Debbie Kay Sams has written for Practical Horseman, Equine Journal, and Instructor magazines. For many years she has organized and led drill-team riding for all ages at her stable and at her local 4H camp. Sams is a member of the Eastern New York Dressage and Combined Training Association.

Equitation drill teams provide thrilling entertainment at rodeos, horse fairs, and parades. They also participate in competitions that judge timing, originality, speed, uniformity, spacing, overall difficulty, and crowd appeal. Both entertainment and competition require disciplined practice and focused dedication from every member of the team – equine and human.

101 Drill Team Exercises gives riders more than 100 exercises that build the teamwork and good horsemanship skills necessary to every successful team. The exercises progress from basic skill-building drills to fun and challenging synchronized formations, with detailed chapters on circular shapes, linear drills, and daring weaves. Within each chapter the exercises range in difficulty from one diamond (good for beginners) to five diamonds (extremely challenging).

Author Debbie Sams concludes the book with 10 complete drills that pull sequences of exercises together into performance routines. From “Threads N’ Pinwheels,” a simple but impressive two-line mirror drill, to “Good Vibrations,” a sure crowd-pleaser choreographed to the catchy Beach Boys tune, these drills are a good measure of the team’s skills, and they’re great fun to perform.

Following the format of four previous books in Storey’s successful and practical Read & Ride series, the two-page full-arena diagrams are designed to be hung from a post and referred to from the saddle. Riders can study the clear step-by-step instructions and detailed diagrams, mount their horses, and perform the exercise, always able to look back at the open diagram as necessary.

101 Drill Team Exercises for Horse and Rider: Including 3-Loop Surpentine, Cinnamon Swirl, Carousel Pairs, Thread the Needle, & 97 more

101 Arena Exercises: A Ringside Guide for Horse & Rider

“101 Arena Exercises is an invaluable workbook for trainers, instructors and coaches interested in exploring new teaching methods.” – The Collection

“she has choreographed more tasks than you could possibly master if you spent the rest of your summer working through her book.” – Horses USA

This ringside exercise book is a favorite of riding instructors and enthusiasts. Classic exercises and original patterns and drills are presented in a unique “read-and-ride” format. The book can be hung like a calendar or draped over the rail of the ring for quick and easy reference. Exercises such as working walk, canter, two squares, half halt, and flying changes progress through skill levels for both English and Western riders.

101 Arena Exercises: A Ringside Guide for Horse & Rider