Two years ago, Johnna Ingram, founder and coach of Prime Time Express, along with her husband attended the Road to the Horse World Championship of Colt Starting in Lexington, Kentucky. After seeing some of the specialty acts that were incorporated into the show, it was then that she knew Kentucky needed to meet Prime Time’s Texas girls and watch them perform. After putting a package together including photos, accomplishments and videos, Ingram mailed it off and waited, but there was no reply. Ingram persevered as she was sure that her girls had what it took to appear on this world-stage arena floor. She re-submitted Prime Time Express’ information once more and followed up with a phone call to the show office that brings together the finest in horsemanship from around the world. The owner and producer of Road to the Horse, Ms. Tootie Bland, decided to not only have a competition between 4 women in the main event of world championship colt starting but this year she would also add a drill team competition between 4 hand-picked drill teams from across the United States. Prime Time Express was chosen and would be heading to Lexington, Kentucky to appear and compete in this very first Celebration of the Cowgirl at Road to the Horse 2017, which promised to be unlike any other World Championship.
Ingram called the team together at Mi Rancho in Groesbeck to tell them the news and to video their excitement as was asked for, and that excitement was soon visible to the world on www.roadtothehorse.com. The excitement also contained the awareness that within a few short months the team had to raise money for equine transportation and costs while in Kentucky, write and learn a new drill with required compulsory moves that were set in stone by Road to the Horse, and incorporate flags into this routine. Ingram stated she knew this team of girls would be up for the challenge and she would be pushing them hard to meet these requirements. This they did through hours and hours of practice in the heat, wind, rain, and freezing temperatures of the ever-changing Texas weather. There were setbacks, but the ladies took them in true PTE style and never missed a beat.
This leads us to recent day March 21. With anticipation and excitement in the air, the horses loaded into an air cushion-ride semi charted from Equine Express NA, Inc. and headed to Lexington, Kentucky. The riders were not far behind their partners who are some of the most athletic horses that these ladies have ever ridden. Once there after their day and a half journey, the horses and riders got settled in. The week was very busy with team practices, show rehearsals, meet and greets for the public and radio interviews, as well as the ritualistic routine of caring for the ones who help put on the show, their horses.
Finally, on a cold Kentucky rainy day with a wind chill near 20 degrees, it was time for the crowd from across the world to see Prime Time Express in action. For their first ride, the ladies were dressed in an elegant show jacket adorned with teal sequins bodice and black curvatures of custom design, black hats, black chaps, and gorgeous leather black tack. These ladies and their horses were matching from head to hoof and rode to a dramatic presentation representing the heart of a horse. The ladies said it was like a dream. The crowd roared in appreciation as they set pinwheels, sweeps, hurricanes, companies of two, three, and four that weaved with precise flying lead changes, all the while these beautiful ladies waving with finesse and showing their appreciation for the crowd who had gathered from across the United States and around the world. And yet there was one more ride. Two days later with Texas flags flying in Lone Star State style, accented by Central Texas’ Limestone County girls, Prime Time Express was decked out in their red, white, and blue custom star shirts and matching chaps, white hats and as you all know their long flowing ponytails and red lips. With nearly a flawless routine, they once more amazed the crowd with their precision and intricate moves. There were now two days to wait and see if they did have what it took to win as the crowd favorite and with the judges. During this waiting period, all of the riders, their coach, and family members appeared at a booth set up by the team. They handed out over 400 pictures and met people from all over the world. The reception was unbelievable. The fact that their youngest rider is 11 and the oldest is 69, yet they flow together like fine wine, made a lasting impression on the hearts of those in attendance. The fans of Road to the Horse were amazing, and the team cannot express enough gratitude for how they were received. The number one question asked of the ladies you ask? They had to know about the hair! Other comments included how well put together the ladies were and that their routines were like none other they had ever seen. Again, in true PTE fashion, the ladies were truly appreciative and assured them that it did not come without long hours in the practice arena, a coach with a mind and work ethic for drill, and a passion for the sport and their horse.
Now it was time. On Sunday, March 26, all competing drill teams lined up in the arena waiting for the results, and it was at that time that Prime Time Express was announced as the VERY FIRST Road to the Horse Drill Team Champions. The team won a beautiful silver cup trophy and money to purchase championship belt buckles for all riders. The crowd gave their approval and it was time to exit the arena. It flew. Time really flew, but these ladies have said that this was an experience of a lifetime. They not only are champions of a world stage, but they have made lasting friendships and learned ways to improve their own horsemanship from some of the best cowgirls in the world. Later that evening, Equine Express drove up to load their heroes and headed back to Texas.
Congratulations also goes out to Ashley Wilson, Colt Starting Champion of Road to the Horse 2017. Ashley is an author, TV celebrity and trainer who is also the very first international show jumper to bring her helmet and jodhpurs to Road to the Horse.
Limestone County and Central Texas’ Prime Time Express riders include Bri Self Ingram, Jessica Crisp, Tyler Glowski, Trinity Glowski, Kaitlyn Harrell, Kaitlyn Denman Baize, Tonya Bodiford Green, Jenna Evans, Celeste Coffee, Hope Merriam, Alexandria Beale, and Jamie Reyna. One fascinating side note is that five of the twelve riders drove at least once a week and many times twice with horses in tow from Palestine, College Station, and Lovelady near Ft. Worth to practice with the team that they are so committed to. She thought they could, and they did! They made the Road to the Horse.
The team wants to graciously thank the many who helped with their fundraising efforts, family and friends who attended or watched via webcast, and their sponsors Equifuse for keeping the shine and coat condition on their horses and Purina for providing their equestrian athletes with proper nutrition. They give ALL the glory to their Heavenly Father for His graces, and thank Him for blessing them with their horses, the gift of horsemanship, and for opening the door to memorable experiences like Road to the Horse.
Prime Time Express accepts all riders from novice to experienced and from youth to adult. No drill experience? No worries. They will train you. All you need is a passion for the horse and a drive to succeed through teamwork. For more information on being a member, sponsor, or if you need a specialty act, contact Johnna Ingram 1-903-390-4685. Like them on Facebook as Prime Time Express, and visit their website at www.primetimeexpressdrillteam.com. See related photos.
