by Aubrey Simpson
Excitement, joy and laughter filled the air when EquuSSource
spoke with the coach, parents and members of Georgia's Spalding
County 4-H Drill Team. They had just returned from the
Florida State Drill Team Championships where they finished
in First Place in three events, and also garnered the prized
Grand Championship. "The Team had a really good weekend,"
commented Coach Don "Sport" Hulon. This friendly, understated
approach is typical of the coach's polite and inviting southern
style. The fact is not only did the Spalding 4-H Team have a
good weekend; they have had an amazing year.
In 2008, the Spalding 4-H Drill Team finished in first
place in nine different major drill team competitions, with
numerous other second and third place finishes. Earlier in
the year in Tyler, Texas, they participated for the first time
in the 2008 United States Equestrian Drill Competition. The
13-member Spalding Drill Team rode away with two National
Division Championships, two second-place National Reserve
Championships, two fourth-place National Finishes and a
prestigious fifth-place Division 1 National Championship.
"We had no idea where we stood in the nation," Hulon said,
explaining that Spalding's 4-H Drill Team, which has members
ranging in age from 10 to 18, had seven teams competing in six
different events and was up against some of the best adult teams
in the nation. "Nobody has ever done this before. As far as we
know, this is the first time 4-H has sent a group of kids from the
state of Georgia to a national championship." "It's been a real
Cinderella story," laughs Pam Moore, the mother of drill team
member Sydney Moore. "We started out with a pumpkin and
ended up with a golden chariot."
The Cinderella allegory really makes sense when you
consider that the Spalding 4-H Drill Team started in 2002 and
had no first place wins. Then beginning in February of 2008 their
fortune turned around, and they now have over 20 blue ribbon
finishes. Asked what they contribute their success to, Diane
Hulon, Coach Hulon's wife responded, "The parents and kids
really came together this year. We travel and camp together,
we've really become a family." Coach "Sport" Hulon adds,
"The kids' attitudes brought everything together. They got tired
of being beaten and became dedicated. Instead of just socializing,
they decided that we could do this. The older kids started
mentoring the younger kids. And, all of them love the attention
winning has gotten them."
Sixth grader and varsity drill team rider, Sydney Moore
added, "I've been riding for three years, and a lot of the JV and
new kids really look up to us now. They want to be where we
are and do what we're doing. And it's working. Our JV won
third place and it was their first competition. Seeing them do
so well, you feel like you got it right. Plus, you make a lot of new
friends. It gives you chill bumps when you're riding and doing
really well."
While all the success of the past year has been exciting and
rewarding, Coach Hulon, his wife Diane, parent Pam Moore and
drill team rider, Sydney Moore all agree that the real reward is
what they get from being a part of a family. "The most important
thing is seeing how the kids change. After a couple months on
the team they start learning responsibility, their self-esteem
grows, their grades improve and they have better social skills.
It improves their whole attitude towards life, makes them more
positive and hopeful. It's amazing to watch."
Community service and volunteering is a major part of the
drill teams' activities. The club participates in and hosts a number
of activities throughout the year, including a St. Jude's Trail Ride,
where all funds raised are donated to St. Jude's Hospital. The
club also raises money for The Children's Network and Ronald
McDonald House. They also perform throughout the state of
Georgia at rodeos and in parades. There is no doubt that the
Spalding 4-H Drill Team is making a big impact, not only in the
world of horse lovers, but also in the world as a whole. Talking
with them and hearing the passion that infuses everything they
do is truly inspiring for all of us at Southern States.
The kids or their parents own the Spalding 4-H Drill Team
horses and all members of the team prefer Southern States feed.
Coach "Sport" Hulon states, "Most use Legends® Performance,
a few use Reliance® and one uses Triple Crown®. I swear by
Southern States feeds, the closest feed store is only a block from
my office, but it's not a Southern States store so I don't use it. I've
been using Southern States feed my whole life. I love the service
and I love the feed. I wouldn't change for anything." And why
should he, after all, it's the feed of his Champions.
The Spauding County 4-H Drill Team purchases their horse feed
from the Griffin Service store in Griffin, Georgia. They especially
would like to thank Andrea Calaway, the store's feed specialist, for
all of her help and guidance.
To learn more about the Spalding 4-H Drill Team and to follow them
on their road to success visit www.spaldingcounty4-hdrillteam.com.
