WRRHC Drill Team Handbook
Welcome to the
Windy Ridge Riders
Horse Club Drill
Team (2014-2015)
We're glad you're interested in joining our Drill Team! You probably have a lot of questions
about the team; what its activities are throughout the year, what your responsibilities will be,
what costumes you wear, what it all costs, and so on. Hopefully, this information packet will
answer most of your questions, otherwise ask anyone on the team.
The first thing to remember about the Drill Team is: You will be confused! Don't worry, you
aren't alone. There's a lot you'll be trying to learn all at once, especially if you're new to riding
western, or don't know everyone on the team, or are riding a horse that’s new to you, or....
Relax--You'll find that everyone on the team is very understanding and happy to help. We've all
been there, too. And when you do make a mistake in practice (and you will--we all do!), no one
will make you feel dumber than you already feel.
As a quick summary, here are some very basic questions and answers.
Q:
What exactly does the drill team do?
A:
The drill team rides in formation through complex patterns at a variety of gaits (mostly
trotting and loping) before audiences who are generally, wildly appreciative. Riding is
western style. Besides using western tack, this involves left-handed neck reining while
the right hand holds a flagpole.
Q:
Where and when does the team perform?
A:
The year's main performance is at the State Fair, in the coliseum, on the weekend before
Labor Day weekend. This is a 10-minute routine set to music, and all of our practicing
from May on is dedicated to learning and perfecting this routine. Although our State Fair
ride is now longer a judged event, when we were judged we took 1st place in 2006, 2004
and 1996. We really work at doing our best.
Our other performance os at the Washington County Fair (usually on the first Thursday
of August).
Q:
How is the Drill Team related to the Windy Ridge Ranch?
A:
The Drill Team is a subcommittee of the Windy Ridge Riders Horse Club (WRRHC), a
non-profit organization. The Windy Ridge Riders Horse Club and the Windy Ridge
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WRRHC Drill Team Handbook
Ranch (WRR), a for-profit business, are two separate organizations. Mark Ward owns
most of the Drill Team’s horses. WRR donates reserved time in the indoor and outdoor
arenas for DT practices and Mark donates his time.
Q:
How good a rider do I have to be?
A:
If you are at the advanced-beginner or intermediate level, you probably have the basic
skills you need to participate. You should be able to control your horse's gait at a variety
of speeds, maintain a steady distance from the riders in front of and next to you, and
display correct riding posture.
Q:
Will being on the team help me to become a better rider?
A:
Yes! Because, as you're concentrating on the routine and maintaining formation, all your
basic riding skills must become second nature to you. Even if you're an advanced rider,
the experiences of riding in formation with 20+ other riders and performing in public can
increase your poise and horsemanship.
Q:
Is being on the team expensive?
A:
The cost of the State Fair costume is approximately $175-$200. The first year there is a
$50 DT initiation fee; thereafter $35 annual DT dues. There are also the annual horse
club dues ($15 individual or $30 family).
The horse usage fees for non-lessees are as follows:
Due Oct. 1 or upon joining between Oct. 1 and May 1: $250 for any or all practices
October through April:
Due May 1 or upon joining after May 6: $425 for any or all practices May until the State
Fair performance. This includes two two-hour practices and the Washington County Fair
performance.
State Fair performance: $125 due August 5 (does not apply to those not riding at State
Fair).
Discount: If you are a continuous student from October through April, deduct $50 from
the May 6th DT horse usage payment. If you are a continuous student May through
August, deduct $50 from the Aug. 5th State Fair fee.
Refunds: No refunds will be given for missed or cancelled practices or missing the
Washington County performance. Refunds for withdrawal from team will be calculated
at $25 per remaining 1-hour practice.
If you lease a horse but need to ride a different horse because your co-lessee rides
your horse for Drill Team, the fees are as follows:
Practice fees for any or all practices October through April: $125 due at 1st October
practice or upon joining.
