handbook

Mission Statement

To help equestrians develop the skills of confidence, leadership and teamwork through the art of horsemanship, performance and acts of community service.

Vision

A team of responsible and talented equestrians who endeavor to continually improve themselves.
A team healthy in number and comfortable with each other.
A group that will handle situations quickly and effectively. People are respectful of each other's differences in and outside the team.
Members inside looking out feel proud of what they have accomplished, and people outside looking in see something they would like to be a part of.

Code of Ethics

The Thunder Ridge Drill Team, collectively and individually will behave as upstanding members of society. The laws, values and norms that are upheld by the institutions in which we live will also be upheld within the team. Behavior that is not accepted by our society will not be accepted by the team. Any discrepancies in ethical behavior will be reviewed by the Drill Master committee; and the appropriate course of action will be determined.

New Riders/Horses

There are two basic levels on the team: practicing, and performing. Practicing members do not perform until they are ready, and there is an opening. Before becoming a performing member of the team, new riders must audition. However, there is not a set date for audition. We want to encourage new riders in their skill and confidence. We want riders to look forward to showing off their skill and to be prepared. Therefore, new riders practice with the team. Riding with the team allows new riders to experience what will be expected of them in the future. It also gives new riders and the team time to interact with each other before making a decision. New riders will need to master a pattern for audition. We will also offer limited personal instruction on this pattern until new riders feel that they are ready to audition. New riders will not be able to perform with the team until there is an opening and they have been accepted by the Drill Master committee.

We ask new riders/horses be able to: effectively ride a drill pattern with the team, carry a flag, and perform an individual audition pattern.  The judging criteria for incoming riders is based on seven characteristics with each characteristic graded on a scale of 1-5:  pivoting, backing, canter, trot, horsemanship, manners, and overall execution.  The Drill Master committee will look for the following in deciding whether or not to induct new riders: lightness of cues, correct canter leads, breaking gaits, consistency, rating, head swinging, posting trot, confidence, overuse of cues, straight lines and round corners, and the attitude of the rider. The audition pattern and judging criteria can be found in the back of this handbook.Riders must be approved be the Drill Master committee before becoming a performing member of the team.

Horses/Flags

All horses are to be a minimum of 14.2 hands (56 inches) and a maximum of 16.2 hands (64 inches) at the point of withers. This is to make sure our team stays looking uniform as well as for the safety of our riders. If your horse is outside of this specification range contact the Drill Masters committee for individual cases.

All riders will need to be able to ride with a flag before becoming a performing member. When doing this, it is of utmost importance that your horse be comfortable with your flag, the flagpole, the sound of the flag, the movement of the flag, the feel of the flag, and that of the flags around you. If your horse is afraid of the flag you carry, or the flag of the horse in front of them it will add difficulty if not catastrophe to your task of riding the drill and is a safety risk.

Neck reining or leg cues are used to direct the horse because you only have one hand to hold the reins with. Roper reins or bound split reins are required when carrying a flag, see Drill Master Committee for individual cases. Take as much time as possible to acclimate your horse to the flag. Remember, it is much better to go to slowly when introducing your horse to something new than to go too fast. Work with them until you are able to carry the flag at all gaits with direction changes and stops and starts; and you can ride your horse over a flag (not a real American flag) on the ground (sometimes they get dropped in performances). Until your horse is not bothered by the flag flapping in its face and your horse is accustomed to all aspects of carrying a flag. If you have questions or run into problems please contact the coach.

Riders

Everyone is encouraged to ride with precision. More experienced members are expected to include and mentor incoming members. Therefore, practicing riders are considered as those who have not yet auditioned for the team. Experienced riders are those who have performed with the team for one season.

The riders shall

Act in accordance to the code of ethics
Contribute positively to the team
Ride in all performances and regularly attend practices
Assist the coach in training and running practices

*Riders may miss performances if cleared through the coach or due to emergency. The coach also reserves the right to bench riders from performances if the situation requires they do so.

