Visalia Rockettes:

The Visalia Rockettes Jr. Drill team was organized in 1955 from a Girl Scout troop called the Boots and Bridles that rode in Visalia. They are a non-profit group and all of the tack & equitation suits for 20 members is purchased through various money raising projects.

They are governed by a Board of Directors, the Drillmaster and their member officers. The club is open to any young girl, 10 to 18 who has at her disposal a sorrel, bay or chestnut horse, 14-2 to 15-2 hands and a means of transportation. The team has never refused membership to anyone who displayed a sincere interest in joining. Members have come from as far away as Fresno and Kings County, but most from throughout Tulare County. They’ve appeared in numerous parades, competitions and rodeo performances throughout the state of California, Nevada and in 2005 they traveled to Canton, Texas for a Drill Competition and came home with the title of National Champion Drill Team.

It requires many hours of dedication and hard work to put together a winning team. Parents are required to attend all practices and provide the transportation to and from all performances. This allows them quality time with their daughters and also offers camaraderie with folks of a similar interest from many walks of life. Young ladies hone their equitation skills through many hours in the saddle.

The “Rockette” tradition is dear to many hearts as there have been a number of 2nd generation members ride and currently, there are two third generation and two second generation members. 2008 Officers are President, Rebecca Zylstra; Vice President; Kassidy Kampen, Secretary, Lauryn Tanner and Treasurer, Aubrie Reeder.

The challenge is not always easy, as in any award winning organization, there are specific rules that must be followed and sometimes the rewards become difficult to identify for young girls dealing with teenage complexities. On the whole, past members have shared that through the structured atmosphere and family involvement, the Rockette experience and commitment builds complete young ladies able to function very well in just about any situation and environment.

There have been many, many young ladies participate in this unique activity during the past fifty-three years. New members are always welcome and we encourage anyone interested to stop by and visit with the team. Current membership includes:
Abby Dirdak, Hannah Dragt, Ashley Edon, Alyssa and Tessa Harris, Jordan Heitzig, Kaycee Hilvers, Korbin and Chandler Johnstone, Kassidy Kampen, Aubrie Reeder, Julie Schellhase, Kirsten Silva, Lauryn Tanner, Sydney Wheeler and Rebecca Zylstra.