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The Rodeo of Elgin organizers have made it their mission to restore the culture of “Old Elgin” and bring a slice of country life back to the city.
Texas Lost Pines Riding Club, established in 1969, provides families with a fun, coordinated and safe environment to enjoy their horses, according to riders. Monthly all-ages events lead to their biggest competition of the year – the Rodeo of Elgin is scheduled for July 28 and 29 at 8 p.m.
TLPRC President Jeremy Blisard continues to fill the void left behind when Western Days, Elgin’s homecoming celebration, stopped including the rodeo on its bill.
“We’re trying to stay with the way Elgin heritage was,” Blisard said. “We’re going to stay with the rodeos and western heritage here, keep as much tradition alive as possible in this town.”
The rodeo is sponsored entirely by the businesses of club members. Blisard claims to have reached out to the Chamber of Commerce multiple times but got no response, renouncing “new Elgin.”
“I would love to get people over here to introduce them to what Elgin should be. Introduce them to what the country Elgin is. When you drive downtown, it’s not the same,” Blisard said.
The event is organized in cooperation with Diamond Cross Rodeo Company, another local business, and will feature $10,000 of added prize winnings. For young riders, youth competitions will be held on the 27, sign up at 5:30 p.m.
Child involvement is a focus of TLPRC. “We’re trying to get any and all horse kids in the area, any area,” Blisard said.
The open arena hosts a Playday Family Night on the third Saturday of every month, an opportunity for the local horse community to gather and ride together. They organize different barrel races, lead lines and arena races for age groups up to 18. A ribbon ceremony concludes the family affair.
The TLPRC volunteers and club members all share a common interest and vision of Elgin heritage that they want to leave with their neighbors.
Among the various competitions, the rodeo will include a Tejano dancing horse performance, raffle prizes, vendors and concessions.
TLPRC can be found at 186 State Highway 95, visit https://www.tlprc.org for more information.
