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Horse's name, age, and breed: Freedom, a beautiful 6yr old palomino Quarter Horse gelding Tell us something about your horse: Searching for that perfect horse, I walked into the barn of Jack & Rita Faulk in Michigan where I laid eyes on a magnificent, iridescent golden palomino with a luxuriously long mane and tail. I've owned over 300 horses in my Riding Stable business but he took my breath away. This horse was Jack's prospective breeding stallion, unbroken and just full of himself. The last thing I wanted to hear at that point was "He's not for sale". After much negotiation, I was the proud owner, and he's since been gelded and has progressed extremely well with his training. How many years riding: Arriving home from the hospital with a brand new bundle of baby (Me), my Mom Francie was shocked to see my father, "Ernie Jenkins", had a little black pony foal named "Peanuts" in the living room waiting for me. So do the math. I've been riding a lifetime. An early memory/experience riding horses: I have lots of memories, but my earliest memory is when I broke my arm falling off a rubber horse! I was an 18 month old Roy Rogers wanna-be and had my spring horse doing airs above the ground. When I reached for my gun, I got bucked off! That was the first of a long history of injuries that had my mother under suspicion of child abuse when it was really that dare devil tomboy in me! Achievements with horses that you are proud of: My Gosh - that's an easy one! All the trophy's and championships in my closet don't compare to the fact that I have had the opportunity to share my love of horses with so many people. I have been blessed with a successful riding stable business since 1985, which opened the door to create Acceptional Riders, a therapeutic riding program that annually services 130 special need riders and gives the opportunity for 80 individuals to volunteer. I've heard a tearful mother relate that her son with Cerebral Palsy said to her "Mom, I finally found something I'm good at!", and have seen a small child who has spent his whole life looking up from a wheel chair lifted onto a horse's back and giggle with delight screaming, "Dad, look at me...I'm a Man!" Who inspires you: I'm very lucky to be surrounded by amazing people every day. I work with incredible people in my business as well as volunteers and riders in the Acceptional Riders Therapy program so never a day goes by without someone touching my life. Best Advice: Put me back in the saddle and set me on course Someone who has helped/supported you to get where you are: My husband John has been behind me in everything I do from the day I met him. His job is to ground me and make me slow down and come back to earth. He lets me fly but more importantly, he's my soft place to land. What makes someone a good horseperson? A good horseperson knows that when you think you know it all, you've just stopped being open to learning. What are you looking forward to in the future? Short term goal is realizing my life's dream of riding my Palomino horse Freedom in my Dad's silver saddle in the Calgary Stampede parade. Long term goal - 2010 Olympics and the Canadian Cowgirls carrying the Olympic Torch. And a Trip to Europe with the Canadian Cowgirls. A tidbit about yourself that no one on the team probably knows: I'm an avid Curler and I sang in a tribute band as Terri Clark. What would you like to say to all those aspiring Cowgirls out there? Smile ladies, your mother paid a lot of money for those teeth!
Cowgirl's Name: Alicia Horse's name, age, and breed: Cheeky, 6, (Overo) Paint Mare. Her name describes her to a tee! How many years riding: Around 8 years What have you learned about yourself from being a Canadian Cowgirl? I have learned that if I put my mind to something, and dedicate myself to it that I can do whatever I want in life. Most Memorable experience with the team: All of the traveling experiences, all of the laughs, tears, and every stumble along the way. A tidbit about yourself that no one on the team probably knows: I know how to Irish Dance! Shhh! What are you looking forward to in the future? Making many more of "our people" Proud To Be Canadian!
