Texas State Rodeo Drill Team

H.C.R. No. 136

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The Texas Legislature has customarily recognized a variety of symbols as representations of the rich cultural heritage and natural history of this state; and

WHEREAS, From the days of the Plains Indians and the earliest Spanish ranches, Texas has been a realm where expert horsemanship has held a place of distinct honor; today, many of the equestrian skills that have played such a crucial role in the state's history are honed by adults and children alike for exhibition at rodeos and other riding competitions; and

WHEREAS, The Ghostriders are a group of youth and adult riders whose mission is to keep alive the spirit of the Old West; formed on August 4, 2001, this nonprofit organization consists of three units, the Ghostriders Rodeo Team, the Ghostriders Youth Team, and the Texans; based at Canton, these teams perform at rodeos, parades, equestrian competitions, and other special events around the state; and

WHEREAS, Open to riders of all skill levels, the Ghostriders enjoy a warm, close fellowship while training to a very high standard; though established less than a decade ago, they have already won numerous awards, including the U.S. Equestrian Drill Competition national championship, the state rodeo drill team championship, and the youth drill team championship; and

WHEREAS, In addition to fostering exceptional horsemanship and providing outstanding family entertainment, the Ghostriders have played a constructive civic role through their sponsorship of a scholarship and their honoring of community heroes at rodeos where they have appeared; and

WHEREAS, At the present time, the Ghostriders enjoy partnerships with the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame, as well as with the Choctaw, Chickasaw, Cherokee, and Pawnee Indian nations; and

WHEREAS, Nearly 500 years have elapsed since horses first splashed through the surf and onto Mexican soil with the conquistador Hernando Cortes; during that half millennium, the animal became essential to many cultures in Texas, and the horse and rider emerged as one of the iconic images of the Lone Star State; through their deftly executed and heart-quickening performances, the Ghostriders evoke the ineffable bond that has joined countless riders and their mounts, while conjuring up the myriad feats these pairs have accomplished across the centuries and the vast expanses of this storied land; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the 80th Legislature of the State of Texas hereby designate the Ghostriders as the official Rodeo Drill Team of Texas.