Equestrian drill teams consist of as few as four horses and riders or as many as a dozen. Teams perform synchronized movements choreographed to various types of music from country to patriotic themes. Starting an equestrian drill team requires organizational skills and enthusiasm on your part. The benefits are personal satisfaction for everyone involved and the opportunity to perform in public. Similar to organizing any type of team, short-term and long-term goals are key to your success.
Step 1
Promote the organization of a new team by posting fliers and making personal contacts. Post flyers at local feed stores, shopping centers and schools. Contact riders who have horses and get verbal commitments.
Step 2
Coordinate the use of a practice area or riding ring that's in a central location and has parking for horse trailers. A lighted ring allows you to schedule evening practices after school or regular work hours. Organize the use of an audio system with external speakers.
Step 3
Develop a schedule of regular practices that accommodates those involved. Schedule two practices a week during the initial phases of learning routines and scale back to once a week to keep the team sharp. Ask the riders to rest their horses the day before practices instead of taking long rides or participating in other riding events.
Step 4
Ask the riders to agree on a piece of music that has a consistent tempo. Choreograph the team's first routine based on typical drill team patterns. Clever transitions from one pattern to the next add entertainment value to your routine. Walk though the routine on foot at first and work up to practicing on horseback.
Step 5
Promote your team as a volunteer entertainment group. Contact parade and rodeo organizers and offer to participate as the color guard. Arrange performances to promote the openings of new businesses. Contact city officials or other prominent community members to discuss the possibility of holding drill team competitions that include teams from other localities.
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