Spencer Penrose |
Spencer Penrose is synonymous with Colorado Springs. A man of
great insight, he was valuable in shaping the city and building it up for
tourism. Among his many accomplishments was his teaming with Charles Leaming
Tutt and Jasper Ackerman to found three organizations: the Colorado Rodeo
Associations (CSRA), the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), and
Norris-Penrose Event Center. Penrose is also credited with bringing the first
rodeo to Colorado Springs after the city enjoyed much success in 1936 with its
Pikes Peak or Bust Days.
The first rodeo was held in July 1937 at the Cheyenne Mountain
Polo Field. The stadium could only seat 500 people, so Penrose built the Will
Rogers Memorial Stadium to house 10,000 people on the west side of the
Broadmoor Hotel. In August of 1938, the stadium was dedicated and hosted the
Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo. Tutt and Ackerman helped to promote the rodeo, and
after World War 11, the rodeo was dedicated to the men and women who gave their
lives during the War. The tradition of honoring and supporting the military
continues to this day, with the rodeo now being held at the Norris-Penrose
Event Center.
Pikes Peak Rangerettes |
Of the many acts designed to entertain the crowd while the
cowboys prepare for their events is the Pikes Peak Rangerettes. The Rangerettes
were founded in 1957 to promote the rodeo. They are an all-girl precision
riding team (think the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes on horseback), and a
spectacular sight to see. Ranging in age from 12-20, the girls gallop and
canter around the arena in groups of two or four, weaving in and out of each
other in intricate steps meant to dazzle and delight the crowd. The Rangerettes
also ride in the Pikes Peak or Bust Parade and perform at other local rodeos
and county fairs, encouraging unity, responsibility, self-improvement and
enjoyment of horse-related activities.
The Rangerettes standing at attention as the rodeo begins |
To become a Rangerette, the girls must meet several criteria.
The first is she must own or have access to one specific horse. She is also
responsible for the care and transportation of her horse to and from events.
Besides practicing several hours per week with the team, each girl must also
practice at home. Members of the Rangerettes are required to pay dues, provide
her own saddle and tack, boots, belt and hat, and must take exceptional care of
the uniforms provided. Personality traits include good attitude, commitment and
responsibility to herself and to the group and each must prove efficient in
horsemanship.
Rangerettes at the PPOB Rodeo July 2014 |
5 comments:
Interesting info. Julie.
Hi Ginger: I wish I could have posted more as tot heir history, but I couldn't find much and I don't know where in town they're located. But they are awesome to watch perform.
It would be wonderful to see them perform!
What a fun and informative post! Thanks for sharing, Julie!
Glad you liked reading about them, Shanna.
Kristy--they are awesome to see. I don't know how they get those horses to not bump into each other, some of their moves are that intricate.
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