Old Fort Dandies tryouts test horsemanship and character

 

story and photos by Joel Rafkin
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Cowgirl up! Fourteen returning members and seven new girls tried out for a spot on the Old Fort Days Dandies on Saturday (Sept. 3) at Kay Rodgers Park. The tryouts were open to girls ages 12-19 who are not married and have their own horse and transportation.

The girls rode a simple pattern in the arena as three judges evaluated their horsemanship skills. An interview with questions about their riding skills and more personal questions was conducted, followed by an on-the-spot drug test.

Patti Stroud, head coach of the Dandies, said she likes to ask the potential members how they evaluate their own riding skills and compare that to the judges’ notes. This provides valuable insight into a person’s character in terms of self assessment. Also, she asks if they participate in social networking and then does a bit of background research online. All this is necessary because the Dandies are much more than an equestrian quadrille team. They are goodwill ambassadors at about 30 rodeos annually including the Old Fort Days Rodeo, ride in parades and perform community service.

Dedication is key to becoming a Dandie. Members must maintain at least a "C" grade point average in school and attend all practices. Practice and events are year-round. From September to January, the team practices once a week and then goes to a two day practice schedule the rest of the year. In addition, the girls ride on their own time, care for their horses and travel throughout the River Valley region to perform.

Ron Scamardo, Old Fort Days Rodeo chairman, said the non-profit Dandies are in need of donations to replace aging equipment. The girls and their families incur considerable out-of-pocket expenses for horse care and travel. The organization provides the shirts, hats, chaps and tack. Stroud said some of the shirts are from 1998 — the last year she rode as a Dandie. About $20,000 is needed, Scamardo said.

"One thing that we would love to see is something that we (The Old Fort Days Rodeo) have had a lot of. We, as the Old Fort Days Rodeo, we have sponsors. We would like to see people get involved in making donations towards that (for the Old Fort Days Dandies)," Scamardo said.

To make a donation to the Dandies, contact the Kay Rodgers Park office at 783-6176.