COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- The Pikes Peak Range Riders will ride again this year in support of the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo following the Colorado Springs Street Breakfast on June 24. 

This is the 61^st year that the Range Riders have ridden around the Pikes Peak region. The Range Riders were established in 1949 by Everett Conover and Kenneth Brookhart; the organization has grown to more than 160 members.

"The primary mission of this organization, with its founding in 1949, was to support and promote the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo and to preserve our western heritage," said George Hess III, president of the Pikes Peak Range Riders.

The group's mission has been expanded to read, “To promote the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo and the western heritage of the region while supporting our community through our Foundation, now known as 'Latigo.'" The group works year-round to accomplish this mission. 

"Many of the members of the organization are actively and directly involved in our community and the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo, from selling tickets to serving as president of the Board of Directors of the rodeo. Proceeds from the rodeo go to help local military families through various charities affiliated with our armed forces and it is an honor for us to be both Range Riders and to support this great cause this rodeo represents," Hess added.

Other programs supported by the Range Riders include:

• Latigo Trails Heritage Centre was donated by Range Rider members to the Pikes Peak Range Rider Foundation.  Many organizations utilize the Centre including the Pikes Peak Therapeutic Riding Center, 4-H clubs, Pikes Peak and Black Forest Little Britches and the Colorado High School Rodeo Association.
• The Range Riders honor and recognize an outstanding member of the community with the Silver Spur Award.  Past award winners include Bob Norris, the Colorado Springs Military and Mary Ellen McNally.
• The Pivots, a 16-member riding team, started in 1954, kicks-off the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo every night with their unique horseback drill.  They also appear at many events throughout the west including the National Western Stock Show Rodeo.
• The Pikes Peak Rangerettes was started in 1957 and a scholarship was established for this all-girl precision equestrian drill team who act as good-will ambassadors for the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo.
• The Range Rider Foundation funds the Margaret Brookhart Memorial Scholarship Fund which is awarded to graduating seniors with a 3.0 GPA and interest in the American West.  This scholarship is dedicated to relatives of current or past Pikes Peak Range Riders.

Information provided by Pikes Peak Range Riders.