Mounted Drill Team is a group of riders working in unison to create a "dance" on horseback. Musical routines or patterns are preformed at various gaits on horseback. Team members are taught the importance of cadence (horse's rhythm), dress (alignment of line or column), spacing of horses, precision of moves for the entire team, team appearance, as well as, appeal to the audience.

It is one of the hardest disciplines done on horseback and it takes a commitment like no other in the sport of horses. It requires great discipline for both horse and rider, team spirit, dedication and many hours of practice for a team to present just minutes of a well manicured drill to the public.

Hitchin' aStride Mounted Drill Team was originally formed in 2000 as a youth 4H group performing under the name Horsin' Around 4H Mounted Drill Team. For four years showing under the 4H logo, while under the guidance of Rosanne Vaccaro, the team performed at various events and fairs and took a first place win in the youth division at both the Live Stock Symposium and the Festival of Horses in 2004.

At the start of 2005, while still under the guidance of Rosanne, the team moved on to become an adult/youth team presently named Hitchin' aStride Mounted Drill Team. Team members are comprised of both men and women between the ages of fourteen through adult. Members must own their own horse and have transportation to be a part of the team. Practices are held year round each Tuesday evening from 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. at Free Spirit Farm, located in Freehold, New Jersey. Members are charged a nominal fee for instruction and use of the covered riding arena for practices.

Participation in a Mounted Drill Team is an excellent way to learn teamwork. In the drill arena, individuals and their horses learn to appreciate the need for discipline - the need to respond to vested authority, to follow orders promptly and precisely and to recognize the effect of their actions on the group as a whole. Learning to follow is the beginning to leadership!

Hitchin' aStride Mounted Drill Team does Demonstrations for the public at horse shows, participates in Drill Team Competitions and marches in local parades. Anyone interested in booking the team for an event or is interested in learning more about Mounted Drill Team Riding or even joining the team, please contact Rosanne via our "Contact Us" page utilized on this website.