Are you looking to improve your riding skills?  Would you like to be a member of a team? Do you want to learn a new way to enjoy your horse?

Join a drill team at Plum Grove Equestrian Center 

Team members will find friendship, fun and new approaches to add to the joy of owning and/or riding horses.

The purpose of drill teams are to entertain, show sportsmanship, horsemanship, team work and dedication. Riders follow a pattern set to music.  Riding in a drill team improves your riding skills and your connection to the horse. The patterns and music require you to ride your horse precisely and with control.  Timing and synchronization are key elements. You must adjust your horse’s speed, make exact turns and ride accurate patterns to keep time with the music and other horse and riders.  It is excellent training for the horse as well.  He/she must listen for cues and respond to your requests immediately. 

In addition to improving horsemanship skills, working as a team member with a common goal for the whole team promotes cooperation and consideration. The focus is on unity rather than competition. Team members learn to support one another and help each other be successful in order to create a pleasing pattern.  Riding with the team encourages good communication and compassion.  Studies have shown that with early positive experiences with coaches, one continues to seek out and learn from mentors who can help with school, jobs and other interests.

Drill riding is one of the oldest forms of organized riding, and dates back to Cavalry soldiers who needed to coordinate with each other as they rode into battle.  The most well known drill team of the modern day is the Royal Canadian Mounted Police  Musical Ride, which still performs traditional cavalry drills.   Plum Grove drill members had the pleasure of meeting this team at the Topsfield Fair in Oct 2010.  The Plum Grove Drill Team performed for a general audience which included many of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, who commended the team for their performance and hard work.  See our pictures at the Topsfield Fair.