About Us

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. A team member fosters him (food, grooming, 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. A few were simply cast off and ignored as “too old” after years of loyal work. 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 5-12 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!

How you can help:

Once we have a horse healthy and trained, we will try to find a good adoptive home for him or her to live out a happy, useful life. All of our time and effort is volunteer, but of course we need funds for expenses: feed, vet care, transport of horses, costumes, competition fees, and more. Our application to become a 501(c)(3) organization is pending (donations will be tax-deductible, retroactively to the date of incorporation, once the IRS issues our exemption letter.) Meanwhile, we still need donations of cash, hay, trailers or almost anything equine-related that you can think of. Any help you can give will be greatly appreciated.