About Us
Circle L5 History
Circle L 5 is a historic African American horseback riding club founded in the early 1950s in Fort Worth, Texas. The club began with five horsemen—Ed “Pop” Landers, Shirlie Sanders, W.D. Warwick, John Farrell, and Scott Farrell—who originally rode together under the name Silver Saddle Riding Club.
As interest grew and more riders wanted to join, the founders chose to open the organization to the broader community. According to club history, the men stood together discussing the future of the group when Ed “Pop” Landers drew a circle in the dirt, symbolizing unity. With five founding members standing in that circle and Landers’ last name beginning with “L,” the club became known as Circle L 5. Landers also designed the original Circle L 5 logo.
From its earliest days, Circle L 5 became closely associated with community parades and celebrations, most notably the Lake Como Fourth of July Parade, where the club’s riders gained visibility and respect throughout Fort Worth. The club later became a long-standing presence in Juneteenth celebrations, rodeos, and civic events, helping preserve Black Western heritage and horsemanship.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Circle L 5 functioned as a family-centered organization, welcoming youth and partnering with 4-H programs to support agricultural education. Members showed livestock at stock shows and rodeos, sponsored animals for young participants, and regularly gave back through donations to community causes, including United Negro College Fund, youth programs, and assistance for families in need.
Over the decades, Circle L 5 has been led by many dedicated presidents, officers, queens, and lifetime members who safeguarded its values while adapting to change. The club has earned multiple parade and stock show awards and has been featured in documentaries and films, including Miss Juneteenth, further cementing its cultural impact.
Today, Circle L 5 remains an active and respected riding club, continuing its mission of unity, horsemanship, tradition, and community pride. For many members—past and present—Circle L 5 is more than a riding club; it is family, history, and heart
