Born in Southwestern Oklahoma Bill Bowen has been influential in the horse industry for many years.
With the help of mention, Jim Jennings, Bowen began breeding and raising Appaloosa horses in the early 1970’s. His first colored horse, Christie Britches, became a successful all-around competitor, showing in halter, Western pleasure, trail and even lead line with Bowen’s son, Chris.
Bowen went on to breed, train, race and show many successful horses and credits Lynn Hickey for giving him his biggest start in the horse industry. Bowen says it it wasn’t for Hickey, he probably never would have had the opportunity to haul and lead some of the great horses in the industry.
Bowen also served as an officer and eventually Chief of Police for the Bethany Police Department from 1967 to 1987. He and his wife, Sherry, still reside in Bethany today.
In 1999, Bowen started working at Southern Nazarene University. The newly created Equine Program had six grade horses, eight students and one class. Only a few short years later, the SNU Equine Facility houses 52 horses of all different breeds and an amazing 66 students who participate in the ever growing class schedule that includes subjects, such as horse care and training.
Because of his love for the color breeds, such as the Appaloosa and the Pinto, Bill has been involved in the Color Bree Council (CBC) judges exams since the very beginning in 1991. He recently received the coveted Distinguished Service Award at the 2005 CBC Seminar in Oklahoma City.
As far as involvement with the Pinto Horse Association, Bowen can be found in almost every aspect of the association. He serves on the PtHA Judges Committee and the Foundation Committee and announces at the PtHA Headquarters land in its new home in Bethany.