Your Name: Alecia VanOverloop Your horse’s name, age, breed: "Molson" is a 12 year old registered blue roan paint. A little bit about yourself and your riding career: I have been riding since I was 13 and started off on Chelsea, a horse that taught me a lot in a short amount of time. A couple years riding her, and I got Kookie, the horse I recently retired from the team in August of 2006. Before becoming founding members of the Canadian Cowgirls, Kookie and I practiced western pleasure, and then barrel racing. I was working for Terry at the time she started the team, and she asked if I would like to be apart of it. I've been a Canadian Cowgirl ever since. I now have Molson, a flashy, sturdy paint, that has taken me to a new level on the team: trick riding. Why are you proud to be Canadian? Travelling with this team I have gotten to see many beautiful places across this great land, however, it is the excitement and sense of pride from the fans that really make me proud to be Canadian. Do you have any pre-show rituals? I usually give Molson a 'Mentos', scratch, and talk to him for a minute. Reassuring him helps reassure myself of how well we will perform. I also say a private prayer just as we are about to enter the arena, which helps to clear my thoughts. To you, what makes a true Canadian Cowgirl? Canadian Cowgirls are a unique and diversified group of females, each contributing individual beauty and knowledge. What makes each of us a Canadian Cowgirl is our unified devotion and pride in our team and country, as well as our love for family and the horse. What a great way to bring such diversity together!
Your Name: Aly Love Your horse’s name, age, breed:Tri J's Chuck's Dandy, affectionately Charlie, is an 8 year old bay QH my drill horse and Roper, roughly eight haha!, a paint, my trick riding horse. A little bit about your horse: Roper's a spicy little meatball, first horse I bought on my own. He loves performing, but hates practicing. Charlie is the most laid back horse I’ve ever met. Also the sneakiest. we've been missing a lot of dog food lately... A little bit about yourself and your riding career: 17 years old, been riding since I was 10. Why are you proud to be Canadian? Canada is a place where one is free to express themselves in any fashion. A diverse and equal opportunity, society that thrives when all work together. Favorite moment while on the team: there's too many to count... 4 years worth!. But I’d have to say St.Bruno rodeo in Quebec, when even the injured pulled in to help me when I needed my team the most. I'll never forget the strength each of those girls gave me to get through, and the feeling of their enthusiasm. Do you have any pre-show rituals? Check the mirror 1000 times! I have a good luck charm necklace that I never take off, every time i have something went wrong! Where do you want to see the team in the next 5 years to come? VEGAS!! Definitely the Rose Bowl. South beach here I come! To you, what makes a true Canadian Cowgirl? Being loyal to your country, team and horse Advice for the Canadian Cowgirls of the future: Double sided carpet tape and lots of SPARKLES! Something that no one knows about you: I sing to the horses when I clean the barn! What I do in the real world, when you’re not riding with
Your Name: Joy Blonde Your horse’s name, age, breed: “Skips Golden Charm” aka Buckaroo, 8 year old gelding, registered overo paint A little bit about your horse: Buckaroo is a great little horse. I purchased him as a 5 year old who was very green broke. I sent him away for 90 days of training to another teammate, Wendy Lamoine, and a few months later I took him to Calgary to perform at the Stampede. He is a great horse with lots of heart. As well as being on the drill team, I trick ride on Buckaroo. He has done a lot in the short amount of time that’s I’ve owned him! A little bit about yourself and your riding career: I was really lucky growing up; horses have always been a big part of my family. My grandfather had a riding stable and after he passed, my aunt Terry continued with the riding stables. I was given a pony for my 4th birthday and that’s when my love for horses started. The team would vote you “most likely….” to fall asleep first in the truck! Do you have any pre-show rituals? I always make sure I have lipstick on and I look over my horse and tack just to double check! Where do you want to see the team in the next 5 years to come? at the Rose Bowl parade in Pasedena California. To you, what makes a true Canadian Cowgirl? A true Canadian Cowgirl can go from one gas station to the next without have to stop in between to go pee! Advice for the Canadian Cowgirls of the future: would have to say, get as much advice from the other cowgirls as possible. Every cowgirl has little tricks or hints to share to make being a Canadian Cowgirl that much more fun! Favorite horse moment in your life: when I got my 1st pony, a white Shetland named “Andrew” for my 4th birthday. That pony taught me so much. What I do in the real world, when you’re not riding with the Canadian Cowgirls: I am a riding instructor and am currently going back to school for nursing.
