KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
February 11, 2025
By Natalie Cook Clark
The historic Katy Cowgirls are more than a mounted drill team Katy has grown to love, they raise leaders and servants dedicated to lifting up the team and the City of Katy. For over 80 years they have supported local charities along with their performances. Katy families can see them this week at the Katy Rodeo and in the parade on Saturday.
The Katy Cowgirls. Photo credits: Addy Meyer
More than Cowgirls
Since 1943 the Katy Cowgirls has brought together Katy ISD students and the love for their horses as they represent their hometown, state, and country in local events. The mounted drill team creates leaders and passionate servants as these young women do so much more than ride horses and wave flags.
“This group means the world to me,” says co-director Addy Meyer. “Growing up on the team and now being a director is a huge honor. I love being a small part of their lives and seeing them grow as riders and young ladies.”
Meyer describes the Katy Cowgirls as being a learning and teaching team. They currently have a team of 22 cowgirls as well as 4 cowhands. Members range in age from 7-years-old to 17. All riders are Katy ISD students from schools such as Katy Elementary, Haskett Junior High, Katy High School, Paetow High School, Taylor High School, Katy Junior High.
Virginia Harris, Hannah Hope and Bindy.
A Lasting Tradition
“The events that we put on to show to the community are what is the most important since we are preserving a tradition that has been around for well over 20 years,” says Meyer. “The parades especially are the most comforting since we see little ones looking up to our girls and aspire to be them one day.”
The Katy Cowgirls is more than a mounted drill team. The organization is a non-profit that works charity events to make a difference in the Katy community. They work together as a team in everything they do and grow as students and leaders.
“Being a part of the Katy Cowgirls means so much,” says Assistant Captain Hope Vaughn. “The positive environment, kind girls, and love for horses makes to feel like home! We learn so much on this team and grow into smart confident horsewomen.”
“Being a part of the Katy Cowgirls team means to be a leader and a role model for others, to be respectful and considerate of others, and most of all, to work together and have each other's backs,” says Cowgirl Lexi Ellis.
Most of the team learns about the Katy Cowgirls through word of mouth, as the horse world is a close community. However, the Katy Cowgirls are always open to new members.
Meyer encourages anyone who may be interested to visit their website and/or follow them on Facebook. They have a short questionnaire for those interested and can arrange a time for riders to bring their horse out to a practice where they can hold a tryout session.
The Katy Cowgirls have members of all skill levels.
“I cherish each girl's own accomplishments such as learning how to perform a maneuver that they have never attempted before or something simple as holding a flag for the first time,” says Meyer. “I love being there when they succeed and prove to themselves that they can do anything their minds to.”
Katy Cowgirls are local celebrities in Old Katy, and continue to keep those traditions alive.
“Being one of the Directors of the Katy Cowgirls is more than just overseeing a mounted drill team—it’s about leading a legacy rooted deep in Katy's history and traditions,” says Co-Director Jordan Hoskins. “This role requires a deep passion for horsemanship, teamwork, and community pride, ensuring that every member upholds the values of discipline, dedication, and Texas tradition both in and out of the arena.”
Hoskins, like Meyer, is a Katy Cowgirl alumni and honored to still be part of the organization that means so much to so many.
Both directors speak to the closeness of the group and how these girls are committed to each other through good times and bad in their tight knit family.
“On a larger scale, the Katy community loves our team too! They are always the hit of the Rodeo and giveback through community service events,” says Hoskins.
The Katy Rodeo is This Week
This week is the perfect time to see the Katy Cowgirls in action. Katy families can see the girls ride at the Katy Rodeo this Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. The girls start off the events each evening by running the flags and then can be seen riding between each event.
They will also be giving out Pony Rides at the Special Buddies Rodeo this week as well as riding in Saturday’s parade.
Later in the Spring we will be performing at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center for the grand opening ceremonies for the Texas American Saddle Horse Association show (TASHA) as well as the Cowboy Church of Brenham for their annual Ranch Rodeo Competition,” shares Meyer.
All performances and events can be found on their website and fans and supporters are always encouraged to attend.
“Being a part of the Katy Cowgirls team to me means friendship,” says Cowgirl Maddison Cengiz. “I love being able to ride my horse Molly with friends I have made in Katy Cowgirls. I also really love being able to show off our routines that we learn. It makes me feel proud and confident!”
Will you cheer for the Katy Cowgirls this week at the Katy Rodeo?
The Katy Cowgirls
82 Years of Community Entertainment and Student Scholarships
For 82 years the Katy Rodeo has entertained the community and supported students. It all starts today, Tuesday February 11, 2025- Saturday February 15, 2025 at the Young Agricultural Sciences Center and W.E. Billy Morgan Rodeo Arena (5801 Katy Hockley Cut Off Road.)
Students will compete in categories including steers, goats, lambs, hogs, broilers and rabbits. Some Katy ISD students will also participate in the junior rodeo with traditional rodeo events.
The annual parade is Saturday, February 15, 2025 at 9:30 a.m.
The full calendar of events can be found on the Livestock Show and Rodeo webpage.
Nightly, rodeo events begin at 7:00 p.m., and gates open at 6:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online. Adults are $15 and children (Ages 4-11) are $7. On Thursday night all children are free.