Nila Birchett - Drill Master
Nila is an original, founding member of the CVR when the team was formed in 1968 at the Mustang Round up Club. 2021 will be her 53rd year as a Rangerette!
Nila has been drill master of the team for 30 years and has seen many, many cowgirls come and go.
She has had the opportunity to coach 2 of her granddaughters on to win USEDC National titles
Nila was the first inductee into the USEDC Hall of Fame in 2019 in Athens, Tx..
She reminds us that, "You don't become a great cowgirl by yourself. We're a team set in motion to achieve a common goal."
Nila is an original, founding member of the CVR when the team was formed in 1968 at the Mustang Round up Club. 2021 will be her 53rd year as a Rangerette!
Nila has been drill master of the team for 30 years and has seen many, many cowgirls come and go.
She has had the opportunity to coach 2 of her granddaughters on to win USEDC National titles
Nila was the first inductee into the USEDC Hall of Fame in 2019 in Athens, Tx..
She reminds us that, "You don't become a great cowgirl by yourself. We're a team set in motion to achieve a common goal."
Amy Graves - President
Amy has been a member of the Rangerettes drill team since 2006 and her drill partner for the last 4 years is Cadillac.
Amy is married to Luke Graves and together they share the love of rodeo and being on the road. Even though Amy enjoys barrel racing, breakaway roping and has competed in a handful of womens ranch rodeos she will be the first to tell you that Drill is her true passion.
Amy also enjoys watching her nephew play baseball and going to the lake.
Amy is a dental assistant in Oklahoma City and her family resides in Blanchard.
Amy has been a member of the Rangerettes drill team since 2006 and her drill partner for the last 4 years is Cadillac.
Amy is married to Luke Graves and together they share the love of rodeo and being on the road. Even though Amy enjoys barrel racing, breakaway roping and has competed in a handful of womens ranch rodeos she will be the first to tell you that Drill is her true passion.
Amy also enjoys watching her nephew play baseball and going to the lake.
Amy is a dental assistant in Oklahoma City and her family resides in Blanchard.
Michelle Douglas - Vice President
Michelle has been a member of the Rangerettes since 2009. Since then she has had the pleasure of riding drill with her two daughters, her sister and her niece winning multiple National Titles on the Main Team but also as a member of a family quad team that they have taken to the National Competition.
Michelle's drill partner is Sooner, an AQHA/ OKFQHR red roan that she is quite proud of.
Michelle and her family reside in Pocasset, Oklahoma and in her spare time she enjoys spending time on the farm with all of her grandbabies Kathryn, Dalilah and Travis.
Michelle has been a member of the Rangerettes since 2009. Since then she has had the pleasure of riding drill with her two daughters, her sister and her niece winning multiple National Titles on the Main Team but also as a member of a family quad team that they have taken to the National Competition.
Michelle's drill partner is Sooner, an AQHA/ OKFQHR red roan that she is quite proud of.
Michelle and her family reside in Pocasset, Oklahoma and in her spare time she enjoys spending time on the farm with all of her grandbabies Kathryn, Dalilah and Travis.
Kelly Bergin - Secretary
Kelly has been with the Rangerettes since 2017.
Kelly’s drill partner for the past 3 years has been Copenhagen, affectionately known by many as The Diva
But Kelly also loves to pull her trusted drill partner of 13 years, Bandit, out of retirement each year for a parade or two.
Kelly and her fiancé recently bought a new home and reside in Goldsby, Ok with their miniature aussie, Monroe (Mo)
Kelly can’t wait to get back to sharing her love of drill and the sport of rodeo with the fans and her teammates.
When I asked Kelly what hobbies she enjoys outside of drill she answered "Girl...I don't have time for other hobbies!"
Kelly is an attorney in Norman, Ok and we are incredibly proud to have her as a teammate!
Kelly has been with the Rangerettes since 2017.
Kelly’s drill partner for the past 3 years has been Copenhagen, affectionately known by many as The Diva
But Kelly also loves to pull her trusted drill partner of 13 years, Bandit, out of retirement each year for a parade or two.
Kelly and her fiancé recently bought a new home and reside in Goldsby, Ok with their miniature aussie, Monroe (Mo)
Kelly can’t wait to get back to sharing her love of drill and the sport of rodeo with the fans and her teammates.
When I asked Kelly what hobbies she enjoys outside of drill she answered "Girl...I don't have time for other hobbies!"
Kelly is an attorney in Norman, Ok and we are incredibly proud to have her as a teammate!
Tavia Collins Smith - Treasurer
Tavia has been a member of the Rangerettes Main Team since 2008. Tavia's partner in drill since 2012 is 'Z'.
Tavia is one of the many mother/ daughter duos on the drill team. She is blessed to ride with her mother, Tricia Collins, and is also a rider on the CVR "family quad" which consists of Tavia, her mother, her aunt and cousin all of the Main Team.