Rider Evaluations

To help riders constantly improve, all riders will have evaluations on their horsemanship and teamwork skills at the beginning and end of each performance season (or otherwise as appropriate). These evaluations will consist of two parts: horsemanship and teamwork. Evaluations will be tailored to each rider's skill level and personal goals. The horsemanship section be done individually during practice and will be given by the Drill Masters committee. The judging criteria for the horsemanship pattern is the same criteria for the audition pattern, although the pattern may be different. The remaining portion of the evaluation assesses the rider?s performance within the team and will be judged by the Drill Master committee. Criteria for this portion consist of contribution to the team effort, attitude and work ethic, audition evaluation form will be used.

At the end of each season, riders will be evaluated on their performance in and out of the arena. If their performance is consistent with their individual and team goals, the riders will be invited back for the following year. If a rider?s performance was sub-standard, they will not be asked back. It is customary that a rider gives notice if they are to be leaving the team during the performance season. If the rider knows that they will be leaving the team they need to give as much notice as possible. If a rider leaves without giving such notice they will not be considered in good standing with the group.

Alternates

Once practicing riders become performing riders, they are expected to participate and take on the same responsibilities as all other members. Alternates also need to audition just as new riders do. If there are no current alternates, the coach reserves the right to appoint temporary alternates. Alternates will be used in emergencies, or when there are not sufficient riders for a performance. Alternates will have to attend all practices as full members do. Alternates will need to attend at least half of the practices and attend the practices prior to a performance. In the case of an emergency, alternates will need to be prepared should they be called upon to ride. Any questions should be directed to the coach.

Equipment

Thunder Ridge provides a breast collar cover, split boots and saddle pad for the horses. Tops are provided for riders. The rider provides a white hat, white pants and boots. Each rider is responsible for the care and cleaning of the tack and uniforms. Repair of abused or unkept equipment or uniforms will be charged to the rider. The rider needs to let the coach know of tack and uniform normal wear and tear.

Attendance

Practice attendance is of utmost importance in a drill team because of the fragile dynamics involved in a mounted drill team. The performance season of the Thunder Ridge Drill Team runs April to October. Members are allowed to miss three excused practices, or two unexcused practices before they become practicing riders. To regain the status as performing, riders will have to make up the practices and audition again. Practicing riders are encouraged to attend practice as much as possible but are not penalized for missing practice. Extra practices may be called if the team appears as though it needs more preparation for a performance; this is often done seven days in advance. Practices can be canceled due to bad weather.

Practice Conduct

In return for the benefits and privileges of being part of a team, team members must accept certain responsibilities.
Maintain positive attitudes
Respect for others is first. Riders will treat team members, their parents, and others with courtesy.
There is no Iin team. Being part of a team sometimes means putting your personal interests aside to better serve the team as a whole.
Be ready to start on time: which means being tacked, warmed-up and ready to work when practice is set to start.
If you are late or absent, you are responsible for getting the information you missed.
Daily practice at home with your horse is expected. It will be apparent which riders have and have not used their home practice time wisely. Riders are expected to improve indefinitely. You never know how far you can go if you don't try.
Riders are expected to respect themselves as well as others, which means no swearing, fighting, backtalk, bickering, biting, kicking, etc.Any such behavior will not be tolerated.
Unless there is an emergency, do not leave the practice arena until dismissed.
Please keep clicking or kissing as a cue to your horse to a minimum. Horses have really good ears and things get confusing.
Riders will tack and care for their own horses. Never assume that someone has done your work for you.
Wait to speak, and do not interrupt. Sporadic talking will be ignored.
All riders must be quiet when coach is speaking.
If there is a problem with another horse and rider, please speak with the coach quickly so a solution can be found. Letting a problem go will not make it any better.
ASK QUESTIONS: the coach is not a mind reader and needs to make sure that everyone knows what's going on. If you don't understand something, let the coach know.
Attending the practice before a performance is mandatory for all. If there are conflicts with this, please see the coach and the Drill Master committee.
Riders are responsible for their tack and costumes. If any pieces are broken or missing, that rider is responsible for replacing them.
Horses are to be treated with respect as well. Abuse will not be allowed on this team, private or public.
Internal issues, such as absences or rider conflicts will be handled by the Drill Master committee and the coach.

