Boone County’s 4-H equestrian drill team won the state championship in the small team division at the Kentucky Expo Center on June 28, uniquely competing with an all-mustang team. Unlike typical horses raised in captivity, mustangs present special training challenges due to their wild nature and sensitivity. The team’s training method, pioneered by Mike Cassedy, focuses on understanding the horses’ psychology and building a trusting relationship rather than using dominance. This approach, rooted in Native American horse training philosophy, emphasizes patience and communication, allowing the horses to perform complex choreographed routines that appear risky but are carefully controlled.
The team members, including riders Kendall Hardesty, Marissa Jones, and others, not only care for and train their mustangs but also develop valuable life skills such as teamwork, communication, and patience. The experience has been transformative for the youth, fostering lifelong friendships and personal growth. The drill team’s success highlights both the unique bond between rider and mustang and the dedication required to train these wild horses for competitive performance.