Tavia is a small business owner and also a firefighter's wife. We applaud Tavia for her work and dedication as a first responder's spouse. Thank you!
When Tavia isn't busy with her business or her two children, Leah and Reece, she likes to work in her garden and she enjoys growing flowers.
You will usually find Tavia and Z at drill practice with 6 yr old Leah close behind on her own horse, Scout, learning the ropes of the Rangerettes. Leah is a "Rangerette in Training".
Tavia and her family make their home in Bridgecreek, Ok
Tavia has been a member of the Rangerettes Main Team since 2008. Tavia's partner in drill since 2012 is 'Z'.
Tavia is one of the many mother/ daughter duos on the drill team. She is blessed to ride with her mother, Tricia Collins, and is also a rider on the CVR "family quad" which consists of Tavia, her mother, her aunt and cousin all of the Main Team.
Tavia is a small business owner and also a firefighter's wife. We applaud Tavia for her work and dedication as a first responder's spouse. Thank you!
When Tavia isn't busy with her business or her two children, Leah and Reece, she likes to work in her garden and she enjoys growing flowers.
You will usually find Tavia and Z at drill practice with 6 yr old Leah close behind on her own horse, Scout, learning the ropes of the Rangerettes. Leah is a "Rangerette in Training".
Tavia and her family make their home in Bridgecreek, Ok
Elizabeth Rice - Parade Marshall
This is Elizabeth's 20th season on the Rangerettes drill team.
Elizabeth started on the team in 2002 and is from Mustang, Ok.
Elizabeth's drill partner is Fury who she's ridden for the last 4 years. He may only be 14.2 hands tall but he loves drill and loves to run.
Elizabeth is the 2021 Rangerettes Parade Marshall. She is in charge of getting the team set for pivots during our many rodeos and setting us up during parades. She always makes sure we are looking our best and are prepared to kick off the rodeo's Grand Entry which is an essential part of the rodeo.
She is also one of the mother daughter pairs riding on the team. She has loved riding with her daughter Megan through all the national championship teams and a number of quad teams including one that won International Quad Division at the USEDC competition in Athens, Tx.
She enjoys watching her two oldest grandsons play baseball, basketball, and football games, as well as spending time with her youngest grandson who she's sure will probably be playing sports soon too.
She is also a proud mother to her son Kelly, and has enjoyed the pleasure of gaining a wonderful daughter in Kelly's wife, Candace, and a son in Megan's husband, Josh.
She has two spoiled rotten fur babies, Coco and Fancy at home.
This is Elizabeth's 20th season on the Rangerettes drill team.
Elizabeth started on the team in 2002 and is from Mustang, Ok.
Elizabeth's drill partner is Fury who she's ridden for the last 4 years. He may only be 14.2 hands tall but he loves drill and loves to run.
Elizabeth is the 2021 Rangerettes Parade Marshall. She is in charge of getting the team set for pivots during our many rodeos and setting us up during parades. She always makes sure we are looking our best and are prepared to kick off the rodeo's Grand Entry which is an essential part of the rodeo.
She is also one of the mother daughter pairs riding on the team. She has loved riding with her daughter Megan through all the national championship teams and a number of quad teams including one that won International Quad Division at the USEDC competition in Athens, Tx.
She enjoys watching her two oldest grandsons play baseball, basketball, and football games, as well as spending time with her youngest grandson who she's sure will probably be playing sports soon too.
She is also a proud mother to her son Kelly, and has enjoyed the pleasure of gaining a wonderful daughter in Kelly's wife, Candace, and a son in Megan's husband, Josh.
She has two spoiled rotten fur babies, Coco and Fancy at home.
Kristen Maib - Queen
She is 22 years old and 2021 is Kristen's 6th year as a member of the Rangerettes Main Team.
Kristen's drill partner is 12 year old Salem. This is Kristen and Salem's 2nd drill season together
Kristen is from Mustang, Ok and has recently bought her first house in Moore
She is 22 years old and 2021 is Kristen's 6th year as a member of the Rangerettes Main Team.
Kristen's drill partner is 12 year old Salem. This is Kristen and Salem's 2nd drill season together
Kristen is from Mustang, Ok and has recently bought her first house in Moore
Megan Dockrey - Youth Coach
Megan began coaching the youth team in 2014. Megan says "she enjoys getting to teach the kids the mechanics of drill and teamwork so they can carry that on into other aspects of their lives, as well as to the main team."
Megan started on the team in 2004 as a Rangerette Princess and moved to the Main Team for the first time in 2005.
"At this point I’ve been with the team longer than I’ve been off the team" she said.
