Once Prime Time Express (PTE) returned in March from competition at Road to the Horse in Kentucky, the team knew that their next focus would be the 2017 National United States Equestrian Drill Competition (USEDC) that was to be held the week of June 19-24, 2017. Johnna Ingram, coach of Prime Time Express, knew that the drill she designed for Road to the Horse needed to be more difficult going into the USEDC competition. With that said, she introduced a new drill to the team. Coach Ingram did say at first that she was a bit nervous with the team beginning a whole new drill with only 3 months to learn and perfect it. Ingram commented, “It normally takes 8-9 months to perfect a drill and get the riders and horses in sync with each other. However, I didn’t think on it long and knew that this crop of girls could get the job done.”
Your riders include Bri Self Ingram, Jessica Crisp, Tyler Glowski, Trinity Glowski, Kaitlyn Harrell, Kaitlyn Denman Baize, Tonya Green, Jenna Evans, Alexandria Beale, Jamie Reyna, Kalee Taylor and Celeste Coffee. The team began learning their new drill, worked through the weather conditions (mainly extreme heat), timing issues with the new drill, horse situations, and if that wasn’t enough, after the last practice a rider was injured and unable to continue to ride leaving the team with an uneven number. They had gone from 12 to 11 riders and no more practices left to get timing, spacing, alignment, and precision intact with a ghost rider, except their one 15-minute practice at competition.
They did get this one practice in and found the spots where adjustments needed to be made and where the space for a ghost rider would be left. The team adjusted and came through in true PTE style and determination. Their sweeps, pinwheels, hurricanes, interlocking circles, angled passes, and other tight maneuvers were ridden with few flaws and the judges found that even with some mistakes that PTE was the best team in the arena that day.
During the awards’ ceremony, PTE was crowned the 2017 USEDC National Champions, reserve champions for their theme routine as pop star, Bruno Mars, and Reserve Champions of the 2017 Sports Quest Cup Ride of Champions falling only behind their long-time rival and now close friends, the Canadian Valley Rangerettes. As National Champions, PTE was awarded 2017 USEDC belt buckles and an engraved silver plate. Coach Ingram stated, “I am very proud of the girls and I am glad that our community will get to know how hard they work and how truly dedicated the group is to represent their community and the great State of Texas.”
PTE wants to graciously thank all those who helped with their fundraising efforts, fans, family and friends who keep them motivated, and their sponsors; Equifuse for keeping a healthy glow and shine on their horses and Purina for maintaining their athletic equines in strong shape through proper nutrition. They are grateful for their athletic partners, their horses. Saving the best for last, they give all the glory to their Heavenly Father for His graces.
Prime Time Express is accepting female riders from novice to experienced and youth to adult. No drill experience? No worries. They’ll train you. For more information and/or questions on becoming a member or sponsor, or if you are needing a specialty act, contact Johnna Ingram at 1-903-390-4685. PTE’s motto is “If you’re not practicing, remember someone else is. Teams are made in the practice pen.”
