What is Equestrian Drill?
A drill team is a collection of riders on horseback who ride at high speeds in intricate patterns to music. Drill teams can often be seen at fairs, rodeos and other equine events. Participating riders rely heavily on balance, teamwork, memory, riding skill and a close relationship with their horse.
The motto of drill is Sportsmanship, Friendship, Horsemanship.
Drill teams often do volunteer work, fundraising and other community events to advertise their team and meet other local horse-lovers. Drill teams have been an integral part of equine entertainment for decades.
Key Aspects of Equestrian Drill
- Choreography: Routines are meticulously planned, set to exciting music for entertainment and competition.
- Maneuvers: Moves include intersections, lines, diagonals, and circles, requiring high levels of horsemanship and control.
- Teamwork: Success relies on synchronized riding, with spacing (often 1–3 feet) and critical timing for safety.
- Purpose: Originally rooted in cavalry training, modern drill teams promote team building, discipline, and horsemanship.
About Cariboo Rockin' Riders
Who We Are
Our Cariboo Rockin' Riders drill team was established in 2022 by our founder & coach Ali Toews who fell in love with the sport many years before when she rode with West Coast Thunder!
We focus on advanced horsemanship skills combining choreographed riding patterns with a bit of glitz and glam! We practice mainly at the Interlakes Rodeo Grounds in Lone Butte, BC and travel around British Columbia providing thrilling entertainment to our local communities. We consist of awesome riders, our equine partners, our talented and dedicated coach and amazing volunteers, sponsors and fans!
Our Love for Our Horses
At Cariboo Rockin' Riders, we are passionate about our horses and believe in treating every horse with the respect and care they deserve. Drill is a fun job for them and keeps them young and in shape.
As a team we also enjoy riding out on trails,
going horse camping and even dressing up for parades!
Our Goals
Our goal is to share the Thrill of Drill with as many people as possible, and enable them to experience and soak in the amazing experiences that riding on a drill team provides! As each individual horse and rider brings a unique background and perspective to our team, making us a wonderfully dynamic group. We're here to inspire, to grow, to keep pushing forward as practice creates progress! We're just regular people doing extraordinary things!