Emily was a former member, and Captain, of the Katy Cowgirls, I first met Emily when I photographer her and Bella in a dark and whimsical portrait session with her horse Bella in the State Forest. I knew that we had to do a session with her Katy Cowgirls outfit, so it was just a matter of time before we planned to meet up once again for this session. As Emily’s Senior Year at Cy-Ranch High School drew to an end I knew how special her time as a member of the Katy Cowgirls was to her, so getting to capture these photos for her was so incredibly special.

The Katy Cowgirls started in 1943 at the very first Katy ISD Rodeo, there were four girls that presented the flags at the opening ceremonies and this tradition was born. The Katy Cowgirls were formerly directed by Cindy James, and now Anita Mancini & Rick MacDonald direct the Katy Cowgirls. The Mounted Drill Team is a group of student riders from ages 8 to 17 years old, with around 27 riders. They perform at events outside of the Katy Livestock Show and Rodeo like the Katy Rice Harvest Festival and Special Children’s Day.

It takes a lot of skill and practice to be a part of the group, as they perform insanely complicated patterns while walking, trotting, and even cantering around the arena with a flag in their hand. I don’t know about you, but there is no way on earth I could ride my horse around the ring with 25+ other horses and flags flapping around.

You can identify the Katy Cowgirls by their Cowboy Hat & Tiara along with their Texas Flag Chaps and Sparkly silver shirt.