Over the years Megan has been blessed to ride two amazing horses. She started Smarty in 2005 and rode him through the 2011 season. Then from 2011 until Dec 2020 Zeus was her amazing drill team rocket.
Megan will begin the 2021 season with a new drill partner, Odin.
Megan and her husband, Josh, were married in 2019 and they enjoy movies, building legos, spending time with family, and hopefully once Covid settles, getting to do some traveling. In Megan's words they are both big Harry Potter nerds, in fact that was their wedding theme
Megan and Josh make their home in Mustang, Ok with their two dogs Holly and Kookie.
When asked about the quad team that Megan coaches each year she replied "I've ridden with many different mixes on my quad team and enjoyed every group of ladies I’ve had the pleasure of getting to compete with. I don’t really use a special name, just the Rangerettes. We’ve won the international quad division once, and our divisions a few times around that as well."
Megan is also one of our many mother/daughter duos on the Rangerettes drill team. She says "I love the fact that I get to do this with my Mom every year and that she shared her love of horses with me. We’ve won all the national titles together and it’s been an amazing experience getting to do it with her."
Megan's final quote... "This team has honestly raised me, taught me so many life skills and given me so many great friends through every stage of my life so far and I can’t wait to see how much further my journey with the team will go."
Megan began coaching the youth team in 2014. Megan says "she enjoys getting to teach the kids the mechanics of drill and teamwork so they can carry that on into other aspects of their lives, as well as to the main team."
Megan started on the team in 2004 as a Rangerette Princess and moved to the Main Team for the first time in 2005.
"At this point I’ve been with the team longer than I’ve been off the team" she said.
Over the years Megan has been blessed to ride two amazing horses. She started Smarty in 2005 and rode him through the 2011 season. Then from 2011 until Dec 2020 Zeus was her amazing drill team rocket.
Megan will begin the 2021 season with a new drill partner, Odin.
Megan and her husband, Josh, were married in 2019 and they enjoy movies, building legos, spending time with family, and hopefully once Covid settles, getting to do some traveling. In Megan's words they are both big Harry Potter nerds, in fact that was their wedding theme
Megan and Josh make their home in Mustang, Ok with their two dogs Holly and Kookie.
When asked about the quad team that Megan coaches each year she replied "I've ridden with many different mixes on my quad team and enjoyed every group of ladies I’ve had the pleasure of getting to compete with. I don’t really use a special name, just the Rangerettes. We’ve won the international quad division once, and our divisions a few times around that as well."
Megan is also one of our many mother/daughter duos on the Rangerettes drill team. She says "I love the fact that I get to do this with my Mom every year and that she shared her love of horses with me. We’ve won all the national titles together and it’s been an amazing experience getting to do it with her."
Megan's final quote... "This team has honestly raised me, taught me so many life skills and given me so many great friends through every stage of my life so far and I can’t wait to see how much further my journey with the team will go."
Tricia Collins
Tricia joined the Rangerettes drill team in the fall of 2007 and became a Main Team rider in 2008.
Tricia's drill partner since 2009 is Brown Bottoms Joe or "Brother" as we all know him.
Tricia has been riding horses her whole life competing in playdays and team sorting and team penning as she got older. Tricia has trained horses through the years and given numerous lessons.
I can often find Tricia at drill practice helping a younger/ newer rider and sometimes even us older veteran riders **lol** that may have a question or a drill problem or possibly a horse problem. She will always offer to hop on and ride a problem horse or simply give direction for the rider to right the problem herself. Tricia is always generous with her knowledge and is always right there ready to help a teammate.
Tricia is one of our many mother/daughter duos on the drill team. Riding beside other members of her family as well she tells me "my daughter is why we started riding drill. She loved it and the fact that we could ride together made it even better. So getting to ride with my daughter, my sister and niece makes the best memories!"
Tricia and her husband Todd have been married for 36 years this coming July.
"He is my best friend and my biggest fan" said Tricia.
Tricia and her husband make their home in Pocasset, Ok where they enjoy spending their spare time with all 6 of their grandchildren.
When they aren't with the grandbabies they enjoy traveling.
I asked Tricia what was their favorite place they have ever traveled to and she said "we love to travel but I don't think I have a favorite place. We always have a wonderful time where ever we go."
Tricia joined the Rangerettes drill team in the fall of 2007 and became a Main Team rider in 2008.
Tricia's drill partner since 2009 is Brown Bottoms Joe or "Brother" as we all know him.
Tricia has been riding horses her whole life competing in playdays and team sorting and team penning as she got older. Tricia has trained horses through the years and given numerous lessons.
I can often find Tricia at drill practice helping a younger/ newer rider and sometimes even us older veteran riders **lol** that may have a question or a drill problem or possibly a horse problem. She will always offer to hop on and ride a problem horse or simply give direction for the rider to right the problem herself. Tricia is always generous with her knowledge and is always right there ready to help a teammate.
