Horse Play

How does a 100-pound kid control a 1,000-pound animal? The answer comes Saturday when members of the Blue Shadows Mounted Drill Team perform to music and execute U.S. Cavalry-style drills in its 34th annual Regimental Horse Show at Sylmar’s Stetson Ranch.

Formed in 1957, the drill team uses military formations to teach children leadership skills, teamwork and horsemanship.

Riders learn to use their hands and feet to communicate with the trained horses, said Janet Johnstone, commander of Blue Shadow’s Troop R.

“Kids who didn’t see a horse three months ago will show you some amazing riding skills,” said Johnstone of North Hills. “It’s like square-dancing on horseback.”

Eight-year-old Andrew Becker of San Fernando said the experience has been so much fun, he didn’t even mind being bucked twice. “It felt like a roller coaster,” said Andrew, who joined the team in April.

Although most equestrian teams ride privately owned horses, this squad uses rental horses. “I didn’t have a horse as a kid,” said Nancy Chefalo, 44, who has been involved with the group since she was 10 and is now its regimental commander. “Blue Shadows gave me the opportunity to have a horse one night a week.”

The regiment also boosts the self-confidence of children, she said. “Numerous kids come through the program who have had problems dealing with others at school or have poor grades,” she said. “With the discipline and structure we set up for them, they improve in their schoolwork.”

As riders practice cloverleaf and figure-eight drills, many older students encourage the younger ones.

Jeremy Miller, 17, a lieutenant in Blue Shadows and an ROTC member, said his 10 years of experience has helped him identify possible career choices.

“It helped me discover that I like working with kids,” Jeremy said. “I am fluctuating between being a pediatrician or an elementary school teacher.”

Erin Shelley, 18, an aspiring geneticist at UCLA, credits the military structure with developing her sense of responsibility and improving her organizational skills. “Even if you don’t love horses, you can really appreciate what these kids can do when they work together,” she said.

BE THERE

Blue Shadows Regimental Horse Show, Saturday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Stetson Ranch at Glen Oaks and Foothill boulevards in Sylmar. Bring a seat. Admission is free. Call (818) 920-9222.