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WRRHC Drill Team Handbook
Practice fees for any or all practices May through August: $213 due at 1st May practice
or upon joining if after 1st May practice. Includes two two-hour practices and the
Washington County Fair performance.
State Fair performance: $65 due August 20 (does not apply to those not riding at State
Fair).
Q:
Will being on the team require a large commitment of time?
A:
Actually YES, but it varies a bit with the time of year. The closer we get to State Fair, the
more time we put into practices and preparations. Besides attending practices, you're
expected to serve on at least one DT committee, help out at the Fair, and other events.
Everyone needs to pitch in to prevent Drill Team burnout. August can be a very busy
month for DT members as we prepare the horses, costumes, decorations, and ourselves
for the big event—the Minnesota State Fair. The main commitment is attending
practices. Without regular attendance, it is impossible to learn the patterns and teamwork
needed for a good, fun ride at State Fair. So, yes, the Drill Team does take a lot of
commitment both in time and effort. We are serious about wanting to do our best, but we
are just as serious about having fun. We are here because we enjoy riding and working
together. Hope to have you with us!
Drill Team Costumes:
What they are, where to get them and (most important!) what they cost.
One of your responsibilities as a member is to obtain, maintain, and pay for your costumes.
There are three different Drill Team costumes, one each for:
The State Fair
The Washington County Fair and summer events
You're also expected to have spurs.
The Official State Fair Costume: The fanciest and most expensive costume is the Official
Costume - the one we wear at our State Fair performance.
Item
Black Troxel Sierra Helmet
Blue Shirt, black western bowtie, black
gloves, and buckle
Black Polyester Western Dress Pants
1/2" black elastic to sew onto pant legs
for stirrups (so legs don't ride up)
Black Leather Belt
Black Roper Boots
Stainless steel Spurs (buckle, not slipon)
Approximate Cost (subject to change)
Provided by team
Provided by team
$ 50 approx.
$ 1
$ 20 - purchased from Larry M.
$ 50 to $100
$ 20
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WRRHC Drill Team Handbook
Black Leather Spur Straps
Rubber Tie-downs
Total
$ 10
$ 6
$156 to $206
Ask a member of the Appointments Committee for recommendations on purchasing costume.
Washington County Fair:
Blue jeans (must fit over the boot)
Black Roper boots
White polo shirt
Red bandanna
Helmet (Team provides black helmet covers)
Spurs
Appointments : Here are the items supplied by the drill team for performances, together with
the fines for not returning them cleaned, and replacement costs.
ITEM
Black Troxel Sierra Helmet
Blue shirt
Black tie
Black gloves
Helmet cover
Headstall and reins w/4 conway
buckles
Curb chain
Caveson and tie down
Breast collar, 2 extenders, 1
conway w/snap buckle
Girth strap
Saddle blanket
Flag pole holder
Cleaning
Replacement Cost
Fee
Riding Apparel
No fee
$125
No fee
$150
5.00
15
5.00
15
5.00
20
Biothane Tack
5.00
$100
5.00
5.00
5.00
10
50
75
5.00
5.00
50
50
20
TACK CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS:
Nylon headstall, reins, tie down, caveson, breast collar & straps, girth, and curb chain. Hand
wash with warm water and mild soap. Agitate until clean. Rinse thoroughly (a hose or sprayer
helps).
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WRRHC Drill Team Handbook
Do not scrub with anything that may snag nylon or wear down the felt.
Do not use bleach on stains; it will cause brown marks on the nylon.
You can put all of this tack in a washing machine if you place all items in a zip-up
pillowcase and wash on short, GENTLE cycle with lukewarm water.
AIR DRY FOR AT LEAST 3-5 DAYS.
If buckles are rusted (esp. on girths), put a paper towel between buckle and fabric while it
is hanging dry to keep the fabric from getting rust stains.
Wipe curb chains dry before hanging to avoid any more rust.