Tricia is one of our many mother/daughter duos on the drill team. Riding beside other members of her family as well she tells me "my daughter is why we started riding drill. She loved it and the fact that we could ride together made it even better. So getting to ride with my daughter, my sister and niece makes the best memories!"
Tricia and her husband Todd have been married for 36 years this coming July.
"He is my best friend and my biggest fan" said Tricia.
Tricia and her husband make their home in Pocasset, Ok where they enjoy spending their spare time with all 6 of their grandchildren.
When they aren't with the grandbabies they enjoy traveling.
I asked Tricia what was their favorite place they have ever traveled to and she said "we love to travel but I don't think I have a favorite place. We always have a wonderful time where ever we go."
Eden Faraon
Eden is the wife of Matt and mommy #2 to Kathryn and Dalilah whom are "Rangerettes in Training"
She is also the mother of one of our littlest Rangerette family, Travis!
Eden started riding with the CVR Youth teams in 2009 and then was able to move up to the main team and has been riding with the Main Team for several years now.
Eden has enjoyed riding with her mother Michelle, Aunt Tricia, cousin Tavia, and sister Emme over the years. Eden told me "those years were the best ever!"
Since she took a year off in 2019 after having her little boy Eden says she has been so ready to have that date with her horse on a regular basis again! I think the entire Rangerettes drill team can agree with you on that E after this last crazy 2020 season! We're all ready to get back into the arena! Lol
Speaking of horses.. Eden has been partnered with Toots, a Foundation Quarter Horse for the past few years. Toots is the half sister to Michelle's horse, Sooner. (Michelle is Eden's mom, Main Team rider and our Vice President).
Toots is the 3rd horse Eden has had the honor of competing for a National Championship with and came home with the title
Eden is the wife of Matt and mommy #2 to Kathryn and Dalilah whom are "Rangerettes in Training"
She is also the mother of one of our littlest Rangerette family, Travis!
Eden started riding with the CVR Youth teams in 2009 and then was able to move up to the main team and has been riding with the Main Team for several years now.
Eden has enjoyed riding with her mother Michelle, Aunt Tricia, cousin Tavia, and sister Emme over the years. Eden told me "those years were the best ever!"
Since she took a year off in 2019 after having her little boy Eden says she has been so ready to have that date with her horse on a regular basis again! I think the entire Rangerettes drill team can agree with you on that E after this last crazy 2020 season! We're all ready to get back into the arena! Lol
Speaking of horses.. Eden has been partnered with Toots, a Foundation Quarter Horse for the past few years. Toots is the half sister to Michelle's horse, Sooner. (Michelle is Eden's mom, Main Team rider and our Vice President).
Toots is the 3rd horse Eden has had the honor of competing for a National Championship with and came home with the title
Claire Foreman
Claire's dad, Marc, says he had her on a horse from the time she was a baby and according to him she never showed a bit of fear! **Definitely a Rangerette in the making at that young age!**
Claire began as a Rangerette Princess riding in parades and rodeo grand entries with the team when she was about 7 years old on a borrowed horse by the name of 'Paint'.
Over the years Claire has worked her way up with the Canadian Valley Rangerettes Youth Team beginning in 2015 riding beside her cousins, Ellise and Lunden, and now she pulls double duty as a CVRY rider but has also worked hard through the ranks to take a place on the CVR Main Team in 2019!
On her very first year as a main team rider Claire was part of the National Championship Team winning the National Title, Rodeo Division and SportsQuest World Cup.
Claire has partnered with some great drill horses over the years. Paint, Misty, and Smarty early on but Claire’s current drill partner for 2021 is Cleo.
Claire's mom, Jan, tells me that 'Sarge' has recently joined their family as a future drill horse for Claire when Cleo decides to retire.
There is something else special I want to highlight about this particular rider.... she is the granddaughter of our team's founder and Drill Master, Nila Birchett.
I asked Claire specifically "what made you want to ride under your grandma and become a Rangerette?"
Claire answered “I liked the idea of riding for a team that my Gaga helped establish and coach for so long. Drill is a unique sport and I’m glad I get to be a part of it."
I also asked Claire "what's your favorite part about riding for your Grandma?"
Claire's answer.. “The best part is spending time with her doing something we both love. We have a lot fun. She has taught me so much about riding. She’s my best mentor and biggest fan. As a bonus I get to wear the red hat she wore when she rode so that is really special.”
Any past or present Rangerette can agree how important and special our red hats are to us so Claire.. to be able to wear the hat that your grandmother wore in the arena so many years ago is absolutely AMAZING!!
Claire also goes on to say "I’ve met some great women over the last several years who have mentored me and taught me a lot about being a Rangerette. They have also helped me grow as a rider.”
