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The Westernaires are known as the "Best Precision Mounted Drill Riders At Speed" anywhere in the world. Members may join this non-profit organization as young as 9 years old, and must graduate at the time they turn 19 or graduate from High School. Based in Jefferson County, Colorado, Westernaires has about 1,000 members, and is 100% volunteer-run. In addition to the Drill Teams at speed, there are Cavalry, Indian Warriors, Riders of the Steppes (cossack-style mounted acrobatics), Trick Riders, Equidance (dressage-style riding), Liberty Riders (riders perform over small jumps without the aid of saddles or bridles), Roman Charioteers, Bull-whipping, Trick Roping, Roman Riding (riding while standing on two horses side-by-side), Harness Team for the authentic Stagecoach, Military Cannons, Wagons and other equipment.
The highest level teams (known as the "Red Division") travel North America and perform annually at numerous shows and rodeos. Some of these appearances have included include / have included (but are not limited to):
* the National Western Stock Show in Denver, Colorado
* the Estes Park Rooftop Rodeo, Colorado
* the Trinidad Roundup Rodeo in Trinidad, Colorado
* the Dinosaur Roundup Rodeo in Vernal, Utah
* the Sandoval County Fair in Cuba, NM
* the Aksarben Rodeo in Omaha, NE
* the American Royal Rodeo in Kansas City, KS
* the Calgary Stampede Rodeo in Calgary, AB, Canada
* the Greeley Stampede Rodeo in Greeley, CO
* countless other television, rodeo, parade, and show appearances across North America.
Westernaires has also performed for numerous U.S. Presidents, foreign dignitaries, and numerous kings, queens, and other royalty.
While many members of Westernaires own their own horses, the organization has about 250 livery horses in their livery that are used for training and performance. Members are not required to own their own horses, and can rent these capable string horses. Riders begin first with the basics of safety, horsemanship, and the basics of drill riding, then gradually advance through the ranks and teams as they matriculate. The highest ranking drill team -- the Varsity Red Team -- is the ultimate goal in drill riding achievement. Their world-famous "Firelight" drill runs around 13 minutes and contains numerous complex maneuvers, many of which are copyrighted. Always versatile, most of these same riders also perform numerous other specialties.
Westernaires was founded in 1949 by Mr. Elmer E. Wyland and has grown and thrived at their home -- Fort Westernaire -- located behind the Jefferson County Fairgrounds. Current Director, Glen E. Keller, Jr. -- has capably led the Westernaires since 1983. There are nearly 200 adult volunteers who lend their expertise, time, and muscle to the group.
Since the early days, Westernaires has graduated thousands of individuals from the organization. Westernaires has also been a positive influence in yet tens of thousands of other kids of Jefferson County throughout its nearly 70 years of existence. Westernaires prides itself in fostering self-reliance, diligence, and leadership skills in its members.
