Inside the World of Equestrian Drill, Where Precision Dance and Rodeo Combine in a Graceful and Terrifying Horseback Ballet

The night air was warm and muggy on July 5, 1976. There was barely any wind to move a single hair out of place—hers or her horse’s. Close to 34,000 people sat watching. It was her first time. She was excited and proud. She was also grateful for the gloves. Without them, the flagpole might have slipped through her grip, which was clammy, maybe from nerves.Her equestrian drill team, the Texas Ranger Belles, had chosen her to post the American flag, which meant she was in the lead as the seven horses loped around Arlington Stadium, home of the Texas Rangers baseball team. She wouldn’t have dared to make a mistake, keeping the flag upright at all times, her forearm parallel to the ground and…

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