Their beginning was in August 2001 when two of the drill team riders, Cathy Stoops-Captain and Danni Perry- CoCaptain, represented the Spotted Saddle Horse at the Illinois HorseFest. The spectators were in awe of the awesome breed and many did not know about the Spotted Saddle Horse. This made the dream, a reality. Cathy and Danni were convinced that they should pursue it! So the group was and many riders expressed interest but when it came down to being dedicated and committed, four survived: Cathy Stoops - Captain, Danni Perry - CoCaptain, Edie Wittenmyer - Manager, Kim Major - 1st Lieutenant. The group will perform a quadrille for their confirmed performances this year and if everything works oud they will also perform with six riders/horses later in the year. The TOP SPOTS Drill Team Riders/Horses Consists Of Cathy Stoops (Captain) equine partner DR. LORI (aka RAN), Danni Perry ( Co-Captain) equine partner PISTOL'S X-CALIBUR (aka JAGGER) Edie Wittenmyer (Manager) equine partner IT'S THE DEVIL HIMSELF (aka LUCIFER), and Kim Major (1st Lieutenant) equine partner CC's TRAVELING MAN (aka TRAVELER).

When asked the who, where, what and why's, their response was, we're ready for something new. Why we started the team? We have been in the show arena and versatility programs. We wanted to enjoy our mounts and have fun being together and have real fellowship with a shared interest in our equine partners. When I shared the Drill Team Anthem that I had found on one of the drill team websites; we all just sat there looking at each other then, we stated 'we have to do this drill team'. When the music begins to play not only will our hearts pound but our horses will be presented in such a beautiful form. The audience will be in awe of equine grandeur! 

Where do we perform? Our start was at the 2001 Illinois HorseFest and we have this year been invited to perform at Horse shows and expos in KS, IL and TN. Invitations to perform and be representatives of the Spotted Saddle Horse were received from the Kansas HorseExpo. We have also been invited to submit drill team info for selection to Equine Affaire in Ohio. Our first slated demo/exhibition for 2002 will be March 1, 2 and 3 at the Illinois Horse Fair at the State Fairgrounds in Springfield, IL representing Spotted Saddle Horse Breeders & Exhibitors Association in Shelbyville, TN and our state club, Spotted Saddle Horse Association of Illinois. 

How many times do we practice? Our normal practice times are twice a month, generally the second and fourth Saturdays. Additional practices are scheduled upon receipt of special performances and/or new drill routines or changes. Our drill team meetings are once a month before the second Saturday drill practice. 

Our Drill Team Colors? Black, Silver and Purple. And those Black and White Spotted Saddle Horses really look dressed to show in Purple! 

Our Drill Team Music and Theme? TOP GUN is generally used to introduce us (we are working on a very aggressive drill routine for the entire song; not sure when we will have those bugs worked out!). Our best performance utilizes the music from CD labeled 'SpiritLands" by John Huling which combines Native American flute, Indian drums and pan flutes with sounds of nature. Our outfits for this routine consists of Indian headgear, feathers and the horses are painted with appropriate symbols on their rump. This routine really expresses the gaits of the Spotted Saddle Horse and their awesome beauty! 

The Top Spots drill team is extremely proud to present Lite-shod NATURALLY GAITED horses that are genetically fitted with the four beat "glide ride". Our horses are gentle, friendly, enjoy visitors, lots of attention, and are fiercely competitive about posing for pictures. Waterway Farm located in Deer Creek, IL and the Top Spots Drill Team extend a very warm welcome to everyone, please feel free to come visit the barn, meet the team, and learn more about Spotted Saddle Horses. They're simply THE BEST!!! 

If you are interested in the TOP SPOTS Drill Team, please contact Cathy Stoops, TOP SPOTS Drill Team captain at Waterway Farms (309) 447-9921. 

If you are interested in the TOP SPOTS Drill team to perform at your events, please contact Mrs. Edie Wittenmyer, TOP SPOTS DRILL TEAM Manager/Rider (217) 862-5466 or email: witt10twh@yahoo.com