Hardin-Simmons University’s Horses Ride in Style
Published Mar 19, 2008
Hardin-Simmons University is known world-over for its Western-style riders on Six White Horses. The riders make appearances around the world carrying the six flags that have flown over Texas since it was first claimed by Spain some 400 years ago.
Hundreds of people line the crowded streets, clapping and waving as the colorful parade drifts along. Then, in the distance, six white horses round the bend, ridden by smiling girls bearing stately flags.
The crowd erupts in a roar. These are the storied Six White Horses of Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene.
This scene has been repeated hundreds, maybe thousands, of times at parades, rodeos and other events around the world since the 1920s. The Six White Horses representing the university bear riders carrying the six flags that have flown over Texas since it was first claimed by Spain some 400 years ago.
Debra Jones, director of the Six White Horses Program at Hardin-Simmons, recalls a parade in Dallas when the horses rode in front of the school’s Cowboy Band.
“When we start coming down the road and we turn the corner to start the parade, it’s just a constant roar, the whole time we go down the street because people get so excited,” she says. “It just gives you goosebumps. We represent our Western heritage.”
The horses make 100 appearances every year at events from parades and rodeos to birthday parties and watermelon festivals, Jones says. The riders accompany the horses to about half of their events.
Jones has been director of the program since 1997. She began her involvement as a judge who helped select the riders, who are judged on their horsemanship and their appearance.
“Each horse and rider is a team. They work together,” she says. “Each one of the horses has their own personality.
Each performance brings a swell of pride to Hardin-Simmons supporters of all stripes.
“We ride to music. It’s almost like a ballet. The music, the people yelling – it’s exciting,” Jones says. “There’s a lot of history there.”
Story by Michaela Jackson
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