2005
Champion Riders Compete in Canton & Abilene

The Thundering Hooves traveled to Canton, TX to compete in the United States Equestrian Drill Competition (USEDC) on July 23rd.  They performed “Las Vegas Showgirls” routine in the Theme Division and “Arabian Nights” in the Open Division, with each performance drawing a standing ovation from the crowd.  When it came time for the awards and presentations, the Thundering Hooves placed 1st in Theme and 2nd in Open. That same night, the team traveled to Abilene, TX to begin preparations for the 4H State Drill Team Competition.  “Warrior Queens” was the theme for this year’s performance.  At the end of the drill, a standing ovation and cheers exuded from the crowd.  Thundering Hooves placed 3rd in the State Competition. 

Thundering Hooves team members include: Amy Lee (leader), Kendra Cox (leader), Erron Anderson, Amber Dale, Kalley Fikes, Paige Johnson, Rachel Johnson, Courtney Leissner, Tiera Shipman, Amanda Vecera, Danielle Estes, and Alex Walker. 

Texas Thunder also competed in the competitions in Canton and Abilene performing to the theme of “Waltz Across Texas”.  Texas Thunder placed 6th in the Youth Division in Canton and 8th in Abilene. 
Texas Thunder members include:  Kassi Golden (leader), Jessica Rodriguez (leader), Heather Fort, Haylee McKissick, Kelli Rodriguez, Justin Clark, Cory McKelvy, Orren Aden, Kelsey Wallis, and Thomas Bunte.
 

For the first time, an adult team (Texas Tumbleweeds) competed in Canton consisting of Drill Team moms, current Drill Team members, and former Drill team members.  They took 2nd in Novice Division and 5th in Mixed Division. 

Team members include: Lacy Gilbert (leader), Amanda Vecera (leader), Shelley Clark, Barbara Cox, Franca Cox, Kendra Cox, Tami Fort, Debbie Matusek, Jodi Richardson, Jessica Rodriguez, Marjorie Johs, Tiera Shipman, Marilyn Shipman, and Nikki Smithey.
 

 

2004
United States Equestrian Drill National Champions and 2004 4-H Texas State Champions!

Thundering Hooves
 

               Thundering Hooves 2004     

  Texas Thunder 2004


The Mayor and City Council of Bay City, Texas, extend congratulations to the 2004 Thundering Hooves Drill Team on being the overall champions of the

United States Equestrian Drill Competition and 4H State Drill Team, do hereby proclaim July 24, 2004 as:
 "Thundering Hooves Day"

 

Thundering Hooves Capture National & State Titles - 2004

The Thundering Hooves traveled to Canton, TX to compete in the United States Equestrian Drill Competition (USEDC) for the first time on July 24th. They performed "The Phantom of The Opera" routine in the Theme and Open Divisions, with each performance drawing a standing ovation from the crowd. When it came time for the awards and presentations, the Thundering Hooves placed 1st in Theme and 1st in Open, naming them USEDC Drill Team Champions.

 

That same night, the team traveled to Abilene, TX to begin preparations for their defense of the 4H State Drill Team Title. "Arabian Nights" was the theme for this year’s performance as the Thundering Hooves strived for a "Three-Peat" State Title. At the end of the drill, as in Canton, a standing ovation and cheers exuded from the crowd. Once again, they took 1st place in the State Competition and defended their title. Thundering Hooves team members include: Marisa Vickrey (leader), Amy Lee (leader), Erron Anderson, Kendra Cox, Amber Dale, Kalley Fikes, Danica Finley, Paige Johnson, Courtney Leissner, Amy Murphree, Kari Murphree, Jodi Richardson, Tiera Shipman, Amanda Vecera, Beverly Vickrey, Alex Walker.

 

Texas Thunder also competed in the competitions in Canton and Abilene performing to the theme of "Disney". They rode with pride and determination, but fell short of their goal. Texas Thunder placed 9th in the youth division in Canton and 12th in Abilene. Texas Thunder members include: Brashae Bree, Danielle Estes, Paige Finley, Heather Fort, Kassie Golden, Rachel Johnson, Lindsay Leissner, Deanna Matejceck, Tina Matejceck, Haylee McKissick, Sarah Murphree (leader), Jessica Rodriguez, Kelli Rodriguez, Gage Slater, Carrie Vance (leader).

 

Thundering Hooves - 2004

 

 

 

 

 

Thundering Hooves - 2004

 

Texas Thunder 2004

Texas Thunder - 2004

The Champion Riders, Matagorda County 4-H Mounted Drill Team, founded in 1990 with 11 riders, is now one of the largest 4-H Drill Teams in the State of Texas. Currently the youth membership is at 40 for the 2003-2004 year.

Thundering Hooves - Fort Worth, Tx. 2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Click here for Ft Worth article.

 

The Drill Team sponsors a team for both beginner and veteran riders. We strive to teach horsemanship, professionalism, drill team preparation and execution, teamwork, competition, respect for authority and community service. We also seek to entertain through excellence in showmanship and to instill pride in a job well done.

 

 

B Team at Matagorda County Rodeo BarnWe are made of two teams, Thundering Hooves and Texas Thunder. Both teams participate in various rodeos and competitions throughout the year, ending the year with State Competition in Abilene.

The Drill Team also hosts a fun and educational youth riding camp each year in the fall called Camp Saddle Sore. Camp Saddle Sore is a 3 day camp designed to instruct and teach riders horse care and management, riding skills and drill design. Riders come from all across the state and the camp is open to all levels of riders both drill and non drill team members.

 

For comments questions about Champion Riders Matagorda County 4-H Mounted Drill Teams, contact Ray Smithey at 979-245-5932. 

For questions or comments about this website contact Sherrie Deen.    Last updated 07/31/06.