Horse's name, age, and breed: Bullet (B-bop for short), Age 11, Grade horse (more specifically cross between a Haflinger and Standardbred). He can read me like a book. He can tell when I'm in a good mood (when he is allowed to be a little sassy) or not feeling the greatest (when he is on his best behaviour). He can make all of life's troubles go away by just going out for a ride. He's my escape from stress and makes everything come into perspective. How many years riding: Since I was 6 years old. Have rode Bullet for almost 9 years An early memory/experience riding horses: I always love hearing the story of how I would wander away from my house to the farm just down the road (no roads nearby of course) and sit in the pasture with the horses for as long as I could. My favorite was a dark brown horse named Buster. I've been horse crazy since I was very, very little! What does being a Canadian Cowgirl mean to you? It means I am grateful and lucky to be able to represent the best country in the world with the best horse and with a fabulous group of women who share the same devotion to both their country and their love for horses. There is no greater feeling than holding you country's flag while you're riding around the arena. I always cry!!! What are your aspirations? I aspire to work/open up a therapeutic horseback riding center for children and adults with disabilities, for them to use horseback riding as an alternative form of therapy. Just like the Acceptional Riders therapeutic riding program that we, the Canadian Cowgirls support. The team would vote you "Most Likely to..."? Get bucked off BUT NOT DROP THE FLAG!!! HAHA, no, hopefully most likely to be a team player and help with anything – I'm always willing!
Horse's name, age, and breed: Ty, 9 yr old Appaloosa. Shhhhh, don't tell him, but he doesn't realize that he has spots on his butt...I haven't had the heart to tell him yet! How many years riding: 19 years Describe how you felt the 1st time you did a live performance with the Cowgirls: I was so nervous I completely forgot the drill for about 5 seconds...It seemed like the longest 5 seconds of my life! Best Advice you ever got: Considering that I am originally a city girl, the best advice I ever got was to take up horseback riding lessons. What does being a Canadian Cowgirl mean to you? Being a Canadian Cowgirl means a lot to me because I am proud to represent Canada and TSC Stores. What a better way than from the back of a horse? We always get the best seat in the house...a saddle! Most Memorable experience with the team: One particular weekend we had a lot of trials & tribulations come our way. Team members pulled together and picked each other up out of the "dirt", and we performed our best that weekend. Even though a lot of unpleasant things came our way, we pulled our socks up and helped each other. I'll never forget that weekend. Funniest Experience with the team: I cannot pick only one memorable experience, we have so much fun where ever we go, I would be all day just trying to pick the best one.
Your Name: Robyn De Brouwer Your horse’s name, age, breed: His name is Rusty. He is 7 years old and he is a brown and white paint. He has one blue eye and one brown eye. A little bit about your horse: I got my horse almost two years ago. I needed a new one to take out west to Calgary. He has really learned a lot since I got him and now he is famous for his smiling!!! A little bit about yourself and your riding career: I have been riding horses as long as I can remember. I started out riding english on Quarter Horses. I showed in the pleasure classes for about four years. I quit showing and I wanted a horse for trail riding so I got an arabian mare that I rode for 5 years. I started her out in junior drill and then joined the cowgirls. She was on the team for 3 years and then I got a new horse which I am riding with the Canadian Cowgirls now. Why are you proud to be Canadian? Being a Canadian Cowgirl makes me feel proud to be Canadian. I love carrying our country's flag and represting Canada where ever we go. I love being in the show and having the audience cheering and clapping for us because they are also cheering for our country. Favorite moment while on the team: One of my most favourite trips would have to be when we went to West Virginia. It was very interesting because no one knew what was going to happen next. The place we stayed was different but a lot of fun. The best part was when we went trail riding in the mountains for 8 hours. It was very nice out there and having the entire team trail riding together was great! The team would vote you “most likely….” the "cheapest" Where do you want to see the team in the next 5 years to come? I love to do as much travelling as I can so maybe a trip to Europe would be nice!!