Performance Conduct

During performances, all riders will dress alike as the costume requires.
Riders will handle themselves in a professional manner, all practice rules apply.
Riders will respect the space of the other exhibitors present at events.
Riders will be helpful to others where they can.
Tack is to be clean, uniform, and functional.
Horses will be taken care of first.
Riders are to be tacked, dressed and warmed up by the meeting time designated by the coach. Punishments for being late vary.
At least one month's notice must be given for a performance to be excused. If a rider is absent from a performance with no given notice, they will be dismissed from the team.
Aside from emergencies, all riders assigned to ride in a performance will to do so.
If a rider's horse becomes injured, riders are expected to ride an alternate horse. If issues arise with this, consult the coach.

Trip Conduct

All other practice and performance rules apply.
Have current Coggins and health letters with you and copies with the trailer in which your horse is traveling. (Some states require a 6-month Coggins as opposed to a 12-month Coggins. Make sure that your papers are current in regards to the state you will be traveling to.)
Stay with the group, you are on this trip together, if group functions are planned, all riders will attend them.

Horse Conduct

Horse and rider need to match. A poor horse and good rider is just as bad as a good horse and a poor rider.
Horses must be well-mannered. No kickers, biters, squealers, buckers, rearers, etc, No one likes to be the cause of someone else's injury.
Always use the same horse. Only for absolute necessity should you switch horses. A new horse in the midst will offset not only the rider, but the whole team.
Know your horse. The better your horsemanship, the more you will be able to do, the easier things will be for you, and the more fun you will have.
Have your horse in good condition. We can not wait for out of shape horses.
Horses need to be responsive and willing to work. You are at drill practice to practice drill, not train your horse. All training issues need to be resolved outside of practice. Practice time will not be used to fix personal problems between horse and rider.
Due to the unpredictable behavior of stallions, they will not be permitted on the team.

Drill Masters Committee

Members Drill Masters committee, in conjunction with the coach will be the governing body of the team. New members of the drill masters committee will be chosen at the beginning of each year.

Objectives:
Resolve and enforce attendance issues as they arise.
Resolve and enforce any disciplinary issues as they arise.
To decide how the team tack and outfits will be used and kept.
To enforce the care and maintenance of tack and outfits.
Decisions of the drill masters committee are made in conjunction with the coach. The drill masters committee has the power to dismiss or discipline a rider if that rider does not adhere to the drill team guidelines.
Attendance: The drill masters committee should notify riders when they have two unexcused absences that they only have one unexcused absence left. Once a rider has three unexcused absences the parent committee needs to speak with the rider to let them plead their case. Then the drill master committee needs to decide if those absences are unexcused or not; and then whether or not to dismiss the rider.

An unexcused absence is one where one week's notice is not given prior to an absence or an emergency or when no documentation is given for an absence (i.e. doctor's note). Basically if the rider had a choice to be there and wasn't, the absence is unexcused.

Discipline: Any behavior outside the stated rules of the team is grounds for disciplinary action. It is the drill master committee's task to use discretion on what measures will be necessary when riders step out of line. It is also the drill master committee's responsibility to implement and enforce those disciplinary measures. In other words, let the punishment fit the crime.

Tack & Costumes: Our tack is donated and our costumes are custom made, they need to be kept in good condition. It is the committee's job to make sure that tack and costumes are well kept. Any broken or missing pieces are to be paid for by that rider. It is the drill master committee's job to make sure that these items are kept up and replaced. Failure to take care of tack and costumes is against the rules.

Emergency Policies

In the case of an emergency where the rider is injured, the parents of the rider will be contacted immediately. If parents cannot be reached, the coach or assistant coach will follow the medical contact given on the rider's information form. A trusted member of the team will accompany the rider as long as necessary. The team will care for the horse as long as necessary. In the case that a horse is injured, the first available vet will be contacted followed by the parents, or owners of the horse. A team member will accompany the rider of the horse in the care of the horse.

