Upon finding a major water leak in the club house a few years ago, a black binder was found in the attic with some valuable historical information about the Rolling Hills Riding Club formation. I couldn’t help but notice that it was dated 40 years to the date of the terrorist attacks on U.S. soil that would forever change the lives of Americans.

This is copied verbatim from a document that was found in that black binder. Keep in mind that the yearly membership fees are not up-to-date.

September 11, 1961

On September 11, 1961 at 8:00 p.m. an organization meeting was called to order by Roy Beals at his residents to form a club. A guest speaker, Mr. Wickers from Will Rogers Range Rider attended the meeting and discussed activities of a club, ground rules and by-laws.

An election of Officers was held and nominations were:

President-Pete Hudson

Vice-President-Ray Beals

Secretary/Treasurer-Curly Lemley

Motion passed the name Rolling Hills Riding Club be adapted.

Dues were voted on:     Initiation Fee-$25.00

Annual Dues-$50.00

The meetings were held in various homes of the members. The first activities of the club were done by leasing an arena, renting Cowpunchers Clubhouse for banquets and hosting some trail rides.

By February 1962, seven acres including waterwell on property located in the Southwest corner of Section 16 had been bought. A Board of Directors had been voted on to take care of club business. Some crossties were being bought for the corral. Holes would be dug at no more than 20 cents per hole. The road from Western St. to the arena had been opened by March 1962.

In April 1962 the By-laws were presented to the club, the Treasurers report was read and a balance of $649.24 was given. Uniform we voted on which would cost $22.36 for men and $20.46 for women, excluding boots.

The process of making Rolling Hills Riding Club a non-profit organization had been in progress and came in to effect January 1963.

In January 1963, a motion was made to borrow $30,000.00 for 15 years to buy 28 acres north of property already owned and build a 40 x 100-club house.

The club has come a long way since then.

The club members have participated in various events such as Playdays, Range Playdays and in United Finals Playdays. There was also a lot of competition in Pony Express.

The club has had Halloween parties, Haunted Houses, and Hay Rides.

In 1995 the club started holding the team pennings. Through leasing and or buying the cattle and the pennings are still going on.

A lot of work has been done. The pens and announcers booths have been rebuilt. In 2001 the club put a metal roof on the club house. In 2002 the new bath rooms were built, and the east side bleachers were rebuilt.

It takes a lot of support and help from the members to keep the club going.