Barrel Racing

Drill Team

Arcadia Whip Crackers

Mounted Drill Team

I was part of the Arcadia Whip Crackers Mounted Drill Team consisting of 4-8 local horse riders. At first I was a Coach for the team, but later had to fill in for a rider that couldn't compete. I never looked back. I rode with the Team as Rider/ Coach. The Rider's ages ranged from 13 to 35. The team had been a member of The Sunshine State Mounted Drill Team Association for the past 5 years. The S.S.M.D.T.A organization held 3-4 qualifying competitions every year.

The Team has lost and we have have won, but all in all we just had fun! We have competed against teams that have had a lot of years of experience and teams that are composed of only adults. Sometimes its intimidating to go up against these teams since we were so inexperienced! Our work ethic was second to none! We would practice year round. Several times a week in the heat and dusty arena we would practice so we were prepared with our horses as much as we could. We have truly put blood sweat and tears into our rides. It took guts and commitment to do this. These girls were really tough! A true family atmosphere.

This Team has been through a lot of transitions since it was first founded in 2003 by coach Mike Marquis of Horse Creek Stables. The team had lost and added members, and horses since it started but we never gave up and the girls have to adapt to change very quickly. This drill team has really made these girls better horsewomen, they rode better and they are trained their own horses. It taught them the values of partnership with their horses and their teammates!

Here is some of our past

Press Release's

The Team had the honor of Performing at the Arcadia Rodeo this past year.
They have preformed their routine at several charity events in the area.
The Kix Country Music Festival in Pt. Charlotte.
State Fair Grounds in Tampa, Fl.
Seafood Festival in Charlotte, Co. Fl.
2002 & 2003 Charlotte Co. Fairgrounds in Murdock, Fl.
Several parades through out the county.
State Champions 2003 (see pictures)
2004 State Championship Article

Our Last Competition

Hurricane Charlie Didn't Stop Them Whip Crackers From Competing At Their State Championship On Nov 7 & 8 2004

We took home a 2nd place in the quad division, a 3rd place in open division and a 1st place in over all high points for the whole weekend.

WAY TO GO TEAM!!!

HI CHARLIE!