L to R: Debra on Buddy, Lori on Coyote, Sarah on Gaitlyn, Jodie on foot, Zelda on Violet, Chloe on Ripley, Mel on Eli and Debbie on Lina
Even though I belong to the Alberni Valley Chapter of the Back Country Horsemen of BC, and trail-riding/trail-clearing work bees are basically our main directive, I have felt for some time that putting on a “drill team” clinic for our club seemed like a pretty sound idea. I brought it up at our January ’25 meeting. The idea was well-received, and due to the positive feedback, it then fell to me to begin planning this event!
So …what were my reasons and logic for voicing this objective? Well, I believe that such an exercise teaches many aspects of horsemanship, to both horse and rider. Focus, agility, balance, discipline, work-ethic, and lastly, the importance of the ability of a horse to work with a group of other horses in a scenario where, maybe, they have never even met one another, or, at best, only had the chance for an occasional connection. All characteristics that translate into indispensable qualities necessary in a sound, steady, sensible and safe trail horse.
Chloe & Lori on Ripley and Coyote
I also believe horses get bored, thus mental stimulation is a good thing. There is a sense of importance or empowerment, a sense of “being useful”. How many of us have witnessed their horse have an “ah-ha!” moment? I often see traits in mine which remind me so much of the personality of young children: they want connection, they show trust and willingness to cooperate, and if you have that special connection with your horse, it is so evident they want to please, and that they seek approval.
Once it was made clear that there was interest for such a gathering, I contacted a lady in Errington by the name of Jodie Bater… an expert on drill team instruction and “pattern-calling”. The event was booked for Sunday March 22nd at our local West Brook Stables and Equestrian Centre. There were seven of us with our horses, and other club members came to audit. Jodie did such a great job of introducing us to the nuances of “drill” and I think we were all impressed with the way our horses handled it. Three hours of not only physical exercise, but also constant mental stimulus is a lot for any horse to take in; and, these horses mostly did not know each other.
Drill team gang led by Coyote
Another aspect, pointed out by my long-term riding buddy and friend, Lori-Ann MacLeod, was that: although horses are used to going forward, either beside or behind other horses, …the prospect of having horses one by one coming straight at you, either fast or slow, can be threatening if they are not accustomed to it! It is not normal behaviour, for instance, in a herd, unless a herd-member is taking an aggressive stance. These are things we don’t often think about or we take it for granted that our horses are used to it and will be OK with it. Something to take into consideration.
With Jodie’s guidance and expertise, we learned a lot that afternoon. How to work in patterns with our own horse, in pairs and within groups. How to lead, how to follow. Riding with a partner down a centre line. Circles, weaving, splitting to left and right, moving on the rail and back to centre, plus patterns like the “donut” and “peel the apple”. Drill Team Boot Camp! And our horses were all amazing!
Zelda and Violet
From all of us who participated, a huge thank you goes out both to Jodie and also to Chris Neville, owner of West Brook, who made it possible to use the huge covered arena and gave us such a great deal. Also, thanks and appreciation to Horse Council BC for their generous support. Here’s hoping we can continue along this path. A great learning experience for all.
Submitted by Sarah Wolfe, Alberni Valley Chapter
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