Equine Ballet

Susana Bruce, 17, whistled, and legions of teens and children on horseback followed her into the arena.

Audience members clapped when they heard the “Mission Impossible” theme song in the background. There was no going back, Bruce sensed. It was time for perfection.

“It’s like ballet, but with horses,” she said. “We cannot make one single mistake. Everything has to be perfect.”

The Rangers were one of four teams from Southern California competing Sunday at the ETI National Convention Horse Show Drill Team Competition at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center.

About 150 spectators cheered and clapped, admiring every move by the Rangers and three other teams.

The Rangers, from Lake View Terrace and Santa Clarita, took first place; the Blue Shadows, from Lake View Terrace and Agua Dulce, captured second; the Hesperia Wranglers were third; and the Mane Event, from San Bernardino County, finished fourth.

Each team’s 20- to 30-minute performance of orchestrated maneuvers was judged on coordination, creativity and other riding skills, said Karen Gannon, lieutenant colonel of the Rangers.

Watching the teams compete brought back many childhood memories of practicing horseback riding, she said. And now she trains a new generation of Rangers.

“It’s not about winning,” Gannon said. “It’s about working together as a team.”

In most riding clubs, like the Rangers and Blue Shadows, members do not have to buy a horse to join. Most members rent them, Gannon said.

Riders are 9 to 17 years old on most teams. The Mane Event of Yucca Valley, whose members are 40 and over, is an exception.

“We are just a bunch of senior citizens,” said Lynn Follstand, a 45-year-old Mane Event rider.

Younger riders learn much more than how to compete in burning heat and deal with stress, team leaders said.

“Kids learn about discipline, self-esteem, self-respect and respect for others,” said Janet Johnstone, the Blue Shadows’ major.

For some spectators, the event was a feast for the eyes. Andrew Becker, 8, of San Fernando said he especially liked the move he called wheels, when horses form the shape of a wheel and move around in circles.

“I would like to be one of the riders competing one day,” Andrew said.