Introduces the
Northwest D.R.E.A.M. Team
Draft Riders Enthusiastically Accomplishing Maneuvers

2010 Draft Horse Drill Team
Members: Alyssa, Toni, Susan, Roger, Joani, Julie, Riley, Gail, Monica, Whitnee
Not pictured: Meghan and Wendy


Performing for the first time during the centennial anniversary of the Northwest Washington Fair 2010 in Lynden, Washington. Founded by the Edwin Henken Family, Northwest Clydesdales; supported by friends, family, and horse enthusiasts; a draft horse drill team made up of a variety of draft horse breeds and local riders who demonstrate the diversity of the draft horse through a pattern performed to music.

Members Performing During the Northwest Washington Fair:
Monica Henken riding a 4 year old Clydesdale mare owned by Northwest Clydesdales.
Whitnee Whitman riding an 8 year old Spotted Draft gelding owned by Reinbow Ranch.
Alyssa Kennedy riding a 7 year old Clydesdale mare owned by Northwest Clydesdales.
Julie Vandekamp riding a 5 year old Spotted Draft gelding owned by Reinbow Ranch.
Riley Edmonds riding a 15 year old Clydesdale mare owned by Northwest Clydesdales.
Susan Trenary riding a 10 year old Percheron gelding owned by the Trenary family.
Roger Edmonds riding a 13 year old Clydesdale gelding owned by Northwest Clydesdales.
Toni Beck riding a 10 year old Percheron gelding owned by Reinbow Ranch.
Joani Reimer riding a 9 year old Clydesdale mare owned by Northwest Clydesdales.
Gail Nelson riding a 9 year old Spotted Draft gelding owned by Reinbow Ranch.

Additional assistance provided by Meghan Gaston, Wendy Yabsley, and many friends and family.

The idea of the Northwest D.R.E.A.M. Team was created in the fall of 2009 in order to share a passion of draft horses with others who have a similar passion during an activity that everyone enjoys. The goal was to perform a simple, classy pattern on draft horses to music, demonstrating the versatility of the draft horse. After 45 years of showing at the Northwest Washington Fair, Edwin Henken of the Northwest Clydesdales graciously agreed to allow the drill team the opportunity to perform a pattern to music in front of the grandstands instead of hitching the 6 horse hitch. Without Edwin’s support and the support of the Northwest Washington fair, the Northwest D.R.E.A.M. Team would not have performed during the centennial celebration.

In February 2010, eleven riders began meeting to introduce the horses to each other, introduce the idea of performing maneuvers, and working together as a cohesive team. Many of the horses had limited exposure to riding, but through patience and perseverance the team of horses and riders have worked together as a team and brought to you another example of the diversity and majesty of the draft horse.

Pictures courtesy of www.heidipolinder.com.

 

The Northwest D.R.E.A.M. Team performed at the Northwest Washington Fair in Lynden, WA., August 2010

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