Crow Wing County 4-H Large Freestyle Horse Drill Team placed in the top five at the regions qualification competition Saturday, July 21, at Straight Rail Ranch in Nevis.
According to a news release, the team is composed of eight rider and horse combinations and three coaches. Practice started in early march to prepare the routine and music. Once school was out, practice increased to every Tuesday and Thursday nights at the Crow Wing County Fairgrounds for about two hours each night. The routine was created by the girls on the team with each maneuver having its own creative name chosen by the team member who suggested it or created it. Music was chosen and decided on by the drill team members to be choreographed with the maneuvers.
"The bond these girl have this year is incredible as it showed at the regional competition," coaches said in the news release. "They fit like a glove and know exactly what each other is doing. We as coaches couldn't be more proud of this team of girls as they have poured their heart and souls into making this team the best they can. We as coaches have seen how each of these girls have improved and excelled throughout this season. They have shared constant encouragement and laughter as they practiced through hot long nights to get where they are today."
The drill team will be at the Crow Wing County Fair on July 31 and Aug. 1 in the horse arena. The team will compete next Sept. 15 at the Minnesota State 4-H Horse Show against nine other teams in this division.
