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Whether you are just getting started or have years of experience in the saddle, SCHA has something for everyone. We are a family-oriented organization that hosts equine events from May through October, promoting fellowship, sportsmanship, and growth among horse lovers.
Our goal is for every rider and horse who steps into our classes to leave better than when they arrived. Through individualized judges’ score sheets, participants have the opportunity to learn from feedback, research best practices, and return ready for a stronger ride. We have also selected repeat patterns that can serve as a meaningful pre-test and post-test, helping riders measure progress throughout the season.
At SCHA, our aim is to strengthen the partnership between horse and rider while creating a fun, encouraging environment for all. Come enjoy a season of learning, improvement, and showing success with SCHA.
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History of the Southern Colorado Horseman’s Association (SCHA)
History of the Southern Colorado Horseman’s Association (SCHA)
The Southern Colorado Horseman’s Association (SCHA) was formed through a collaboration of multiple saddle clubs in and around the Pueblo area. These clubs included Hillside Saddle Club (Steel City Riding Club), Riverside Saddle Club, La Vista Hill Saddle Club, Beulah Saddle Club, Excelsior Saddle Club, Fowler Saddle Club, Greenhorn Valley (Rye/Colorado City Saddle Club), Pueblo West Saddle Club, and Colorado Rebels Saddle Club.
Each participating saddle club hosted an SCHA show at their home arena, where contestants could earn points toward overall year-end SCHA awards. Riders who chose not to participate in SCHA could still compete within their individual clubs, earning points solely for their local standings. To be eligible for SCHA year-end awards, contestants were required to be members of both a local saddle club and SCHA.
Every club appointed a delegate who attended SCHA meetings, serving as a liaison between their home club and the association. These delegates played a key role in organizing their club’s SCHA-hosted shows and ensuring communication between all participating organizations.
Many SCHA shows were two-day events. Saturday nights typically featured roping and cattle events, sometimes including cow or steer riding. Sunday events focused on horse shows and gymkhana competitions, showcasing a wide range of equestrian disciplines.
A unique and celebrated tradition within SCHA was its royalty program. Each saddle club had its own queen, and all club queens were required to compete for the title of SCHA Queen. The selected SCHA Queen represented the association at all official functions and relinquished her home club title, which was then passed to the first runner-up from her club.
SCHA has a strong legacy of excellence, with several queens advancing to become Miss Rodeo Colorado and even Miss Rodeo America.
While many shows were jackpotted—allowing non-members to compete—only SCHA members were eligible for year-end awards. In its earlier years, these awards were primarily trophies. It wasn’t until the late 1970s or 1980s that saddles began to be awarded to SCHA All-Around champions, marking a significant evolution in recognition and prestige.
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