You may want to think twice before skipping over this spotlight because, right now, we would like to introduce a high-velocity treat for the senses! These daredevil cowgirls are students in the Darr School of Agriculture, and they call themselves the Trixie Chicks Trick Riders Association. This unique student organization is an equestrian trick and fancy riding team of performing students and their personal horses. They are currently the only collegiate-affiliated trick riding student organization in the United States.
So you might be thinking, “What is trick riding?” This highly specialized style of equestrian performance is the art of demonstrating dangerous stunts on the back of a free galloping horse. Trick riding requires athletic agility, keen horsemanship, and a trusted equine teammate. The Trixie Chicks Trick Riders train under the supervision of seasoned rodeo professionals and train all of their personal horses to be show-stopping performers.
Established in 2013, the Trixie Chicks Trick Riders Association has aided in the professional development, networking, and preparation of its members for a career in the competitive industry of animal agriculture. These student performers have already made a name for themselves in the agriculture and rodeo world by performing at the World Equestrian Games, multiple professional rodeos, and the Ozark Empire Fair. In 2013, they were also selected as a guest specialty act to perform alongside the famous Budweiser Clydesdales, during their visit to Springfield, MO. The members also had a unique opportunity to collaborate with celebrity portrait photographer, Lauren Dukoff, on a personal project aimed at capturing artistic beauty within the rodeo world. The Trixie Chicks Trick Riders kicked off 2014 with a bang when they took third place in the IPRA Specialty Act Showcase during the International Finals Rodeo in Oklahoma City. They were the only student group to perform against seasoned professional rodeo acts.
In addition to professional performances, the Trixie Chicks Trick Riders strive to excel in both academics and philanthropy activities within the community. They enjoy educating youth about the importance of equestrian safety and horsemanship. During their educational performances at Pinegar Arena, the students give presentations to their college peers and local K-12 students about the history of trick riding and its significance in American cowboy culture. If you would like to learn more about the Trixie Chicks Trick Riders Association, please visit our website and like our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/trxchx. Otherwise, we’ll see you at the nearest rodeo!