritage of The Lone Star State. 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 1920s 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.”

In 1962 Dr. W.O. “Doc” Beazley was 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/.