To Promote
Horsemanship, Sportsmanship &
Citizenship
and to
Keep Alive the Spirit of the Old
West
About the AASP&RC
The American Association of Sheriff Posses & Riding Clubs is very proud of their
Headquarters in Bowie, Texas. The Chamber of Commerce of Bowie donated the
first 30 acres, and the Association purchased an additional ten acres, making up
the 40 acre facility they now call home.
As you enter the gate, you will see three flagpoles on your right, donated by one
of the members, with the American, Texas, and Association flags flying. The
entire grounds are fenced, the office will be on your left, where visitors are invited
to stop and check in with the secretary, and get any information they might
need.
The members made all the improvements themselves on a volunteer basis, and
made this one of the prime facilities of its kind in the state of Texas. It consists
of 2 regulation size arenas, one with holding pens, and each with its own
announcers stand, covered bleachers and open covered seating areas. There is
a completely outfitted concession stand at arena one, with covered areas with
tables and extra seating area. There are 60 camper hookups with water and
electricity, some with shade trees, and a dump station available. There is also a
treed area for outdoor camping. Restrooms and showers are conveniently
located and easily accessible from both arenas. For the horses, there are 12
covered, open-sided barns with 20 stalls per barn. These barns were built by the
members, and are owned by individuals who built them but are rented out when
not in use by the members at different events during the year. In the beginning
there was a relay track surrounding the grounds but this is no longer in use, even
though the starting gates are still standing. This year a portion of the railing will
be removed to improve the appearance of the grounds.
The Association maintains an office on the grounds with a secretary on hand to
handle the Association business, keep records, handle correspondence, aid the
President in his duties, and put out a monthly newsletter called the Riders
Roundup. The office also has a conference room where meetings can be held.
Beside the office is a concrete slab with a stage, surrounded by several picnic
tables, where dances are held, and award presentations are made.
There are tractors with all equipment needed to keep the arenas in shape, water
trucks, mowers, weed eaters, etc, owned by the AASP&RC in order to maintain
the facilities, which is also done by the members on a volunteer basis.
The Association holds three of its four annual events at the grounds.
In April, there is a two-day event we call our Spring Roundup, with playday
games, trail ride, barbecue, auction, church on horseback, etc.
In June, come the Playday Finals, a four-day event, where contestants from all
clubs in the Association come to compete with each other for awards, including
trophy saddles, buckles, tack, and other prizes. This event also includes a
dinner and dance for all contestants and families.
The third event held at the grounds is Horse Show Finals, typically held in
September. Members who have competed in qualifying horse shows throughout
the year come together at this time to compete against each other for awards.
The grounds as well as all facilities are available for rent to approved
organizations, and anyone interested in renting the grounds should contact the
Association Office or any officer of the association for details, open dates, and
pricing information.
Official publication of
The American Association of Sheriff Posses
and Riding Clubs
Published and printed monthly.
For more information please contact
Association Office:
PO Box 287, Bowie, TX 76230
(940) 872-4656