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An Age Old Tradition Continues

	Catherine Ellerton Moapa Valley Progress Submitted Apr. 2, 2008 Through the haze they came. Twenty riders sitting proud in the saddle carrying the flags. The flag of our proud Nation waving in the breeze. They were determined. They were focused. They were having a heck of a good time! They were the Clark County Fair and Rodeo Flag Team and they were practicing to take part in that Rodeo. These ladies, some for many years, others for the first time, have gathered together once a year, with their noble steeds		The Clark County Fair and Rodeo Flag Team prepare for Opening Night. Riders are Irene Barlow, Tonya Burton, Mandee Davis, Jennifer Demille, Kirstie Dreibelbis, Nicki Felsler, Karen Hughes, Bobbi Ketelhut, Corinna and Kayla Leachman (alternate), Kerbee Leavitt, Mechelle Ledger (alternate), Shelley Logan, Stephanie Monk, Samantha Olson, Vicki Pepin, Bridgett Russo, Kimberely Satter, Bobbi Scott, Anita Shanahan, Cindy Shakespear, and Michele Wilcock.
	(Sam, Soneta, Sassy, Smidge, Betty, Sage, Lily, Zech, Arrow, Josie, Sleepy – among many others) to hone their skills and to develop their coordination and stamina to carry the flags during the Opening Ceremony of the Pro-Rodeo event at the CC Fair and Rodeo. In their “other life” these women are business/career women and domestic engineers. Some of them ride for pleasure, some hope to join the pro rodeo forces, some barrel race on the NBHA circuit and one, Kayla Leachman, is trying out for Rodeo Princess. Their horses are of many colors and breeds – from Apys and Arabians to Paso-Finos and Percherons (Draft Horse) to Paints and Quarterhorses to Tennessee Walkers. These mighty steeds must cope with the noises, the lights, the flags waving in their faces; therefore, they and their riders practice seriously for almost three months to get it right – to be “de-spooked.” Mandy Davis, Samantha Olson and Vicki Pepin, along with Jeff Holzgrafe who heads the ground crew, gather these riders together to, once again, take part in an age old tradition. First the drill team will present the flags in their practiced routine, and then come the Royalty, the politicians, the stock contractors, pickup riders and the Army Mounted Color Guard from Barstow, California. Following the National Anthem, these riders leave the arena and the games of sheer will, ingenuity and strength begin.