Precision Riding..... .....Excitement at it's best!   The Midwest Renegades Equestrian Drill Team is dedicated to performing our best by executing our maneuvers with precision and "in synch" to toe-tapping music. We perform at drill team competitions and perform in rodeos and parades for the pleasure and entertainment of our audiences while maintaining the fun and excitement of riding. We have been a member of the United States Equestrian Drill Association (USEDA) since 2005. THE EARLY YEARS: In 2001, the team began as a small group of eight riders from Bull Valley Stables in Woodstock. The team only performed at schooling shows held at the Stable. In early 2003, several key riders moved to New Mexico and the drill team was abandoned until April when Bev Vlahos held try-outs for a new team that would start up again in May. Ten riders came together and continued practicing at Bull Valley Stables. In August 2003, the team entered the Midwest Challenge competition held at the Boone County Fairgrounds and placed first in the Novice Division. BECOMING THE MIDWEST RENEGADES: In March 2004, the team moved to Bev Vlahos' own place in Woodstock and the team was re-named "The Midwest Renegades." It was a struggle keeping the team together with riders leaving but ten devoted riders continued on in their quest to be the best drill team in this area. In 2008, the Team moved back to Bull Valley Stables. "Each year since then we have grown a bit stronger and better. We have had some awesome riders join us and leave for various reasons; but with each rider, we have learned a lot from the input and ideas from each one of them." Bev Vlahos, Head Coach In 2005, the Midwest Renegades placed first in a competition held in Racine, Wisconsin. The team also placed third and fourth in several other competitions which was very good for a young team. In 2006, the Midwest Renegades Team hit a tremendous high point by winning the Midwest Division Regional Championship at Kirkwood College in Iowa. The Midwest Renegades submitted a composite video of their performances to a committee that selected the ten top teams and invited them to compete in the Regional Championship in September of 2006. Out of the thirty-five teams who sent videos, the Midwest Renegades were asked to participate. Winning the 2006 Midwest Regional Championship in Iowa earned the Midwest Renegades an invitation to the Super Ride V National Championships in Canton, Texas, in June 2007 where fifty plus teams would compete.     This was a big step for the Midwest Renegades and proved to be a huge success with the team placing 4th out of nine teams in the mixed rider division, 5th out of fifteen teams in the theme division, and 14th out of sixteen teams in the open division. In 2007, the team of riders has become very strong and committed to being the best team in the area. There have been many challenges along the way but the team has made huge strides in a very short time frame.  In 2008, the Midwest Renegades have raised the bar even higher with the addition of two exciting new teams--the "Dare Devils" High Performance Team and the "Dirt Devils" Youth Team. The Dare Devils have obtained a personal tumbling, acrobat, and stunt trainer, Kyle Zak, from Journey Gymnastics. Their sessions with him have strengthened and limbered the team up for their daring stunts on horseback. The Dare Devils especially appreciate the days he has come out to the barn during their practices to help with their stunts on horseback.  In 2009, the Midwest Renegades will step up their drills with more exciting stunts for the Dare Devils, a new Theme drill for the Original Team, and more excitement for the Dirt Devils Drill. The Specialty Acts--Roman Riding and Vaulting--are being readied for presentation and a Patriotic Drill is in the planning stages. The Pride is in the Ride!