Safety Procedures

Do not yell, scream or chase any horse in an emergency.
Riders, flags, etc will never be tied to the saddle for any reason
Each rider is responsible for her/his horse and tack. We do not assume that another will check the cinch or bridle, etc.
We will quickly let another rider know if we see a problem, i.e. blanket slipping, latigo hanging, etc.
We will keep our tack clean and in good repair.

In case of an accident, EVERYONE stops, remains calm and quiet. The designated individual will determine the correct action to be taken.

If a rider comes off horse, team stops. It is most likely the horse will settle down and come to one of the other horses.

Horse dragging object, such as flag, team forms a circle around horse, slowly making circle smaller until horse stops. One member dismounts and approaches the horse to remove the object.

Horse out of control, rider on: Everyone stops and waits until horse is back under control

Two horses collide: everyone stops. Coach directs action
If a horse is down, let him get up on his own, as long as he will not injure himself or the rider in so doing.

Horse dragging rider. Team circles. Once the horse stops, approach from the side where the rider is, so that should the horse spook from you, it will not step on the rider. Remove the saddle from the horse, instead of trying to lift rider.

Broken tack, breast collar cover, etc. Move your horse to the side and fix it.

Thunder Ridge Equestrian Drill Team

Waiver

Name: _____________________________________________________________________

Address: ___________________________________________________________________

Telephone: _____________________________Cell: _______________________________

Parents/Grandparents/Guardian:_________________________________________________

Relationship: _______________________________________________________________

E-mail Address: _____________________________________________________________

Address: __________________________________________________________________

Telephone: _____________________________Work/Cell___________________________

I have read and agree to follow Thunder Ridge Drill Team guidelines and will do my best to make Thunder Ridge Drill Team the best. I recognize that equestrian activities carry risk and I hold harmless Thunder Ridge Drill Team collectively and individually.

The rider acknowledge that equine activities involve risk of injury and the rider agrees to solely bear that risk, whether or not the rider is using the equipment, tack or any equine furnished by the team. The rider shall make her/his own determination of the safety of engaging in any equine activity and releases the team from liability for any wrongful determination of safety. The rider is responsible for inspecting the conditions of the premises, equipment, tack or any equine before engaging in equine activities. This release of liability is in consideration for use of the team's equipment, tack or any equine furnished by the team and in consideration of any instruction or lessons or activity provided by or sponsored by the team.

Signature Date

Thunder Ridge Drill Team Social Contract

I, ____________________________________ hereby agree to all Thunder Ridge Drill Team guidelines and will abide by all the fore mentioned rules. In doing so, I will:
Not behave in a manner that will embarrass the team or myself
Not abuse myself or my horse
Not use illegal substances
Not be disrespectful others
Not use foul language
Not put myself before the team
Will continually work to improve myself
Will help others whenever possible
Will be a positive addition to the team
Will accept the consequences of my actions
Will commit to attending practices and performances

Thunder Ridge Drill Team MEDIA RELEASE

Name: _____________________________________________________________________

Address: ___________________________________________________________________

Phone: ____________________________________________________________________

Parents Name (if child is under the age of 18): _____________________________________

I hereby give consent to the Thunder Ridge Drill Team for the purposes of being interviewed and/or photographed for print publications or radio or television broadcasts, or internet.

I hereby waive any right that I may have to inspect and approve finished product or the advertising copy that may be used in conjunction herewith, or the use to which it may be applied.

I hereby release, discharge and agree to hold harmless The Thunder Ridge Drill Team any liability by virtue of my consent to appear in these photographs, videotapes or interviews.

I agree to all of the above-stated terms and conditions.

