Sisters and avid equestrians - Caroline Beck, 5, and Sally Beck, 9, of Central, enjoy riding their horse and constant companion, Joe.

The Beck sisters have been riding since the ages of 3 and 6, respectively, and are drill team members with the Greenwell Springs Youth Riders. Sally has won six buckles and an all-around competition on Joe, now 23-years-old. Both girls barrel race in local rodeos and competitions.

Recently, the Beck sisters decided to pledge their allegiance to Joe on Flag Day, observed June 14, by painting him with food coloring and tinted hairspray.

The Becks are the daughters of Carlos Beck of Zachary and Susan Lowe Beck of Baton Rouge.

They are the granddaughters of Shelia and Ed Lowe of Ethel.

Lauren Lowe, 17, of Ethel and the Beck sisters' aunt, spends time with her family's 23-year-old horse, Joe. Although Lauren doesn't compete like her younger nieces, Sally and Caroline, she loves to ride Joe and attends rodeos where her nieces compete.

Joe was not harmed during the girls' painting of him on Flag Day.

Lauren will be a senior at Silliman Institute in the fall.