A pyrotechnic stage effect blasted away, leaving a cloud of smoke. Into the arena rode the ladies of the Blue Shadows Mounted Drill Team in glitzy vests, with flame-like ribbons falling down their backs from their ponytails. The horses had coordinating polo wraps on their legs and, in keeping with the “fire” theme, music pumped out “Great Balls of Fire” and “Ring of Fire” as a backup to the choreography.

Agua Dulce’s Blue Shadows Mounted Drill Team was on fire in more ways than one. The group captured the title of California State Grand Champions for the fourth year in a row in the competition, which is sponsored by the California State Horsemen’s Association. Holding the title since 2007, the group of girls ages 11 to 18 competed in such categories as the Rodeo Division and the Military Division. In 2009 the group also took the Western States Grand Champions award.

The CSHA competition was webcast live on UStream.tv and the blueshadows.org website, allowing friends and family members who did not travel to support the team.

The first ride, the Rodeo Division, was a competition that was new to Blue Shadows. Competitors included the “California Cowgirls,” widely known for representing the sport at the World Equestrian Games.



The Blue Shadows junior division also had its share of other challenges. Despite appearing polished in elegant, new black show shirts, the team experienced a freak accident when the metal pole bearing the American flag, carried by Lt. Ayla Swafford, snapped in half as she accelerated out of a maneuver. The team carried on until a minute later another flag, this one carried by Lt. Skylar Hudson, wrapped around a speaker too close to the arena rail. Skylar’s arm was violently jerked but she managed to keep control of her horse as the flag was ripped away. The rest of the ride was fast, exciting and incident-free and earned the team the Junior Division State Champion title and the right to retain the five-foot-tall Junior Champion trophy for another year.

The Military Division is the foundation of Blue Shadows and their experience showed. After the California Cowgirls rode a stunning and well-executed performance, the Blue Shadows entered the arena for the last ride of the day. The team knew the pressure was on to defend their high-point grand champion title. Wearing their regimental turquoise and black uniforms, the team pulled together to deliver the highest scoring ride of the competition.

When the teams lined up in the arena for the award presentations in their brightly colored costumes and flowing flags, the announcer read off the lower placing teams and it came down to two teams at the top: California Cowgirls and Blue Shadows.

When he said, “Second place goes to Ca – ” the Blue Shadows instantly knew they had pulled it off again. The girls were saluted by each competing team and then took a victory lap. The Blue Shadows will retain possession of the Jim Real High Point Trophy for another year as well as add another year to the California State Horsemen’s Championship flag. Each team member will receive a custom made Gist trophy belt buckle and ribbons to commemorate their achievement. You can contact the Blue Shadows Riding Troupe at www.blueshadows.org.