Just like in the old days, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Posse took to the streets of Downtown El Paso, transforming the city into the Wild West.
El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson launched Saddle Days to celebrate the city’s rich Western roots, in collaboration with the city of El Paso, the Western Cultural Heritage Foundation, Destination El Paso and the El Paso County Sheriff’s Posse.
The first Saddle Day took place in June, during the weekend Coldplay performed at the Sun Bowl, giving visitors from across the country a chance to experience the Western-themed event. The day featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and Mayor Johnson even jumped on a horse.
The El Paso County Sheriff’s Posse is the oldest continuously operating sheriff’s posse in the country. It was founded in 1936 by Sheriff Chris Fox in El Paso.
Back then, members were deputized to track down criminals. Over time, the organization shifted to a more civic and social role, supporting the community.
The posse has served as an escort to the Sun Queen during the annual Thanksgiving parade in El Paso.
On Saturday, Aug. 9, 20 horses walked around San Jacinto Plaza as the El Paso County Sheriff’s Posse stopped to talk with residents and let them pet the horses.
“We come down here and ride our horses and let people pet the horses and see what it’s like to have horses and ride them down the streets of El Paso,” said Pat Gordon, a member of the El Paso County Sheriff’s Posse.
“There’s a lot of people that have never touched a horse or seen a horse or seen someone riding a horse in the street,” Gordon said. “And so it’s really good to see the kids and what their expressions are. And, you know, they see these big horses that are 2,000 pounds and they’re very gentle.”
Children, like Nazareth Diaz, who was passing by with her friends while celebrating her 11th birthday, got the chance to sit on a horse and take photos.
“We think this is us giving back to El Paso and we want to promote the Western culture and Western heritage. And we love doing this for the people of El Paso,” Gordon said.
The date for the next event is yet to be announced, but the city of El Paso will post updates on its social media accounts.
Gaby Velasquez may be reached at gavelasquez@elpasotimes.com; @gabyavelasquez on Instagram.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Wild West returns to Downtown El Paso with Sheriff’s Posse Saddle Days
Reporting by Gaby Velasquez, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
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