The Lee County Rising Stars 2 perform their routine at the April 30 competition.  Staff Photo by Carolyn Rost

May 18, 2006 - Horses and riders donned in colorful costumes executed fast and precision riding drills when the Lee County Texas Stars 4-H Youth Drill Team hosted their first 4-H Equestrian Drill Competition April 30 at the Lee County Sheriff’s Posse Covered Arena in Giddings.

The competition featured over 100 contestants, horses and drill masters from across the state of Texas. After investing thousands of practice hours mastering precision drills, the six 4-H teams and one adult team from Matagorda County competed for best team honors. Judging was based on horsemanship ability, precision of execution of routine and team appearance.

Teams consist of at least 10 mounted riders and 4-H participants’ range from third graders to 18-year-olds.

The riders compete in one of two team levels - “A” and “B” teams. The “B” team is the starting level. The riders learn how to synchronize in line formations, change leads and other basic riding and drill techniques. At this level is where horsemanship, responsibility, respect for others and their horse, commitment and sportsmanship are learned. The “A” team is the advanced group of riders who are experienced in handling their horses in a safe and well-controlled manner.

Salt Grass Cowgirls work hard during the event. Front riders are  Amy Miller, left, and Nikki Smithey. The Salt Grass Cowgirls were the only adult team entered in the competition. Staff Photo by Carolyn Rost

After only four years of competition, the Lee County “A” Team, the Texas Stars, were the 2005 state champions for precision riding.  The junior team, or “B” team, the Rising Stars, earned third place for fast drill and fourth place in precision riding in district competition last year. 

Garry and Angela Turner, drill masters for the Lee County Texas Stars and Rising Stars, spend one day a week throughout the year, weather permitting, working with their two teams. The junior team has some up-and-coming young riders, said Angela. Five of the teams riders are only 9-years-old.

According to Angela, all three of the A teams that competed on April 30 have been state champions the last three years, and the Matagorda County team won the nationals in Canton in 2004. 

The Liberty County “A” and B” teams, who took first place at the recent competition in Giddings, have years of experience participating in equestrian riding drills. According to their website, the Liberty County 4-H Mounted Drill Team originated in 1968 by Tommy Small of Liberty. Small, along with Debbie Cain, are the teams’ drill masters.

At the state competition in Abilene last year, the Liberty County Rebel Riders took first place honors and the Lone Star Riders took fourth place with 11 teams competing, said Cain.

Cain had positive comments for the Lee County 4-H Drill Team’s efforts at hosting their first event. “I thought it went very, very well. Beautiful grounds, lots of trees for shade and nice arena. They were very hospitable and we had a great time.”

The Turners are looking forward to planning the 2007 competition and are pleased with the experience that was gained at their first show.

Teams and their placings were as follows:

“A” Team:

First place - Liberty County Rebel Riders

Second place - Matagorda County Thundering Hooves

Third place - Lee County Texas Stars

Fourth place - Matagorda County Salt Grass Girls (adult team)

“B” Team:

First place - Liberty County Lone Star Riders

Second place - Matagorda County Texas Thunder

Third place - Lee County Rising Stars

Sponsors of the event were Lee County Sheriff’s Posse, Lee County Blue Santa, Giddings Economic Development Corp., Giddings Chamber of Commerce, IBEW Local #2078, KRXT-985, KTEX-106 and Zachry Construction Corp. - Rockdale.

For information about 4-H equestrian drill competitions or other 4-H activities in Lee County, contact the Lee County Extension office at 979-542-2753 or visit the office at 282 S. Grimes in Giddings.