Bit: Hand wash in hot water. Use a toothbrush if necessary to remove dried-on crud. Wipe dry.
Attach to nylon bridle
To return:
Assemble bridle including bit and reins.
Do not knot reins together.
Make sure all parts are DRY.
State Fair Tack--Biothane bridle, curb chain, caveson, tie down, and breast collar w/extenders
DO NOT put the Biothane tack in any kind of automatic washer. DO NOT scrub with
brush or abrasive material or cleanser. (Either of these evil processes will remove the
shiny finish or scratch the Biothane.)
DO gently swish the tack in a bucket of warm water and gentle soap (like Joy ). Then use
a soft terry or flannel cloth to wipe the stitching to keep it white. You may also wipe any
stains on the tack. BUT BE GENTLE!! Rinse.
Wipe dry with a soft terry or flannel cloth, then air dry.
NOTE: Some of the small metal parts tend to rust and stain the tack. Here are some hints to
avoid that.
Clean your tack as soon after the performance as possible. If you let it sit for days, all
sweaty from your horse, it'll rust and stain.
Wipe it dry, especially the metal parts.
Put bits of cloth or paper towel between the metal parts and the tack as it is hanging dry.
Nylon girth, blue and white saddle blanket
NO hot water, bleach, scrubbing, or machine drying.
Hand wash in warm water with mild soap and RINSE WELL. (For the blanket especially,
a hose or sprayer will help.) You can use a washing machine on short, GENTLE cycle
with lukewarm water. Put the girth in a pillowcase.
AIR DRY FOR FIVE DAYS (the blanket will take this long, really--especially if you
hand-washed it.)
White vinyl leg wraps
Hand wash in warm water, rinse well, air dry.
To remove manure stains, use Soft Scrub cleanser and/or dry in the sun.
NO bleach , hot water, or machine drying
Black pole holder
Wipe it off and put it back in its plastic zip-lock bag so it doesn't get black marks all over
your beautiful, clean tack.
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WRRHC Drill Team Handbook
STATE FAIR HORSE GROOMING
Bathing: Bathe your horse thoroughly before clipping. Use conditioner on manes and tails after
washing. Make sure all soap and conditioner is thoroughly rinsed. Make sure your horse is free
of bot eggs.
Make sure you have plenty of time to do the job right. Guidelines are as follows:
Bridle path clipping: clip a 1-inch path for the bridle headstall width. Scissors can also
work. Clip as close as possible without leaving clipper marks. If you’ve never done this,
ask an experienced team member for help.
Whiskers: If your horse has excessive hairs on the jaw, you can clip some whiskers. Ask
Mark if you need to do this. Do not clip whiskers on the chin or muzzle.
Ears: Do not trim ear hairs.
Legs: We leave fetlock hairs alone.
Manes: Mane should be clean, conditioned and tangle-free. Do not cut, trim, or thin with
scissors or thinning shears! All manes should lie on the side of the neck that they
naturally fall on.
Tails: Tails should be clean, conditioned and tangle-free.
Chestnuts: Carefully peel by hand or cut chestnuts flush with the skin. Ask for help if
needed.
Whistles: When riding in drill team, the drill leader's main means of communication with the
team (and the only means in performance) is the whistle. The whistle signals what gait you
should be in (walk, trot, and lope) and when to form the next pattern. If your horse is sensitive to
the whistle sound, you may purchase and use wooly ear plugs for your horse.
Gait signals: Each whistle-signal consists of two parts - short blast(s) to announce the gait,
followed by a single long blast that means "do it now."
Walk: one short, one long
Trot: two short, one long
Lope: three short, one long
Stop immediately: five or six short blasts*
Form the next pattern: one long blast
Your group leader will announce the name of the next pattern just before you hear the whistlesignal that tells you to form it.
*(When the stop whistle sounds, riders should stop in formation, maintaining correct spacing and
orientation in the ring, and being ready to resume the pattern precisely at the point at which it
was interrupted.)
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