Claire is a sophomore at Yukon High School where she is also a member of the Yukon FFA Show Team. She enjoys showing her pigs, competing and being with the other members of the FFA Team.
Claire's dad, Marc, says he had her on a horse from the time she was a baby and according to him she never showed a bit of fear! **Definitely a Rangerette in the making at that young age!**
Claire began as a Rangerette Princess riding in parades and rodeo grand entries with the team when she was about 7 years old on a borrowed horse by the name of 'Paint'.
Over the years Claire has worked her way up with the Canadian Valley Rangerettes Youth Team beginning in 2015 riding beside her cousins, Ellise and Lunden, and now she pulls double duty as a CVRY rider but has also worked hard through the ranks to take a place on the CVR Main Team in 2019!
On her very first year as a main team rider Claire was part of the National Championship Team winning the National Title, Rodeo Division and SportsQuest World Cup.
Claire has partnered with some great drill horses over the years. Paint, Misty, and Smarty early on but Claire’s current drill partner for 2021 is Cleo.
Claire's mom, Jan, tells me that 'Sarge' has recently joined their family as a future drill horse for Claire when Cleo decides to retire.
There is something else special I want to highlight about this particular rider.... she is the granddaughter of our team's founder and Drill Master, Nila Birchett.
I asked Claire specifically "what made you want to ride under your grandma and become a Rangerette?"
Claire answered “I liked the idea of riding for a team that my Gaga helped establish and coach for so long. Drill is a unique sport and I’m glad I get to be a part of it."
I also asked Claire "what's your favorite part about riding for your Grandma?"
Claire's answer.. “The best part is spending time with her doing something we both love. We have a lot fun. She has taught me so much about riding. She’s my best mentor and biggest fan. As a bonus I get to wear the red hat she wore when she rode so that is really special.”
Any past or present Rangerette can agree how important and special our red hats are to us so Claire.. to be able to wear the hat that your grandmother wore in the arena so many years ago is absolutely AMAZING!!
Claire also goes on to say "I’ve met some great women over the last several years who have mentored me and taught me a lot about being a Rangerette. They have also helped me grow as a rider.”
Claire is a sophomore at Yukon High School where she is also a member of the Yukon FFA Show Team. She enjoys showing her pigs, competing and being with the other members of the FFA Team.
Kim Hawkins
Kim began as a Rangerette Main Team rider in 2016.
Kim has ridden a few drill horses over the years but her current partner is Smoke, a 2009 overo grullo gelding. She said she always has to get a new drill horse because her son steals hers away!
Kim began riding formally when she was 9. She rode dressage for two years before switching strictly to Hunter/Jumper until she was 16 years old. In 1996 Kim was ranked 3rd in the state in 5 divisions (year end rankings). That is awesome!
In 2008 Kim was introduced to drill through a friend and participated in the drill coaches and judges 2 day clinic in Texas. Kim is actually a certified drill judge!
This same friend of Kim's suggested she try out for the CVR in 2016 and the rest is history.
Outside of drill Kim and her son, Delsin who is one of our CVR Youth, like to trail ride at many different lakes and on the river close to their house. They also like to make as many playdays as possible.
Kim is a volunteer foster for a local cat rescue. We all love to see the pictures of her new kitties she posts on fb and hear their stories!
Often we find Kim with her mom, Janette, whom is one of our many favorite Rangerette supporters.
Kim began as a Rangerette Main Team rider in 2016.
Kim has ridden a few drill horses over the years but her current partner is Smoke, a 2009 overo grullo gelding. She said she always has to get a new drill horse because her son steals hers away!
Kim began riding formally when she was 9. She rode dressage for two years before switching strictly to Hunter/Jumper until she was 16 years old. In 1996 Kim was ranked 3rd in the state in 5 divisions (year end rankings). That is awesome!
In 2008 Kim was introduced to drill through a friend and participated in the drill coaches and judges 2 day clinic in Texas. Kim is actually a certified drill judge!
This same friend of Kim's suggested she try out for the CVR in 2016 and the rest is history.
Outside of drill Kim and her son, Delsin who is one of our CVR Youth, like to trail ride at many different lakes and on the river close to their house. They also like to make as many playdays as possible.
Kim is a volunteer foster for a local cat rescue. We all love to see the pictures of her new kitties she posts on fb and hear their stories!
Often we find Kim with her mom, Janette, whom is one of our many favorite Rangerette supporters.
Kristi Riera
2021 is Kristi's 3rd season with the Rangerettes drill team. Kristi rides in the parades with us, the Grand Entries and is a practice fill in alternate.
