Horse sport: Drille Divas bring the thrill of precision military dressage to the joust in Poway

Where can a 15-year-old girl riding next to a 55-year-old woman perform dressage moves with military precision as part of a mixed age equestrian team?  At a performance of the Drille Divas, an English drill team whose home base is the International Equestrian Center in Ramona.

Last weekend,  October 22 - 24, 2010  the Drille Divas performed at the Tournament of the Phoenix, World Joust held at the Poway Valley Riders Association (PVRA) grounds.  Several days of record breaking rain caused the grounds to be wet, slippery and challenging for all, but that did not dampen spirits or enthusiasm. 

The Drille Divas had to create an arena in the  parking lot on Friday as it was the only area dry enough to ride safely.  Muddy and wet, the PVRA was transformed into a bit of living history as knights in shining armour from England, Australia, Canada and the United States jousted, while historic re-enactors demonstrated life in a realistic tent village, and artisans of all kinds demonstrated their craft.  Best of all, guests were treated to amazing displays of horsemanship.

Trainer Sherie Levine choreographed a 10 minute routine set to music which included an explanation of the history of quadrille. Did you know that military horses were taught dressage moves with such precision in the 1800's soldiers battled in lines of up to 100 men riding in unison. Dressage develops obedience, athleticism, and strength in the horse, allowing it to work in harmony with its rider. That is what the Drille Divas and junior team, the Rhythm Riders, live for - harmony with their horse.

 Every week, trainer Sherie Levine works with the Drille Divas and Rhythm Riders using quadrille training to help her students "learn to dance" with their horse. On her website www.drilledivas.com, Sherie says "the vision was to give equestrians a creative, team-oriented outlet that emphasizes a supportive, empowering environment with a flair for fun and camaraderie". Since its inception 3 years ago, the Drille Divas/Rhythm Riders have performed at the polo field, the Joust, and they've hosted 3 equestrian American Cancer Society Relay for Life fundraisers called Diva Days (see website for details). In April 2010, $2,700 was raised for a friend of several Rhythm Riders who is battling a rare form of cancer.

Diva Days, is open to anyone who can stop, start, and steer their horse at a walk and trot without falling off. Check the Drille Diva website for more information. The next Diva Days is scheduled for December 4, 2010.