     
|
In 2006 the Thunderbird Pro Rodeo was proud to debut our Grand Entry Team, the “Cowgirls”. Led by Melissa McDonald, Harmony Madden and Kristen Spainower, the 14 Cowgirls are a combination drill team, flag carriers, sales staff, and all around good gals. They are a dedicated group of volunteer horsewomen who practice their routines year round and support the rodeo in a variety of ways. The Cowgirls also appear with our Queen at speaking events, parades, and other public appearances for the rodeo. They are available to promote the rodeo or your business by contacting Melissa, Harmony or Kristen through the website. Our rodeo producers couldn’t be more proud of the Cowgirls, their enthusiasm, and love for the sport of rodeo. The Cowgirls…part of “The Spirit of the West”.  Presented By:
Maddie Hello everyone! My name is Madeline Nickel, but you can just call me Maddie. I am 18 years old and live on Bainbridge Island here in Washington. I am attending the local community college, Olympic College located in Bremerton. I plan to transfer to Central Washington University when I finish getting my Associates Degree and upon going to Central, plan to major in Graphic Design. I have been riding horses for about 8 years now, two of those years I was in 4-H and I also continue to show Pinto circuit and B circuit horse shows. I have been with the Thunderbird Cowgirls for two years with my horse Midge, who is my 9 year old Paint Horse mare who I have owned for five years. Being on the Thunderbird Cowgirl Drill Team has taught me the meaning of teamwork and what it means to work together with other equestrians. Riding with all the girls is not only incredibly fun for me, but it’s also a great experience for my horse. We both love being on the team and riding in the opening each year. Representing the Thunderbird Pro Rodeo is a big part of my life. I hope to meet everyone this coming June at the Thunderbird Pro Rodeo.  Kayla Hi, my name is Kayla Thomas. I have been involved in horses and the sport of rodeo ever since I moved to the Pacific Northwest 8 years ago. Being in a military family I had the opportunity to live all over the United States. I took up the first opportunity I had to become involved with horses through the local 4-H program here in Kitsap County and then became involved in the Thunderbird Rodeo in 2005. The 2009 Thunderbird Rodeo will be my forth year as a cowgirl and I have enjoyed every year. Corey’s day is such a wonderful opportunity for all; I had the privilege of volunteering there for the first time in 2004 and have continued to volunteer every year since because it is such a remarkable event. I hope you all enjoy the rodeo and supporting something that helps so many.  |
I learned to ride before I could walk. I have had horses all my life, when I was younger I would get horses that were miss treated or starving and nurse them back to health. there gratitude is nothing like a animals that was on deaths door, nursed to health. They love you with every once of there being. My horse Jazz was born in my barn, I would sleep there for nights until the blessed time. She is one if many loves in my life, only above her is my husband Anders and my wonderful 7 month old son, Donavan. I am blessed to be a Thunderbird Cowgirl. |
Melissa
I moved to Kitsap County when I was 7 when my dad’s submarine the USS Ohio was transferred from Groton, Connecticut. My first introduction to horses was when my parents rented a field off Clear Creek Road for my sister’s horse. Within a year we had our own farm and I had my first pony. It was then that I first fell in love with the sport of rodeo. Little did I know that years later I would be riding at Thunderbird Stadium! My first Corey’s Day on the Farm was in 2006. After that day I told my horse Grace she didn’t need to win another ribbon or trophy ever again as she had proved to me she was worth her weight in gold. 2009 will be my 4th year with the Thunderbird Cowgirls. I love that I get to be a part of something that gives back. I am incredibly proud of all the ladies on the team.