To you, what makes a true Canadian Cowgirl? A true Canadian Cowgirl loves spending time with her horse and loves riding with the team. They work hard and put a lot of hours into training their horse just right for the drill. They get along with their teammates. They love representing their country and performing in front of an audience. What I do in the real world, when you’re not riding with
Horse's name, age, and breed: Valor, a 5 year old buckskin Paint gelding who used to be a champion pleasure horse in Michigan! Valor loves drill and proudly carries me as I hippodrome around the arena. His old owners came to see us perform at Can-Am and teared up they were so proud of us. How many years riding: I have been riding now for 10 years. What does being a Canadian Cowgirl mean to you? Being a Canadian Cowgirl means being a role model to thousands of little girls, that years ago... that was me! An early memory/experience riding horses: My cousin and I attended a horse camp at TJ Stables and we both rode mules because we were the only two that were brave enough! They were actually kind of fun. So it's an early experience but on mules instead of horses. Most Memorable experience with the team: I would have to say that my most memorable experience was at Equine Affaire when I was able to hippodrome for the first time in front of such a large crowd. The energy was amazing and I never thought that I would be doing that, but I took a chance and learned how and this was the payoff. I was so proud to be a part of the team, and proud to be Canadian. Achievements with horses that you are proud of: Being a part of this team is what I am the most proud of, and how my riding abilities have grown throughout the past ten years.
Name: Jennifer Little bit about yourself and riding career: I was born in the saddle, and have had a love for horses my whole life. When I was younger I did a lot of trail riding then I was introduced to barrel racing, shortly after that I found the Canadian Cowgirls and loved it. Your horse’s name, age, breed: My horses name is Taz, he is a four year old registered paint gelding. He is a tri coloured Overo paint with two blue eyes. He is new to the team and I, and I am looking forward to travelling with him this summer and spending time with him and the team. Why are you proud to be Canadian: I am proud to be Canadian because living in a free country opens the door for a world opportunities. The team would vote you “most likely….” to be able to jump on any horse and drill! Where do you want to see the team in the next 5 years to come? In the next five years I would like to see the team performing for Royalty. To you, what makes a true Canadian Cowgirl? To me, a true Canadian Cowgirl is someone who treats people with respect and is respected by others. Advice for the Canadian Cowgirls of the future: Practice long, work hard, perform to your best.Favourite horse moment: My favourite moment was when my dream horse became mine. What I do in the real world: I work for an Equine Vet, and I love to travel to the islands.
Horse's name, age, and breed: Bearie, 9 year old Paint gelding. Tell us something about your horse: Bearie was born and raised here at home. He was trained by myself and was used as a trail horse until the start of the drill team. It took him some time to adjust to the different lifestyle as a performance drill horse but now he loves it. His favorite part is the meet and greet with the children, they seem to have a calming affect on him. How many years riding: I have been around horses and riding all my life. An early memory/experience riding horses: When I was very young (4 or 5) my aunt kept her horse at our farm. She came out to take him for a ride and offered to take me along. I rode our pony and followed through the woods for hours. This comes to my mind a lot. Also, when I was young my brother showed in a local saddle club. With no trailer at that time he would ride there. Sometimes if he had to babysit me he would double ride me there and I would sit and watch all day. Achievements with horses that you are proud of: I am most proud of the Canadian Cowgirl's achievements, but I also worked in the race horse industry and trained some very successful race horses that were labeled not to make it and they did. Who inspires you: My father. He follows the activity of the team very closely. His health is poor and he is unable to make it out to the events but he enjoys the videos and the news articles. He's very proud of the fact that I am on the team and shows pictures to everyone. I ride for him. Describe how you felt the 1st time you did a live performance with the Cowgirls: Proud. Someone who has helped/supported you to get where you are: The support from my family has been the best motivation. Most Memorable experience with the team: Our first trip to Kentucky when I had to drive a truck down there that had no business going! Everyone stuck together with me and we made it. What makes someone a good horseperson? A good horse person puts the welfare of the horse first at all times. They always remember that it is an animal and has mental and physical limitations.
