About Us

Sweethearts of the West is a non-profit equestrian drill team located in beautiful Colorado.  Members are made up of young ladies from across the front range sharing a common passion for horses, teamwork, community and leadership.

 We take great pride in our mission our community and our Country.  We believe that promoting a positive image and an awareness of rodeo is the heart of preserving our western heritage. 

Member responsibilities include promoting the western way of life through actions and deeds; participating in community and charity events; promoting the sport of rodeo through education; and showcasing drill performances at rodeos and special events throughout the year.   

OPEN MEMBERSHIP

August 2022 

• Age - Gals 14 and up 
• Equitation -  Applicant must possess competent skills in horsemanship and equitation to be considered. Drill team experience preferred, not required.
• Equine- Members are not required to own a horse but must have a signed lease agreement for the regular use of a horse to participate.
• Travel/transportation - Must have own transportation to get self and horse to weekly practice and events.
• Stallions are not allowed.
• Qualifying Rides - Applicant must successfully complete a minimum of 3 "Qualifying Rides"  (QR) with a flag to determine level of  skill & horse/rider compatibility.
• Performance team is limited to 20 active members each year.  

MEMBERSHIP PROCESS

• Successfully Complete  minimum of 3 QRs 
• Attend Orientation
• Submit application 

Note: Some individuals and or horses may require more than 3 QRs. 

• Once accepted, submit the required membership fee.

SUMMARY OF EXPECTATIONS 

• Team Practice - members attend regular  practice rides. 
• Event/show season- June through mid August. Must be willing to commit to at least 75% of the event / show schedule.
• Willing to travel 1-3 hours outside of the Denver metro area for events. Includes some overnights. 
• Volunteer / fundraising events- willing to contribute a minimum of 8 volunteer for various charity and fundraising events. 
• Membership Fee $75
• Annual Renewal $50

• Horses In Masquerade- presented by Sweethearts of the West Members participate in this annual fall charity event (early October) to benefit Sweethearts of the West, and the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund. 

• Charity Events - Throughout the year, we volunteer / participate in a variety of charitable events. 

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

• Leadership - Each year a member receives a custom belt buckle for her outstanding leadership; commitment to the mission; volunteer hours; team dedication, and overall performance.

• Volunteer Spirit - Awards given to members and volunteers who have contributed the most volunteer hours throughout the year.

COMMITTEES

Sweethearts of the West values the commitment and participation of its members. Each year members are selected to actively engage in planning and decision making activities through their involvement on various organizational committees.  

Leadership Committee 

Instrumental in selecting and qualifying new members and volunteers, and more.

Planning Committee

Responsible for planning and organizing fundraising and team building activities. Open to members and active volunteers.

Sweethearts of the West is a 100% volunteer organization.  We do not charge for our performances but gladly welcome donations.

Team Support

In addition to the performance team we welcome and encourage the support of friends, family and like-minded individuals who enjoy giving back to their community. 

Various volunteer opportunities include but not limited to:

• Ground support at rodeos
• First aid
• Video/photography
• Costumes
• Flags
• Support at various charity events- throughout the year.

Volunteer Process

• Complete application
• Attend an orientation
• Once accepted submit $25 fee