NAL SPOTLIGHT: IDAHO HORSEMEN

The Idaho Horsemen: From Grassroots Effort to Arena Football Success

Nampa, ID - In the heart of the Treasure Valley, a remarkable story of community spirit, determination, and love for the game of football has unfolded with the rise of the Idaho Horsemen. What began as a grassroots effort spearheaded by Chris Reynolds has blossomed into a formidable arena football team, captivating fans and bringing thrilling sports entertainment to Idaho.

Humble Beginnings

The journey of the Idaho Horsemen began with Reynolds, a passionate football enthusiast who shared a vision: to bring professional arena football back to Idaho. This dream was fueled by his deep love for the sport and a desire to create a team that the local community could rally behind. Reynolds, alongside a mix of former players, coaches, and local business leaders, pooled their time, sweat, and expertise to lay the foundation for what would become the Idaho Horsemen.

Building a community

From the outset, Reynolds ensured the Horsemen’s journey was deeply rooted in the local community. Early efforts included engaging with youth football programs, and community events to spread the word and generate excitement. Grassroots marketing efforts, including social media campaigns, word-of-mouth promotion, and community networking events, played a crucial role in building a loyal fan base.

Reynolds emphasized inclusivity and community involvement, inviting local residents to be part of the team’s growth. The team's initial open tryouts were held in 2018, giving local athletes the opportunity to showcase their talent and earn a spot on the roster. This not only bolstered the team with local talent but also strengthened the bond between the Horsemen and their community. In 2019, the team went on to an Undefeated season (13-0), winning the first ever American West Football Conference Championship (AWFC).

Overcoming Challenges

Like any grassroots effort, the path to success was not without its challenges. Securing funding, finding suitable practice facilities, housing of out of state players, and navigating the complexities of establishing a professional sports team required unwavering dedication and perseverance. However, under Reynolds' leadership and with the support of the community, the Idaho Horsemen proved resilient. Sponsorships from local businesses, partnerships with community organizations, and the dedication of volunteers helped the team overcome these obstacles.  Although the team has endured many obstacles, the team has yet to obtain the support of the mainstream media.  

Over a few months ago, TMZ (a national news outlet) released a story announcing that Boise would be receiving an Arena Football League (AFL) team. The AFL and the Idaho Horsemen were in talks to bring the Horsemen into the AFL. However, in Reynolds' eyes, the AFL put the cart before the horse with many things including the rushed 16-team announcement. After doing their due diligence, the Horsemen decided to pull back from joining the AFL due to several discrepancies and red flags. During this time, many local news outlets shared and reported on this national information, excited about the possibility of a new team in Boise, disregarding that the Idaho Horsemen already being here and representing Idaho.

Throughout this news cycle, no one had any clue of what entity was behind bringing a team to the Treasure Valley. It was, in fact, the Idaho Horsemen being offered the opportunity due to on-going national recognized successes. The AFL did kick off the 2024 season with a disastrous start without the Horsemen and a team in the Boise market, due to the Horsemen deciding to join the National Arena League. With all of the turmoil that came with the AFL this past season, the Horsemen really dodged a bullet! Throughout all the local reporting of the new possible arena football team coming to Boise, the Horsemen stayed quiet and very disappointed that the local media outlets showed excitement for this unknown entity, despite the Horsemen's ongoing efforts to gain local support and recognition.

The Idaho Horsemen is the third attempt at bringing arena football to this market, surpassing the Idaho Stallions and Boise Burn in longevity. The Horsemen is headed into the 6th season at the Ford Idaho Center, whereas the Stallions lasted 1 season, and the Burn lasted 2 seasons.  

If we could be recognized for all the hard work and dedication we've put in and be accepted like the Idaho Steelheads and the Boise Hawks, we will garner the support needed to sustain, Reynolds says. Although we have no control over this, we will continue to navigate this and strive to be the best organization we can be and striving to become National Arena League champions. With continued community support, we will achieve this!

Making an Impact

As the Idaho Horsemen began to gain traction, their impact extended beyond the football field. The team cultivated a dedicated fan base, became a source of local pride, provided family-friendly entertainment and a platform for community engagement. Game days at the Ford Idaho Center became a celebration of community spirit, drawing fans from across the valley to witness the high-octane action of arena football.

Reynolds also prioritized giving back to the community. Through partnerships with local charities, youth sports programs, and community service initiatives, the team demonstrated its commitment to making a positive difference off the field. Players, dancers, and staff have participated in community outreach events, inspiring the next generation of athletes and hoping to establish the team’s role as a community pillar.

Achieving Success

Today, the Idaho Horsemen stand as a testament to what can be achieved through grassroots effort and community support. The team has not only established itself as a competitive force in arena football, across the country, but has proven to navigate multiple roadblocks and pitfalls that has proven to shut the doors of many teams across the country. The Horsemen have clinched (2) American West Football Championships, showcasing their talent and determination to win and is now focused on achieving this on a national stage.

As we head into our sixth season, we reflect on the journey from when there was doubt of the team finishing the first. Now, we are embarking on our second season on a national stage in the National Arena League (NAL), marking a significant milestone in our growth and success. Our invitation to join the NAL is a testament to our achievements and the strength of our program.

Looking Ahead: Call for Support and Partnerships

As the Idaho Horsemen continue to grow and evolve, their commitment to their roots remains unwavering. Under Reynolds' leadership, the team’s focus remains on nurturing talent, engaging with the community, and providing an exciting and inclusive sports experience for fans of all ages. However, to sustain this growth and ensure the team's continued success, we need ongoing support and partnerships.

We invite local businesses, community organizations, and passionate individuals to join us in this exciting journey. Your support is crucial for upgrading equipment, enhancing facilities, and continuing our mission to provide top-tier arena football entertainment. By partnering with the Idaho Horsemen, you not only invest in a successful sports team but also help provide young talented athletes and dancers a platform to continue chasing their dreams of reaching the next level.  This also contributes to the enrichment of our local community.

The Road Ahead

Our journey into the National Arena League presents new opportunities and challenges. Competing against established teams such as the Omaha Beef, Carolina Cobras, Columbus Lions, Sioux City Bandits, Harrisburg Stampede, Colorado Spartans, Wheeling Miners, Corpus Christi Tritons, and a few more teams coming in 2025 requires significant more resources to sustain and compete at this higher level. Increased support will help us reach more of the community, fill more seats, and spread the excitement of arena football throughout the State of Idaho.

The Idaho Horsemen’s story is far from over. With each passing season, we continue to write new chapters of success, community impact, and thrilling football action. The future is bright for the Idaho Horsemen, and our journey serves as an inspiration to all who believe in the power of dreams, hard work, and community support.

Join us in supporting the Idaho Horsemen as we strive for excellence on the national stage. Together, we can ensure that our team remains a source of pride and excitement for the Treasure Valley for many years to come.