Horse's name, age, and breed: Pooh The Boo Hoo, but we like to call her Bug. Tell us something about your horse: Bug is a black 9 year old registered American Quarter Horse mare, and she was given to me 4 years ago as a Christmas present from my sister. I love her very much and we have been practicing our trick riding and we are doing great! How many years riding: I rode before I could walk. Who inspires you: The person who inspires me most in my life is my mom. I want to grow up to be just like her, I've learned the most from her and I know I'm not done learning yet. Describe how you felt the 1st time you did a live performance with the Cowgirls: It was probably the most fun I've ever had in all my years with horses. When you are out there and the "Northern Lights" music starts to play, it always puts me on the edge of my seat and never fails to give me the c-c-c-chills! Best Advice you ever got: "Just shut up and ride!" Or "No blood? You're fine, get back on your horse." What does being a Canadian Cowgirl mean to you? That chasing dreams are worthwhile. Someone who has helped/supported you to get where you are: I would not be where I am today if it were not for my mom and dad. If they didn't take the time out of the day for me to come out and watch me practice and improve everyday in all the different things that I do, I would be nowhere. Thanks mom and dad. Most Memorable experience with the team: Going into the arena at the Massachusetts Equine Affair and feeling the rumble of the applause underneath my horse's feet. Funniest Experience with the team: When Terry, Laura, Aly and I went to Belleville to do a TSC opening and I was hippodroming and I split the seat of my pants. Now that was a chilling experience! What makes someone a good horseperson? You are a good horse person when you can cowgirl up when you are feeling down and give a hand when someone else is feeling down. Then everyone is a winner. A tidbit about yourself that no one on the team probably knows: That God is my co-pilot.
Your Name: Tammy Your horse’s name, age, breed: Colter, 10 year old Appendix quarter horse A little bit about your horse: My horse’s name is Colter, and he is very unique meaning he has his own personality. I wouldn’t trade him for the world! A little bit about yourself and your riding career: I’ve been riding for about 7 years, I was an original member of the Canadian Cowgirls, but took some time off to get life organized. I rejoined in the winter of 2006 and am still proudly riding away. Why are you proud to be Canadian? I am proud to be Canadian because I am proud to be representing my country with family and friends, 2 legged and 4. Favorite moment while on the team: When the team gets together we laugh and joke but I guess when we get together as a team and create a beautiful drill and watching it all come together. Where do you want to see the team in the next 5 years to come? I’m not sure; you never know where we will be so sit down, hang on tight and enjoy the ride. There are always surprises waiting for us. To you, what makes a true Canadian Cowgirl? Being a true Canadian Cowgirl you need to take pride in representing your family, friends and mostly your country. Being able to “cowgirl up” is an asset, when everyone helps each other out you create something amazing! Advice for the Canadian Cowgirls of the future: Be ready for a lot of hard work but in the end it is worth it because you’re not just another teammate you’ve gained friends and family. Something that no one knows about you: I am afraid of snakes!!! What I do in the real world, when you’re not riding with the Canadian Cowgirls: I work at Global Vechical System in Tilbury and also International Truck and Engine in Chatham. I am also a part time student working towards my D.S.W diploma
Your Name: Marcy Trumble Your horse’s name, age, breed: Wilson, 7, Missouri fox trotter/quarter horse cross A little bit about your horse: When I first joined the team, I didn’t have a drill horse so I was fortunate enough to have awesome team members who allowed me to borrow their spare horses until I found my drill horse. A little bit about yourself and your riding career: I started riding when I was 5, doing summer camps. I got serious about horses when I was 14. I learned jumping, dressage and other English disciplines. When I was 16 I started an interest in vaulting (gymnastics on horses) and focused on that. I became friends with some of the other girls on the team and they introduced me to drill, its all history from there! The team would vote you “most likely”… To have a piece of equipment fall off or break! Why are you proud to be Canadian? Our country supports so many different cultures and Canada gives me a true feeling of freedom. Where do you want to see the team in the next 5 years to come? Yahoo’n it up at a performance in Europe! To you, what makes a true Canadian Cowgirl? Someone who isn’t afraid to get dirty and get ‘r’ done……………right! Advice for the Canadian Cowgirls of the future: Keep your heels down, your girth tight and don’t let your hat fall off!!!!! (Pizza is expensive these days! HaHa) What I do in the real world, when you’re not riding with |
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Cowgirl's Name: Terry Jenkins - Captain, Canadian Cowgirls
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