Lovell horsewomen ride for the Renegades

Three young horsewomen from Lovell are riding for the 307 Renegades horse drill team out of Cody this year. Raeghan Wacker on her horse “River,” Sierra Wilkerson on “Estrella” and Augastina Lembke on “Aurora” have been appearing in parades, rodeos and a number of other public events with the drill team this summer and will continue through the fall.

The Renegade riders perform a fast-paced, choreographed routine on horseback while carrying flags. The primary focus of the organization is to teach, mentor and foster camaraderie while performing drills on horseback. With a focus on “the love of horses and horsemanship” the team performs on a regular basis at the Cody Night Rodeo, the annual Cody Stampede, the Meeteetse Labor Day Rodeo and other rodeos and equine events throughout the area. They recently rode in the Mustang Days Parade in Lovell, wearing matching American flag inspired outfits.

It’s common for participants (including the horses) to wear matching outfits, often with a patriotic theme. They carry sponsor flags at the Cody Night Rodeo, and one member is selected to carry the American flag in the arena during the performance of the National Anthem.

The mission of the 307 Renegade organization is “to improve the bond between rider and horse through various activities.” To that end, the organization offers clinics in desensitizing, basic horsemanship and other skills. 

The mounted drill team displays a culmination of these skills. Being invited to be a part of the team is a testament to the skills and control these horsewomen have developed over the years. 

All three ladies have been riding horses extensively from an early age. Wacker and Wilkerson have a horse training business called “Two Hearts Horse Training.” Lembke, a Lovell High School student, lives on a ranch outside of Lovell where she owns and trains several horses of her own. She is also an accomplished trick rider.

Wacker and Wilkerson carried flags at the Cody Night Rodeo last year. This is the first year all three girls have participated in events as part of the drill team.