Harmony
My name is Harmony Madden. Born and raised here in the Pacific Northwest, I have lived most of my life in Kitsap County. I have been riding horses since the early age of 2 years. My mother did not drive her car much at all when I was young, so I traveled with her on horse back, even when I was a baby. This was acceptable in the 70's. I am married to a wonderful man, and have a beautiful 7 year old son. I have been in Veterinary Medicine for the last 8 years, and I love what I do. I have also been with the Thunderbird Cowgirls since 2006. It is an honor to be involved with such a wonderful group of caring people who put on the Thunderbird Rodeo every June. Raising money for Corey's Day on the Farm and the Northwest Burn Foundation is such a wonderful cause. Helping children with special needs and burn victims in the community is the most rewarding feeling one can have. I only wish I could do more. I feel blessed to be a Thunderbird Cowgirl.
Kristen
Kristen (Oas) Spainhower, her husband (Ryan) and their family currently reside in Poulsbo, WA and have had the privilege of being involved with the Thunderbird Benefit Pro Rodeo since it began in 2005. Having the passion and love for horses, and the sport of rodeo has been a way of life for Kristen and her family since she was a little girl. Growing up as a member of the Kitsap County 4-H program, riding at local saddle clubs, and competing in junior rodeos, local games and performance shows - diversifying her time in the saddle was a treasure for her. In high school Kristen settled more actively in the rodeo scene, even holding coveted titles such as the 2001 Miss Kitsap Fair & Stampede and 2002 Miss Teen Rodeo Washington while attending a local community college. As an adult Kristen has competed with the W.B.R.A., N.P.R.A. and a few local barrel races here and there with her trusty steed - "Blue", until taking two years off to have her daughter Rylee Jo in December of 2007. Currently you can find Kristen in the saddle most days of the week, whether at home or working as a member of the Trainer/instructor team at Painted Valley Farms. As a member of the Thunderbird Cowgirls, she is very excited for this year’s Thunderbird Rodeo, and Corey's Day on the Farm!
Nina
My name is Nina Halvorson, I was born and raised in Poulsbo WA. My love of horses started at an early age and I was finally able to start riding at eight years old. As a member of FFA for two years, and 4H for another two, I was able to expand my love of horses into the community and grow as a cowgirl! I attended Corey's Day on the Farm for the first time in 2008 and was truly touched by the joy on each child's face as I walked alongside of them as they experienced the compassion and love that horses bring into the lives of everyone they touch. My love for rodeo grew the past few years and being a member of the Thunderbird Cowgirls gave me a way to satisfy that love, and give back to our community. Come join me and my paint horse, Milo, at the Thunderbird Rodeo this year, and enjoy the Spirit of the West, while giving back to our community.
Heather
Hi everyone, my name is Heather Prigger and I have been a Thunderbird Cowgirl for 4 years. I am 20 years old and born and raised in Kitsap County. I attend College at Washington State University as a criminal justice major, with hopes of becoming a police officer. As well as being a full time student I still find the time for my fellow cowgirls. I have been involved in horses since I was just a little girl; I have done everything from English pleasure to fast pace Barrel Racing, which of course is my favorite event. Growing up as a member in my local 4-H I have developed leadership skills and sportsmanship, 4-H is a great program and it has greatly expanded my knowledge and love for horses. It’s a wonderfully rewarding opportunity to have helped at Corey’s Day and share my love of horses with these children. Being on this team has been such an amazing time, I love my girls, I have learned so much and I love helping my community as much as I can.
Brit
Hi there, my name is Brittany Girard and I was born and raised in Kitsap County. As a young girl I have always had a passion for animal. I have grown up as a member in my local 4-H club, as well as an active member of the FFA Program at North Kitsap High School. Showing not only horses, I competed and showed rabbits, chickens, market hog, goats and market steers. I am now a full time student at Olympic College working on a degree as a physical therapy assistant. I also work at Painted Valley Farms as a trainer/riding instructor. I love working with people and there horses. I have been a part of the Thunderbird Cowgirls since 2005 and have loved every minute of it. My two biggest high light of the year as a Thunderbird Cowgirl is our Rodeo of course and Cory’s Day on the Farm. I hope to have therapeutic riding program of my own someday.