You can find Kristi on her horse ready and waiting at the gate to fill in during our walk-thrus or cool downs. We can always count on her to cool down a horse if necessary or walk around with one of the youngest Rangerette children in tow
When I asked Kristi why she wanted to become a Canadian Valley Rangerette she said "Meeting Michelle at a Mustang rodeo one year. She was so nice to Daniel even walking him around on Sonny made me want to be a Rangerette. I remember growing up and watching The Rangerette's at the rodeo's but when she did that I remember thinking that's so Awesome, I want to be around people like that!"
Kristi goes on to say "I've ALWAYS loved horses. I never wanted barbie or dolls, I always wanted horses so I got the plastic ones."
Kristi says she began riding every chance that she could beg her parents to take her.
She started out being a wrangler at Draper Riding Stables over 10 years ago and has recently helped Honey Lee Ranch start up their trail riding business by working with the Nexus Equine rescue horses to get them ready for customers.
Kristi and her family reside in Mustang, Ok where they own 4 horses, 2 mini horses "Bunnie" and "Clyde" Piper, and Kristi's first horse 4 Socks.. "the first I ever fell in love with".
Outside of the drill arena Kristi says her family loves to spend time at the lake. She says she practically grew up on the lake at Ft Cobb or Texoma camping and Fishing.
They also often go to their son's Michael and Daniel's robotics tournaments or to Archery but that she's "usually up to something with one of my horses usually hitting the trails, helping maintain them around Draper Lake or just making new ones."
2021 is Kristi's 3rd season with the Rangerettes drill team. Kristi rides in the parades with us, the Grand Entries and is a practice fill in alternate.
You can find Kristi on her horse ready and waiting at the gate to fill in during our walk-thrus or cool downs. We can always count on her to cool down a horse if necessary or walk around with one of the youngest Rangerette children in tow
When I asked Kristi why she wanted to become a Canadian Valley Rangerette she said "Meeting Michelle at a Mustang rodeo one year. She was so nice to Daniel even walking him around on Sonny made me want to be a Rangerette. I remember growing up and watching The Rangerette's at the rodeo's but when she did that I remember thinking that's so Awesome, I want to be around people like that!"
Kristi goes on to say "I've ALWAYS loved horses. I never wanted barbie or dolls, I always wanted horses so I got the plastic ones."
Kristi says she began riding every chance that she could beg her parents to take her.
She started out being a wrangler at Draper Riding Stables over 10 years ago and has recently helped Honey Lee Ranch start up their trail riding business by working with the Nexus Equine rescue horses to get them ready for customers.
Kristi and her family reside in Mustang, Ok where they own 4 horses, 2 mini horses "Bunnie" and "Clyde" Piper, and Kristi's first horse 4 Socks.. "the first I ever fell in love with".
Outside of the drill arena Kristi says her family loves to spend time at the lake. She says she practically grew up on the lake at Ft Cobb or Texoma camping and Fishing.
They also often go to their son's Michael and Daniel's robotics tournaments or to Archery but that she's "usually up to something with one of my horses usually hitting the trails, helping maintain them around Draper Lake or just making new ones."
Sienna Smithson
Sienna is almost 15 years old and she lives in Mustang, Ok with her family. She is an Elite Power Tumbler, Nate Fleming Awards winner, who loves art, barrel racing and doing construction. Yes.. she said construction!
Sienna said "I love building stuff and doing something people don't think I can do. Lol...I love a good challenge." Not only is Sienna an award winning tumbler, barrel racer, rides drill, works continuously on the ranch with all of her animals, helps with construction projects AND continues to get very good grades in school but she has her own business too! She owns 'Sienna's Pony Parties' for children.
Is there anything this girl can't do??
Since Sienna is our "newest Rangerette" I asked Sienna how she learned about the CVR team and what made her want to try out. She replied.. "I always admired the Rangerette's. I would watch them in awe. I love drill and wanted to get better and learn from the best. Let me just say these ladies have taught me so much. I have learned so much about drill, and lots of life lessons also. The women on the Rangerette's are tough and good, they are National Champions for a reason. My mom told me if I wanted to ride with the best and be the best I needed to pay attention and take constructive criticism and not get my feelings hurt if someone yells at me during the drill. To tell you the truth I cried the first practice, but I waited until I got in the car...lol ...another lesson from mom. Always handle your self like a lady and champion....if you are going to cry do it in private. The ability of this team is intimidating to someone new, but I knew in my heart this is where I wanted to be and I have never backed down from a challenge. I love everything about the Rangerette's."
**I love this young lady's determination!! **
Sienna is partnered with her 12 year old Appaloosa named 'River'. She says that River loves drill just as much as she does.
Along with River, Sienna has a barrel horse named 'MOJO', a back up drill horse named 'Bonnee', and an almost 2 year old quarter horse named 'Annie' that she is training herself and she says she hopes Annie will get to wear that infamous Rangerette breast collar someday!
