Blue Shadows Mounted Drill Team is made up of two posts located in Los Angeles County: Agua Dulce Post and Lake View Terrace Post. Each post is made up of four troops that ride one night a week between Tuesday and Friday. Each troop varies in size but most commonly range from 10 to 20 riders. Each member in a troop has different responsibilities according to their rank. A rider begins as a remount where they first learn the basics about horsecare and riding; after this, they are promoted to trooper. A trooper is the foundation of the organization because they are expected to ride with adequate equitation and know all the basics about horsecare and drill maneuvers. A trooper can earn a promotion when they prove to their officers' their increasing leadership, horsemanship, and dedication. Each rank in Blue Shadows is very important to the overall running of the regiment.
Riders wear their uniforms every troop night. Once a month their uniforms are inspected with their knowledge of horsecare and Blue Shadows information. Working on these aspects will not only help the rider learn the importance of striving for the best, but they will also prepare him/her and the troop for the upcoming horseshow. The drill maneuvers practiced in troop come together to form a complete drill that is both fun to ride in and to watch. Two times a year (May-June, Oct-Nov) all the troops meet for a competition.
Aside from working on drill maneuvers and equitation, troops will also have game nights, go on trail rides, participate in parades, and many other activities away from the ranch. Blue Shadows is best described as a cavalry based organization where kids learn how to ride a horse or increase their riding skills, learn leadership and discipline, and while meeting kids with similar interests. Blue Shadows is a fantastic organization for kids who would like to learn how to ride horses, ride in a drill team, and have fun in the process.