Cowgirl Spirit in the news:
Our Mission:
To raise awareness of equine slaughter in America through education, and by rescuing and rehabilitating unwanted or slaughter-bound horses and, using affection, training and dedication, develop their skills and spirit through equestrian drill competition; then fulfill their potential by placing these horses in new adoptive homes to give them happy, long and productive lives as riding companions.
How we started:
In 2005, a couple of girls decided to form a new equestrian drill team in the Pacific Northwest. In putting together the team, they found they had lots of willing riders, but not enough horses to go around. They decided to go to the auction and pick up some inexpensive horses. But once they saw what was happening at the auction — all the amazing animals going to slaughter — they knew there had to be a different mission for the group. From that point on, their philosophy was to save unwanted horses from slaughter, rehabilitate them, retrain them using drill, then adopt them out to forever homes. The Cowgirl Spirit Rescue Drill Team (CSRDT) was formed.
How we work:
If a horse in need isn’t too big or small and is temperamentally sound enough to load into our trailer… off he goes to safety. Our members rehabilitate him by providing plenty of food, grooming, and health care until he is ready to join the team. We start by reminding him how to be ridden by a caring human, and teaching him manners. He is introduced to simple drill moves with an experienced “trainer” horse next to him. In a matter of days, he or she is “doing drill”!
Why we’re different:
Most drill competitions focus on the riders and their skill. Our team’s efforts are on the horses and their lives—saving them! Most of the horses on our team were rescued from a slaughter auction or from a home where they were neglected to the point of starvation. All of them find a new chance at life with our drill team.
What “drill” is:
A mounted drill team is a group of 8-16 riders riding in a choreographed routine. You will frequently see these teams doing slow routines in parades or galloping in precision through rodeos carrying flags. Faster routines are performed to music at competitions and events. Routines run 4-12 minutes, and are intricate patterns and maneuvers that display the skill of the rider and the training of the horse. Skill and concentration are needed to avoid falls or collisions. Overall, a drill team is mounted grace and speed.
How it helps:
Drill is more than a sport. It is a tool that helps horses to become balanced, confident and happy. They learn social skills in order to get along with another horse cantering inches away. Anticipating upcoming moves in precise formations requires them to learn responsiveness to their rider and balance of their body. The daily practice is great physical exercise to help get them back to health. And they are working — and having fun! Once we have a horse healthy and trained, we find a good adoptive home for him or her to live out a happy, useful life.
How you can help:
Our organization is run entirely by volunteers, and all our efforts are funded by donations which cover feed, vet care, farrier, transport of horses, competition fees, and more. We are a registered 501(c)(3) organization, so all donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Our rescues will appreciate any donations of cash, hay, tack, care items, trailers or almost anything equine-related that you can think of. Any help you can give will be greatly appreciated. Click here to donate now!