I finished my conversation with Sienna by her saying "I am so proud that I get to wear that Rangerette uniform and that my horse gets to wear that Rangerette name across his chest. I will always be grateful for the opportunity and will do my best to always represent the team in a positive light."
Sienna is almost 15 years old and she lives in Mustang, Ok with her family. She is an Elite Power Tumbler, Nate Fleming Awards winner, who loves art, barrel racing and doing construction. Yes.. she said construction!
Sienna said "I love building stuff and doing something people don't think I can do. Lol...I love a good challenge." Not only is Sienna an award winning tumbler, barrel racer, rides drill, works continuously on the ranch with all of her animals, helps with construction projects AND continues to get very good grades in school but she has her own business too! She owns 'Sienna's Pony Parties' for children.
Is there anything this girl can't do??
Since Sienna is our "newest Rangerette" I asked Sienna how she learned about the CVR team and what made her want to try out. She replied.. "I always admired the Rangerette's. I would watch them in awe. I love drill and wanted to get better and learn from the best. Let me just say these ladies have taught me so much. I have learned so much about drill, and lots of life lessons also. The women on the Rangerette's are tough and good, they are National Champions for a reason. My mom told me if I wanted to ride with the best and be the best I needed to pay attention and take constructive criticism and not get my feelings hurt if someone yells at me during the drill. To tell you the truth I cried the first practice, but I waited until I got in the car...lol ...another lesson from mom. Always handle your self like a lady and champion....if you are going to cry do it in private. The ability of this team is intimidating to someone new, but I knew in my heart this is where I wanted to be and I have never backed down from a challenge. I love everything about the Rangerette's."
**I love this young lady's determination!! **
Sienna is partnered with her 12 year old Appaloosa named 'River'. She says that River loves drill just as much as she does.
Along with River, Sienna has a barrel horse named 'MOJO', a back up drill horse named 'Bonnee', and an almost 2 year old quarter horse named 'Annie' that she is training herself and she says she hopes Annie will get to wear that infamous Rangerette breast collar someday!
I finished my conversation with Sienna by her saying "I am so proud that I get to wear that Rangerette uniform and that my horse gets to wear that Rangerette name across his chest. I will always be grateful for the opportunity and will do my best to always represent the team in a positive light."
Lisa Stewart
This is Lisa's 23rd season on the Rangerettes drill team. She is the longest running member after our dear drill master, Nila.
Lisa's drill partner is her 15 year old quarter horse, Jasper.
Lisa was born and raised in northern Virginia where she rode and showed Morgan horses and Thoroughbreds with exposure in many other horse genres.
When Lisa moved to Oklahoma in the early 1990s she joined the Rangerettes drill team because she no longer wanted to compete by herself and against her aquntainces/friends anymore. Lisa said "I thought the horse team sport would help build friends instead... I was right".
In her spare time Lisa enjoys all of her animals as she has horses, dogs, cats and chickens at home.
She says she has loved animals all of her life and she began training dogs competitively when she was 12. She has competed in AKC and UKC over the years and has won several titles including 4 National "Dog World" titles. Did anyone else know that about Lisa?? So neat!
Lisa also enjoys trail riding in her spare time and gardening when she's not busy with her family whom reside in Union City, Ok. Lisa and her husband, Dave, have been married 29 years and have 1 daughter, Kaitlyn.
In 2008 Lisa began the Canadian Valley Rangerette Youth Team and for many years was able to coach her own daughter along with all the youth of the CVR Main Team members. She says the youth teams "are still one of her favorite things".
Lisa is an accountant who served as CFO for a metal building manufacturer in OKC for 26 years before resigning for a position closer to home that enables her to help her aging parent.
This is Lisa's 23rd season on the Rangerettes drill team. She is the longest running member after our dear drill master, Nila.
Lisa's drill partner is her 15 year old quarter horse, Jasper.
Lisa was born and raised in northern Virginia where she rode and showed Morgan horses and Thoroughbreds with exposure in many other horse genres.
When Lisa moved to Oklahoma in the early 1990s she joined the Rangerettes drill team because she no longer wanted to compete by herself and against her aquntainces/friends anymore. Lisa said "I thought the horse team sport would help build friends instead... I was right".
In her spare time Lisa enjoys all of her animals as she has horses, dogs, cats and chickens at home.
She says she has loved animals all of her life and she began training dogs competitively when she was 12. She has competed in AKC and UKC over the years and has won several titles including 4 National "Dog World" titles. Did anyone else know that about Lisa?? So neat!
Lisa also enjoys trail riding in her spare time and gardening when she's not busy with her family whom reside in Union City, Ok. Lisa and her husband, Dave, have been married 29 years and have 1 daughter, Kaitlyn.
In 2008 Lisa began the Canadian Valley Rangerette Youth Team and for many years was able to coach her own daughter along with all the youth of the CVR Main Team members. She says the youth teams "are still one of her favorite things".
