What is drill team riding?
Drill team riding is a form of horseback riding that requires teamwork and precision. When horseback riding side by side, in pairs, or riding towards each other, execution and timing play a big role in making a group of riders look good while riding a set of patterns. Choreographed patterns are drawn up and the riders are asked to guide their horses through a routine in an arena. The patterns include circles, pairs, crosses, and lines. Horses are asked to go at different speeds so that spacing and timing are executed in a precise manner. Drill team riding is beneficial to the horses and riders because it requires discipline and skill to work together in a group. It advances the horse’s training by practicing rating of speed, changes of gait, obedience to their rider, all within a group of other horses. The riders benefit from the requirement to listen to directions, build teamwork skills, and bond with their horses while guiding them through the maneuvers. For those who dream of riding
