The Spirit of Long Island Mounted Drill Team

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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  and assisted by Suzanne Kettle who continue 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. Our horses range in age from 5 years to an impressive 32 years  old and they include such breeds as quarter horse, thoroughbred,  appaloosa, hanovarian cross, morgan, tennessee walking horse and paint. 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. 

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

  “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.  

*All dates are subject to change*
March 7, 14, 21 & 28 - walking practices at Central Islip Recreation Center from 6:15PM  - 8:15PM. 

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  April 28 - Islip Horsemen's Association Fundraising event at the Bohemia Equestrian Center. Performance time 10:15.
  May 20 - Muttontown Horsemen's Association Festival of Horses at Muttontown Preserve. Performance time approximately 12:00.
  May 28 - Bohemia Memorial Day Parade
• June 3 - Floral Park Belmont Stakes Street Festival at Tulip Avenue in  Floral Park. Celebrating the 150th running of The Belmont Stakes.  Performance time 3:00.
  June 8 - Belmont Stakes Festival of Horses at Belmont Park. 150th running of the Belmont Stakes Race! Performance time approx. 3:15.
  August 26 - Hallockville Farm Museum Country Fair and Craft Show. Opening Flag Ceremony and performance. Times TBD
  Sept. 3 - VA Hospital at Northport. Performance time approx. 1:00.
  Sept. 15 - Smithtown Heritage Country Fair. Performance time TBD
  Sept 22 & 23 - LIFair at Old Bethpage Restoration Village. 2 Performances a day/times TBD
  Oct 7 - PumpkinFest at Suffolk County Farm. 2 Performances, times TBD 

Coach Loretta Hall

RettHall@aol.com

516-241-2753

The link below will take you to pictures from all IHA disciplines, for drill team photos only scroll down the page to find our pictures.

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 $20.00 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?  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.
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!