Lisa is an accountant who served as CFO for a metal building manufacturer in OKC for 26 years before resigning for a position closer to home that enables her to help her aging parent.
Delsin Bond
Delsin is a 16 year old from Norman, Ok that not only rides on the Canadian Valley Rangerettes Youth drill team but that has the guts and grit to be the only young man in the arena with all of the Rangerette ladies!
Delsin has been a member of the Youth team since 2016 when he and his mom, Main Team rider Kim Hawkins, decided to try their hands at drill.
Delsin has had some great horses over the years and this year he is partnered with 'Cowboy' and 'Ember' but Delsin is notorious for stealing his mom's drill horses!
Delsin has been riding horses since he was a young boy doing his first lead-line class a couple months shy of his 3rd birthday.
Other then the occasional trail ride or playday Delsin decided to get serious about his riding in 2013 when he began to take English lessons but unfortunately at the same time Delsin was involved in taekwondo until 2016 and had made it up to his red belt when he had to decide between taekwondo or doing drill.
**WAIT!!... Did anyone else know this kid has taekwondo moves?? We're going to need a showing of this! **
Delsin's mom, Kim, says that "he was ready for the change and has taken GREAT DELIGHT in continuing to improve his riding so he's able to steal better and better horses from me (Levi, Cowboy, Ember)."
She goes on to say.. "I told him he's NOT stealing Smoke though. I'll fight to the death to keep him!!"
Delsin is currently a sophomore and he is hoping to do something music related once he graduates.
Delsin's current hobbies are playing his guitar, he writes his own songs, and he's learning drone videography which is super neat! He has been practicing his drone skills on the drill team at practices for a couple seasons.
We love when Delsin has the time to bring his drone because the videos he takes from above really shows the team a completely different perspective of the drill and it helps us in many different ways. Not too mention it's just makes for a really cool view!!
To finish out Delsin's CVRY Spotlight I asked him "what is your favorite thing about being a part of the Rangerette family?"
He answered.. "My favorite thing about being part of the Rangerette family is being able to spend time with all the great people on the team and learn new drills with them so I can improve myself as a drill rider.
I go on to ask "what is the hardest thing about riding with the Rangerettes as the only boy?"
His answer was.. "The hardest thing about riding as a man on a team of all women is the fact that I can't ride on the main team!!! I've always tended to hang out more with the girls than I did the guys so it isn't much of a change as far as that goes. I guess you can say I have a way with women
Delsin is a 16 year old from Norman, Ok that not only rides on the Canadian Valley Rangerettes Youth drill team but that has the guts and grit to be the only young man in the arena with all of the Rangerette ladies!
Delsin has been a member of the Youth team since 2016 when he and his mom, Main Team rider Kim Hawkins, decided to try their hands at drill.
Delsin has had some great horses over the years and this year he is partnered with 'Cowboy' and 'Ember' but Delsin is notorious for stealing his mom's drill horses!
Delsin has been riding horses since he was a young boy doing his first lead-line class a couple months shy of his 3rd birthday.
Other then the occasional trail ride or playday Delsin decided to get serious about his riding in 2013 when he began to take English lessons but unfortunately at the same time Delsin was involved in taekwondo until 2016 and had made it up to his red belt when he had to decide between taekwondo or doing drill.
**WAIT!!... Did anyone else know this kid has taekwondo moves?? We're going to need a showing of this! **
Delsin's mom, Kim, says that "he was ready for the change and has taken GREAT DELIGHT in continuing to improve his riding so he's able to steal better and better horses from me (Levi, Cowboy, Ember)."
She goes on to say.. "I told him he's NOT stealing Smoke though. I'll fight to the death to keep him!!"
Delsin is currently a sophomore and he is hoping to do something music related once he graduates.
Delsin's current hobbies are playing his guitar, he writes his own songs, and he's learning drone videography which is super neat! He has been practicing his drone skills on the drill team at practices for a couple seasons.
We love when Delsin has the time to bring his drone because the videos he takes from above really shows the team a completely different perspective of the drill and it helps us in many different ways. Not too mention it's just makes for a really cool view!!
To finish out Delsin's CVRY Spotlight I asked him "what is your favorite thing about being a part of the Rangerette family?"
He answered.. "My favorite thing about being part of the Rangerette family is being able to spend time with all the great people on the team and learn new drills with them so I can improve myself as a drill rider.
I go on to ask "what is the hardest thing about riding with the Rangerettes as the only boy?"
His answer was.. "The hardest thing about riding as a man on a team of all women is the fact that I can't ride on the main team!!! I've always tended to hang out more with the girls than I did the guys so it isn't much of a change as far as that goes. I guess you can say I have a way with women
