Islip Horsemen's Association
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    • Home
    • Membership
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    • Contact Us
  • Home
  • Membership
  • Events
  • Dressage
  • English
  • Gymkhana
  • Western Pleasure
  • Drill Team
  • Youth Group
  • Board of Directors
  • Contact Us

The Spirit of Long Island Mounted Drill Team

About Us

Our Mission

Our Mission

The Islip Horsemen's Association Mounted Drill Team "The Spirit of Long  Island" has been performing their precision drill throughout New York  and New Jersey since 1978.  Members of the drill team have changed over  the years, but the enthusiasm and dedication to perfection has remained  constant. 

The team is currently being coached by Loretta Hall  who continues with the team’s tradition of  keeping the American spirit alive. The drill team is made up of riders  of all disciplines, some of whom have been with the team for over 10  years. Over the years our horses have ranged in age from 4 years to an impressive 33 years  old and included such breeds as quarter horse, thoroughbred,  appaloosa, hanovarian cross, morgan, tennessee walking horse, paso fino, welsh pony, arabian, paint and many more. The riders and their horses maintain a high level of  discipline, resilience and a strong determination to achieve excellence.  Throughout the year the team performs at local  fairs and horse shows, and participates in parades across Long  Island. We have had the privilege of performing at both Belmont and  Saratoga Race Tracks and each year on Labor Day we have the Honor of  performing for the Veterans at the VA Hospital in Northport. From 2004 –  2006 we held the title of Northeastern Regional Drill Team Champions  and in 2009 more than a few dreams were realized when we were invited to  participate in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. “The Spirit of Long  Island” Mounted Drill Team enjoys showing that a little hard work and  lots of fun can result in a performance that not only entertains but is  also an excellent example of good horsemanship. 

The Spirit of Long Island Mounted Drill Team

Our Mission

Our Mission

Our Mission


To entertain and demonstrate sportsmanship, horsemanship, team work and dedication.   



Our performance at HorseAbility 2014

Overview

Our Mission

2022 Event Schedule

  “The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team.”   ― Phil Jackson  


“The Spirit of Long  Island” was formed in 1978 by IHA member, John Jorgensen who was a  member of the New York City Mounted Police Unit. 


Riding in a drill team improves both riding skills and connection to  the horse. The patterns and music require riding your horse precisely  and with control. Timing and synchronization are key elements. You must  adjust your horse’s speed, make exact turns and ride accurate patterns  to keep time with the music and other horses and riders. It is excellent  training for the horse as well. He/she must listen for cues and respond  to your requests immediately. In addition to improving horsemanship  skills, working as a team member with a common goal for the whole team  promotes cooperation and consideration. The focus is on unity rather  than competition. Team members learn to support one another and help  each other be successful in order to create a pleasing pattern. Riding  in a drill team encourages good communication and compassion. Drill riding  is one of the oldest forms of organized riding, and dates back to  Cavalry soldiers who needed to coordinate with each other as they rode  into battle. 

  If you are interested in becoming a member of The Spirit of Long Island  or would like to learn more about us, please contact Loretta Hall at  RettHall@aol.com.  

Smithtown Historical Society 2014

2022 Event Schedule

2022 Event Schedule

2022 Event Schedule


*All dates are subject to change*
Weekly practice at The Bohemia Equestrian Center from 5:45PM  - 7:15PM.

 

The Spirit of Long Island Flag Riders present the Flag at the IHA Horse Shows. See the individual disciplines for show dates.


 Sunday, May 22 - Muttontown Horsemen's Association Festival of Horses at Muttontown Preserve - performance time approx. 11:30AM


Monday, May 30 - Bohemia Fire Dept. Memorial Day Parade - Parade steps off approx. 10:00AM


Friday, June 10 -  Belmont Stakes Festival at Belmont Race Track - Performance time approx. 3:15PM


Sunday, June 12 - Floral Park Belmont Stakes Street Festival in Floral Park - Performance time approx. 3:00PM


*Sunday, July 21 - ECRA Performance

during lunch break


*Monday, Sept. 5 - VA Hospital at Northport - performance approx. 11:30AM 


Friday, Sept. 15 - LIFair at Old Bethpage Restoration Village - Drill Team "Meet and Greet" at the Fair - all day


Saturday, Sept. 16 - LIFair at Old Bethpage Restoration Village - Performance times  11:30 & 2:30


Sunday, Sept. 17 - Heritage Fair at the Smithtown Historical Society

Performance times  11:30 & 2:30


Saturday, Sept. 24 Equus Fest East @ Ulster County Fairgrounds - Drill Team Demonstration at 10:30AM and Performance at 1:00PM


Saturday, October 1 - PumpkinFest at  Suffolk County Farm and Education Center in Yaphank

Performance times 11:30AM and 2:00PM


Sunday, October 2 - Harvest the East End Event @ The Warrior Ranch Foundation in Calverton - Performance time approx. 3:00PM


For more information or questions  on hiring us for your event contact:

 Coach Loretta Hall

RettHall@aol.com

516-241-2753


Drill Team FAcebook Page

FAQs

2022 Event Schedule

FAQs

  1. What kind of horses do you allow?  We use all types of horses — quarter horses, thoroughbreds, & most any breed that can handle being close to other horses. 
  2. Does everyone own their own horse? Most of the riders do own their own horse, some lease or borrow from a friend; the club does not provide any horses.
  3. How do I become part of the team?  If you want to be a part of the team, we have you come watch, then we  basically put you in with the team to ride.  If you and your horse get  along with all we do and can make the majority of our practices and performances,  then we consider you a  part of the team!! 
  4. Is it expensive to be on the team?  We try very hard to keep your cost down which is why we rely on  sponsorships and fundraisers so much. This money is used to help pay our operating costs every year.  There will be other costs as we order equipment and uniforms for the team. Among other things you can expect to pay an annual drill team fee of $25.00 and your IHA membership fee. At the minimum you will also need to purchase a drill team practice shirt.
  5. How often do you practice and where? From March - October  we practice every Wednesday at 5:45PM until about 7:15PM  at the Bohemia Equestrian Center off Sycamore Avenue in Bohemia. Following practice the team usually gathers for a BBQ. Check with the coach for off season practice.
  6. Is there an age requirement? Yes, you must be at least 12 years old and able to control your horse at all gaits.
  7. How do you get that glitter to stay on the horses? Lots of hair spray!

2022 Sponsor Booklet

Thank you to all of our generous sponsors for their support!

2022 Sponsor Booklet Final (pdf)

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