Signed: ____________________________________________Date:_________________

Parent (if under 18) _________________________________ Date: _________________

Thunder Ridge Equestrian Drill Team

Medical Release

Name: _____________________________________________________________

Parents/Grandparents/Guardian: _______________________________________

Address: ____________________________________________________________

Telephone: ( ) ___________________ Work/Cell: _______________________

E-mail Address: ______________________________________________________

Medical Insurance: _______________Family Phy.___________________________

Emergency Contact Name: _____________________________________________

Phone Number: _______________________________________________________

Relationship: _________________________________________________________

Does rider have any special medical problems No Yes, Please specify

Is rider taking any medications? No Yes, please specify

Is rider allergic to any drugs? No Yes , please specify

When did the rider have last tetanus shot?

In case of illness, accident or other emergency involving this rider , the team is authorized to act on the rider's behalf.

Signature Date

Thunder Ridge Arena

7878 Hwy 133

Potosi, WI53820

CONTESTANT RELEASE FORM valid Jan 1, 2008 thru Dec 31, 2008:

NAME OF PARTICIPANT: __________________________________________________________

ADDRESS OF PARTICIPANT: _______________________________________________________

PHONE NUMBER: ______________________ CELL PHONE NUMBER: ____________________

AGREEMENT: As consideration for being allowed to participate and/or compete in any equestrian activities/events at Thunder Ridge Arena, the above named and undersigned person agrees as follows:

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RISK: The undersigned acknowledges that equestrian activities are dangerous and that  participation in such events, as either a contestant, and employee or volunteer, may expose that participant to substantial and serious risk of property damage, personal injury and/or death. The undersigned expressly acknowledges that his/her participation in such events may involve such hazards.

RELEASE OF SPONSORS: The undersigned, being fully aware that participation in equestrian events or activities may expose him/her to a substantial and serious risk of property damage, personal injury, and/or death, hereby releases all sponsors from liability for any and all property damage, accidents, personal injuries, or other claims arising from the undersigned's participation in any equestrian event or activity held at Thunder Ridge Arena during 2008, including those that are known, foreseen, and unforeseen, future or contingent.

COVENANT NOT TO SUE: The undersigned covenants that he/she shall not now or at any time in the future, directly or indirectly, commence or prosecute and action, suit or other proceeding against the sponsors (or their officers, directors, employees, agents, or affiliates) concerning, arising out of, or related to the actions, causes of actions, claims and demands hereby waived, released, or discharged by the undersigned.

ASSURANCES: The undersigned has full power, authority, capacity, and right without limitation to execute, deliver, and perform the release. (Parent or legal guardian must also sign if the participant is under age 18.)

BINDING EFFECT: This release shall be binding upon the undersigned and the undersigned's spouse, legal representative, heirs, successors, and assigns. This release has been carefully and fully read by the undersigned and the undersigned fully understands it's terms and conditions and has voluntarily executed and delivered this release, which applies to all events the undersigned may participate in during 2008.

Signature of Participant: ______________________________________ Date: ________________
Participants under the age of 18 must have the signature of his/her parent or guardian.

I have read the above release in full, I understand its terms and conditions, and hereby voluntarily execute and deliver this consent in my legal capacity as parent or guardian for above named participant.

Signature of Parent or Guardian: ________________________________Date: _______________

Thunder Ridge Drill Team Audition Scoring Sheet

Rider Name:____________________ Age:______

Horse's Name:__________________

Audition Pattern:

Pivoting: clear difference between haunches 12345
and forehand, consistent, responsive

Backing: responsive, straight, no 12345
resistance, light cues

Canter: correct lead, no breaking of 12345
Gait, light and fluid

Trot: posting, consistent pace, sharp 12345
Corners, light cues

Horsemanship: balance, low relaxed hands, 12345
Calm attitude, soft legs, straight back

Group Work:

Flag Carriage: safe, level, consistent 1 2 3 4 5

Horsemanship: balance, low relaxed hands, 12345
Calm attitude, soft legs, straight back

Horse Manners: conditioned, no kicking, 12345

biting, bucking, rearing, running off, and

confident

Overall: pattern look, rider attitude, 12345
good confidence, works hard

Rider Attitude: easy to get along with,                                           1 2 3 4 5
positively contributes to the team, takes
constructive criticism, constantly improves

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