However, due to instability with both leagues, Reynolds took a "wait-and-see approach" before making a decision[2] with the intent to start play in 2019.

[3] On October 15, 2018, the Horsemen announced that they had started their own league, the American West Football Conference, and added three other teams to the league, the Reno Express, the Tri-Cities Fire, and Wenatchee Valley Skyhawks.

The Horsemen went undefeated in their first season at 12–0 and earned the right to host the AWFC championship game.

[6] Prior to the planned start of the 2020 AWFC season, the Tri-Cities Fire folded leading to the Horsemen announcing they would play an independent schedule.

[10] After winning the 2023 AWFC championship, the Horsemen were announced as joining the National Arena League (NAL) for the 2024 season.