Snake River Stampeders

Each performance of the Snake River Stampede the lights in the arena go down and 18 horses march into the arena to perform riding drills, and memorize captivated fans with their one-of-a-kind stunt show IN THE DARK.

Yes, you heard it here, these electric cowgirls, daredevils, and adrenaline junkies light up the entire arena with only the lights from their uniforms.

It’s the ultimate rodeo glow party and one of the most amazing and unique pieces of rodeo entertainment in the country that you can ONLY see at the Snake River Stampede.

The Snake River Stampeders were formed in 1997 by former Stampede executive secretary Jimmie Hurley. The idea was sparked by the Rodeo’s move into the air-conditioned indoor area from a traditional outdoor setting.

While many have tried to replicate the lighted drill show, the Stampeders are the only drill team to ever be invited to ride at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas and the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. The team is so beloved naturally that the Stampeders have performed at the WNFR six times (1997, 2000, 2001, 2010, 2014, and 2018).

The fast paced drill team is composed of 18 women from Nampa, Caldwell, and other cities in Canyon County who audition each year to earn their place on the esteemed Stampeder team. These riders are selected by Paula Vanhoozer (Coach), and Brandi Krajnik (Asst. Coach) following a grueling annual audition. There is also a dedicated light crew and set of volunteers comprised of parents and spouses of the riders that donate their time. All the riders volunteer their time to practice, participate in local parades, and perform every night at the Snake River Stampede.

Snake River Stampeders

TRYOUT REGISTRATION
Stampeders Registration

THINGS YOU NEED TO BE AWARE OF BEFORE TRYING OUT:

You will try out on the horse you will be riding for the drill.

**Ride at your own risk. The Idaho Horse Park, Snake River Stampede, Nampa Harvest Festival and its Directors and the Stampeder Directors, its agents, employees, volunteers, and representatives are not responsible for injury to yourself, your horse or your property. **

**Practices will be once per week, maybe more if it becomes necessary. Practice will start at 7:00 PM and run from 1-2 hours. You must have your horse warmed up and ready to ride by 7:00. Please be available for all practices and all performances. The stampede rodeo is held the 3rd week of July each year. You will also ride in the Snake River Stampede parade with the team the Saturday prior to the rodeo week. Missing practice can cause you to lose your core spot on the team.

Rotating riders will be determined as practice progresses and may change during the course of practices. Rotating Riders are as important, if not more so, than the core riders. Rotating riders
will perform for 3 of the 6 rodeo performances, will attend all practices and be able to fill in if there is an absence at practice or at a performance due to injury to another horse or rider.

**we may be asked by the rodeo board to carry sponsor flags during the rodeo
**we may be asked by the rodeo board to make sponsorship appearances.
**we expect each of you to keep your horse and yourself in good health. Your horse needs to be in good physical condition. So, ride often during the week between practices. Horse and rider need to be at the top of their game to meet the expectations of the team.

** You must inform us of any medical condition that may affect your performance on this team.

You will have 2-3 minutes to show us the following: Control and maneuverability. Speed control, defined gate changes, direction changes, crisp stops, and the ability to keep your horse moving forward in a straight line.

After you have tried out, stay close as there will be group tryouts. This will be to determine how your horse interacts with others, and its willingness to take direction from the rider. Spacing, timing, coordination, alignment, and precise maneuvers are critical. You need to be able to ride side-by-side with, in front of, behind, and passing by other horses.

By signing below, you are acknowledging that you have read, understand, and agree to, the Snake River Stampede and Stampeder policies listed above.

So that we can identify you at tryouts, please fill out below:

Sign Here

THE WILDEST FASTEST SHOW ON EARTH

June 17-21, 2025