Webster’s dictionary defines a “renegade” as “an individual who rejects conventional behavior”. The MidWest Renegade Equestrian Drill team is always looking for new, exciting, fun ways to bring the thrill of drill to their audiences. Since 2004 the MidWest Renegades Equestrian Drill Team from Woodstock, Illinois has been dedicated to providing quality entertainment for their audiences while keeping the fun in riding.
In addition to the challenges of maintaining the choreography of position, distance and speed the use of flags requires extra skill, determination and training. Horses can get scared when their rider is carrying a flag, or when other riders with flags approach them. Riders with flags are required to operate the reins with one hand and maintain flag position with the other. The Midwest Renegades have performed several different drills with flags and other thematic props. Our teams are often honored to open events with a flag presentation which includes our National Anthem. The privilege of presenting our Country's standard is one that we cherish, and we strive to carefully adhere to proper flag protocol in all of our performances.
Your Midwest Renegades!
Photo credit - Suzanne Ridenour Photography
Lauren and Breaker
Lauren started riding at 7 developing a background in Western Pleasure and Speed events. With BlackJack it was love at first sight. They learn more about each other everyday. She is very excited to partner with Blackjack to ride with some amazing people as a 2021 MidWest Renegade!
Dana and Sis
Dana’s love of horses came alive when she met the horse that settled into her heart personally. Dana and Sis have been on a journey of jumping lessons, 4H, and lounging book days with no tack at all. The precision of drill started with Dirt Devils then trick riding as a Dare Devil. With or without a flag Dana and Sis are a part of the Renegade family. The adventure continues as she returns from Montana State University for the summer as a MidWest Renegade.
Ed and Cash
Ed is riding a different horse this year, Cash. Cash is a buckskin from our barn that belongs to his daughter. This older World Champion English Pleasure horse is in drill to help build up muscle to get back to the show ring. Ed might have to improve his seat to keep up with this horse.
Laura and Gunnar
Laura started riding as an adult taking lessons when the budget would allow. She dabbled and brought the kids to the barn to keep horse time in the routine. The Fry girls share-boarded a drill horse and a whole new world came into view. Only through the confidence born of excellent instruction, family support and the partnership with Gunnar was it possible to step up from cheerleader and grounds crew for the Dirt Devils to be a rider as well.
Nicole and Stella
For the past 15 years Nicole has been showing in Western, English, and jumping events on anything from local, breed, collegiate, and national levels. Nicole continues to show her horse Hottie, but wanted to broaden her horizons and join the fun of the Midwest Renegades with Stella! Stella is a quality pleasure horse who enjoys showing anywhere - including his position in drill.
Sandol and Sam
Sanol started riding lessons at the age of 8. By 10 she was entered in competitive trail riding earning a national championship belt buckle at 16. Since then she has competed in hunter jumper, dressage and 3 day eventing. For the 2020 Renegades Sandol is riding a horse new to drill. Sam is an 18 year old Arab gelding. She loves the teamwork comradery and fun of drill.
Tom and Zip
Tom and Zip came together over 8 years ago. In the years that they have been together they have completed hundreds of trail rides both group and solo. They have participated in team penning, team sorting, mini cattle drives, mounted shooting, parades and fun shows with barrel racing pole bending and other timed events. In addition, Tom and Zip are certified in mounted search and Rescue. This is their first year adding drill to the mix, and they are looking forward to the challenges that being a part of the Renegades brings.
Diane and Splash
Diane was a young hunter/jumper rider with Big horses, took several years off, and now rides and drives Gypsy Vanners. With a quiet giving attitude and gorgeous feathers "Feathered Gold Night Splash" is a little powerhouse beauty at 4 years old and 13.3hh. His willingness to please and pick up new skills took them to Midwest Horse Fair with the Dairyland Driving club and to Silver Spurs for training in riding and liberty as well as precision drill. Diane and Splash join long time friends Cindi and Finn in this new adventure with the MidWest Renegades Rebels.
Cindi and Olaf
Cindi has been part of a miniature horse diving drill team for 8 years. After a 16 year absence from riding, Cindi and Finn became trail partners in late 2017. Still working on becoming a better team as rider and mount Cindi and Finn are very excited to be part of the MidWest Renegades Rebels.
Sandy and Tex
Getting her first pony at age 6, Sandy grew up with horses. A Kane County 4-H alumni, she never left the program and is currently a horse project leader and coach with McHenry County 4-H. Competing in western events including showmanship and pleasure, she currently enjoys trail riding and discovered the thrill of drill. Tex, a 9-year-old ranch-bred quarter horse, is a new partner who also seems to have an affinity for drill. Sandy's thrilled to ride with her daughter Lisa Kunzie, new to the team this season.
Lisa K. and Case
Lisa joined drill to have a weekly “girls’ night” with her mom, Sandy, and to get out and ride more! Lisa and her buckskin have been together since 2009, Lisa’s senior year in high school, and she reluctantly admits she has likely ridden Case more this year than in the past 12! Between Lisa riding different horses in college, spending a few years living out in Iowa, and, most recently, having two little boys, the horse/rider duo spent many years apart, but they are loving their “reunion year!” Lisa has a lifetime of horse-riding experience, mostly exhibiting in 4-H, 4-H state, and open show competitions in English and Western riding, trail, and showmanship.
Katy and Lizzie
Katie was brave enough to ask a neighbor about riding at 5 years old. As a teen she saved her babysitting money for lessons. Over the years Katie embarked on equine exploration with a well rounded line-up from jumping and dressage to speed events and natural horsemanship. Lizzy is a mare who served the Arkansas Department of Correction for 15 years before partnering with Katie for this new adventure as a MidWest Renegade. Katie and Lizzy are loving the drill team with Lisa Hammil as coach. Everyone is just fantastic.
Lisa H. and Sailor
Lisa started riding at the age of 7 with a background in hunter/jumpers. As an adult she became hooked on eventing and dressage. Since her daughter joined the Dirt Devil Drill team in 2015, Lisa became intrigued with western riding and wanted to become a part of the Renegades Drill team. She is thrilled to be a part of such a great group of people and excited to continue to improve her riding skills and her understanding of horses.
Lynn
From horse show MOM, grounds crew, parade participant and spectator Lynn started lessons to do more than watch her daughter perform. With a couple of false starts, an injury, and heaps of encouragement she pulled up her big girl panties and joined the team. Lynn will ride as a MidWest Renegade Rebel.
Karen and Mike
Riding since age 3, Karen continues to enjoy all horse-related activities. She runs her family barn, is a member of two trail-riding clubs, helps others gain the confidence to get back in the saddle, and yet still finds time to ride on the Renegade team. You may run into her on one of the many Northern Illinois trails riding Skip, Al, Stella, Dillon, or Byron.