Kit Carson Riding Club – A Proud Legacy Since 1942

In May 1942, a group of local riders returned from a trail ride to Camp Carson on land that would later become Fort Carson Army Base. Motivated by the experience, they formed a club and named it Kit Carson, in honor of the U.S. Army base where their shared journey began. Dorothy Heller was elected as the club’s first president, and early meetings and dances were held on the second floor of Carpenter’s Hall, located at the corner of Tejon and Cucharras Streets in downtown Colorado Springs. In 1947, under the leadership of President Mark Reyner, Kit Carson Riding Club (KCRC) was officially incorporated in the State of Colorado as a 501(c)(7) non-profit organization.

As the club grew, KCRC developed Drill and Quadrille teams as well as a Parade Unit, becoming well-known for carrying flags representing every U.S. state at local parades, fairs, and rodeos—including the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo and a special performance at Penrose Stadium during its inaugural year. The club uniform featured a white western straw hat, gold long-sleeved shirt with club patches on each shoulder, a blue scarf tied on the left, non-faded blue jeans, and western boots. Members were also provided with official KCRC chaps and saddle blankets.

In 1957, the club constructed its first arena on North Academy Boulevard. However, as Colorado Springs expanded, the property was sold in 1973 and KCRC relocated to its current 15-acre home at the corner of Cowpoke Road and Black Forest Road. Members built two large arenas, a grandstand, rodeo chutes, and a small concession stand with restrooms—all through volunteer efforts.

By 1975, a storage area was added beneath the grandstand, and in 1976, a clubhouse was attached to the concession stand. In 1984, lights were installed in the second arena to support evening events, including the popular Little Britches Rodeo. The clubhouse received a raised floor and cedar siding, followed by a new roof in 1985. After a failed attempt at drilling a new well, success came in 1988 with a 350-foot deep well, along with a 10,000-gallon water tank for arena use. That same year, members also added patios on the north and west sides of the clubhouse and laid sod on the east.

Throughout the decades, KCRC has promoted a wide range of equestrian activities, from cowboy polo and gymkhanas to rodeo, drill teams, and support for 4H programs. While cowboy polo and drill team activities faded in later years, the club began revitalizing the drill team in 2018. Today, KCRC offers an even greater variety of events, including parades, horse shows, clinics, trail rides, dances, social events, and more. Club operations are supported by dedicated committees led by Board Members and composed of member volunteers, covering areas such as concessions, maintenance, royalty, media, scholarships, bylaws, and our monthly newsletter, The Snubbin’ Post.

In 2010, KCRC joined the Extreme Cowboy Association (EXCA) to host sanctioned shows and promote skill development through obstacle training. Although the club chose not to renew its EXCA membership in 2017, it has continued to maintain and enhance its on-site obstacle course for member use.

The long-standing success of Kit Carson Riding Club is a direct result of the commitment, vision, and hard work of its members—past and present—who continue to uphold its values and expand its legacy.