West Coast Thunder Drill Team
About Us
You can blame a few renegade members from Langley Riders who, in 2000, broke off and began Real West Riders. In 2006, the team had expanded and was moving in a different direction than the main sponsor, thus, the West Coast Thunder Drill Team was born.
A love of horses, riding and the thrill of the drill are what unite us. Ranging in age from, (well let’s just say there is a wide variety of experience), we are a diverse team of hardworking, rodeo crazy, drill junkies. We are 9-5 workers, full time moms, retirees and younguns’ fresh out of school all enthusiastic about the ride.
We are a family; encouraging “newbies” to achieve greater confidence, (you can go that fast!), teasing the ground crew with glitter aprons and plaques, supporting each other in every day life issues. This bond has brought precision to the performances and a professionalism we are proud of.
Practice is also a social event, although if coach had her way it would be all about the spacing, spacing and, yes, the spacing! Getting horses and riders in shape for an exciting season of road trips and rodeos is a big job, one she engages in enthusiastically! (Your horse can make that turn!)
Family, friends and non-riding members are an essential part of the team - the ground crew. They have important jobs at every performance; glitter, chaps, flags, shirt changes (make eye contact only) and assist in everything from horse care to meals. We can never thank them enough for their support and patience.
Dill has taught us commitment. Practice every Thursday (you don’t practice, you don’t play), team fundraising and road trips all take an extra effort of time and money. Anyone owning horses knows this is not a cheap hobby.
As a non-profit group we are very dependent on the support of our sponsors. Their involvement helps us in our traveling, uniforms and equipment. We thank them whole-heartedly for their belief in us and strive to continue to make them proud.
It’s all about friendship and fun, loyalty and dedication, to the team and to each other. Striving to put our best “hoof” forward whether at a rodeo or private function and going the extra mile for the thrill of the drill.
Come join us at a rodeo near you!!
Gotta ride…
