Harris County Junior Mounted Posse Seeks New Youth Riders to Carry On 70-Year Legacy
In a tradition that spans more than seven decades, the Harris County Junior Mounted Posse is opening its gates to a new generation of young riders. The youth equestrian drill team—an extension of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office—welcomes children and teens ages 6 to 20 who have a passion for horses, public service, and precision performance.
Founded in 1952 by Sheriff Buster Kern, the Junior Mounted Posse has long served as the Sheriff's Office’s goodwill ambassadors. Its members ride in parades, perform at local rodeos, and participate in symbolic pony express relay rides to invite neighboring counties to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. At its core, the Posse is more than a team—it’s a family that builds character, discipline, and community pride through horsemanship and civic outreach.
"The biggest thing about being a member of the Harris County Sheriff's Office Jr. Mounted Posse is the positive interaction that my son gets to have with law enforcement, and the fact that we get to show that to the world. We are here to show them that these are good people who really care. Our role is to be goodwill ambassadors to the Harris County Sheriff's Office," said Dalyn Bussey, lead drillmaster for the Posse.
What It Takes to Join the Junior Mounted Posse
The Junior Mounted Posse is actively recruiting riders from across Greater Houston who meet a few key requirements. Interested youth must:
- Be between the ages of 6 and 20
- Have access to a trained horse
- Be able to trailer their mount to practices and events
- Possess appropriate Western tack and a current negative Coggins test
Prospective members must also attend practices with a parent or guardian. These tryout sessions allow families to see if the Posse is a good fit and help the team communicate any last-minute changes to the schedule.
Those interested are encouraged to contact Dalyn at 281-745-7516 before attending a practice. Inquiries can also be sent to HCSOJMP@gmail.com.
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Horsemanship Meets Citizenship
Throughout the year, members of the Junior Mounted Posse take part in bi-weekly practices and regular performances that instill both equestrian skill and civic responsibility. This year, the team has already performed at several spring events and is gearing up for exciting upcoming appearances in July:
- July 4 – Veterans Parade in The Woodlands
- July 12 – Polk Rodeo
Earlier this year, the Posse participated in a range of high-profile events that included:
- March 1 – Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Parade
- April 12 – Galveston Rodeo
- May 3 – Metro Area Go Texan Performance at Great Southwest Equestrian Center
These performances highlight not only the team’s precision riding but also its ongoing role as a youth-driven public relations arm for the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.
Building Skills That Last a Lifetime
The Posse’s mission goes far beyond the arena. Riders learn the value of volunteering, teamwork, discipline, and public presentation—all while caring for their horses and representing law enforcement in the community. Participation helps young people build lifelong friendships and deep bonds with their animals, while also teaching the responsibilities that come with public service.
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As the Harris County Junior Mounted Posse continues its proud tradition through 2025 and beyond, the organization invites families with a love for horses, heritage, and hometown pride to consider joining. Whether you’ve dreamed of galloping in a rodeo, carrying a flag in a parade, or just bonding with fellow riders who share your passion—this is your chance to ride with purpose. Learn more at hcsojuniorposse.weebly.com.
Stay connected with My Neighborhood News for updates on community youth programs, law enforcement partnerships, and local rodeo performances in Harris County.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
