She sits atop an older, gentlemanly horse appropriately named Mr. Rogers. And then there's Denis Webb, a research engineer, and his horse Angel, a black mare who also pulls duty in the kids' classes. As members of the Woodland Horse Center's Drill Team, these athletes and animals meet approximately once a week. The skills are presented in conjunction with a musical score, arranged by team rider Jimi Aiken. Formed in 1995, the current Drill Team is comprised of 16 riders and their horses.
Team riding introduces a more casual and cooperative ingredient.
Also, the music is a wonderful element to inject into the mix of people, animals, abilities and movements. And lots of unbridled enthusiasm. To join the Drill Team, members must be enrolled in riding classes and pay a nominal fee. And, on performance day, ready to don a colorful shirt and matching riding helmet. Woodland Horse Center is located in Silver Spring near Burtonsville.