Ritzville Rodeo gains Youth Drill Team

Youthful exuberance and excitement will shine at the Ritzville Rodeo in September, as members of the Ritzville Rodeo Association Youth Drill Team take to the arena and kick off the annual event.

With 12 riders working tirelessly to prepare for the two-day event, the participants share the same enthusiasm and passion for horses. Ranging in age from 10-15 years old, the riders are ecstatic to have an additional opportunity to work on their horsemanship while participating in a team event.

The team will perform after the opening ceremony at the Friday and Saturday night rodeo shows. They will display what they have learned during the summer and perform a variety of synchronized routines on horseback.

Under the instruction of Coach Michelle Hennings, the idea of the Drill Team began during the 2015 Wheat Land Communities’ Fair and Ritzville Rodeo. Hennings explained multiple individuals approached her about the chance to spend more time working with the horses and the goal for establishing a drill team began.

The practice for the team began in June and the riders have made quick progress to ensure they have the best performance possible by rodeo. When the riders began practicing, they benefitted from three experienced drill team riders traveling to help them practice skills and learn the techniques needed for a successful team.

The riders who assisted with the training were DeeDee Delaney, Sue Westergrad and Jennifer Knowles. The riders represented Fillies and Fringe, Crossfire and Walla Walla Valley Cowboy Church Drill Team.

The volunteers brought more than 20 years of experience to the arena in order to assist with the new team. The activity helped the local riders improve dramatically, and peeked the enthusiasm with the team as they realized the true potential of their goal to be drill riders.

Jennifer Kuster also assisted by providing a program geared towards drill team fundamentals. Each year, Kuster hosts a local horse riding clinic, and Hennings said this year Kuster agreed to change one of the sessions to focus on drill.

The team benefitted from assistance from the Ritzville Rodeo Association and parents alike.

“We have a really great facility and a great amount of support,” Hennings said.

The rodeo association has provided the team with a location to practice, and since they will be performing in the local arena, practicing there has been a tremendous help as the team practices for their two performances. Volunteers from the rodeo association have also been working constantly to ensure the area is prepared and safe for the team to practice.

Hennings said she is pleased with the turnout of participants, and based on the interest level, they are hoping to expand the amount of team members next year. The importance of the team expands beyond having youth activities through the rodeo association, but also provides a unique opportunity for area youth to participate in a horse-involved event.

While the majority of the members own their own horse, others borrow horses in order to have the opportunity to participate in the event.

When the group takes the arena for the first time on Friday night, spectators can expect the team to be wearing eye-catching uniforms. The team members’ outfits include matching shirts, jeans and scarves, while each of the horses will also have red, white and blue leg wraps.

The group will match for both evenings, but on Friday night, a splash of pink will adorn each horse in honor of Tough Enough to Wear Pink night.

Hennings said the best part about the team is the fun the group is having with practicing for their performance and also being able to improve their horsemanship skills.

“It’s been really fun for them with being able to work with their horses,” Hennings said. “It’s been rewarding for me as a coach to see the kids enjoy the experience. I’m going to be happy for them when they perform and I’m proud of all their hard work.”

Hennings said without the help of the parents and their willingness to be flexible with the schedules has been crucial to the development of the team. It takes a lot of help and coordination, Hennings said, and she is grateful for the parents supporting the group’s endeavors.

Among the parents assisting is Heidi Tracy, who has two sons on the team. Hennings said as an assistant coach, Tracy has been instrumental in coordinating drills and helping the team members improve their horsemanship skills.

Hennings encourages area residents to attend both rodeo shows to see the expertise of the drill team, and help support local youth. She hopes the grandstands are full to help cheer on the team, and also encourages any interested kids to contact her about participating on the team in the future.

The Ritzville Rodeo Association Youth Drill Team will perform on Friday, Sept. 2, and Saturday, Sept. 3, following the Grand Entry at 7 p.m.