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"Thrill of the Drill” Team Invitational Competition
Sunday, April 19, 2026 in the Blain's Farm & Fleet Coliseum starting at 1:00 pm
The Midwest Horse Fair "Thrill of the Drill" Team Invitational Competition is where speed, synchronization, and showmanship come together in perfect harmony!
Watch as talented riders and their horses perform high-energy, choreographed routines to music—showcasing teamwork, timing, and true horsemanship.
Up to 10 top teams from across the country will compete for $3,500 in cash and prizes in a fast-paced display of unity and skill. Whether you’re a horse enthusiast or simply love live entertainment, this is an unforgettable event for all ages!
What is the Midwest Horse Fair "Thrill of the Drill" Team Invitational Competition?
- Midwest Horse Fair is proud to invite some of the best drill teams in the country to compete for prizes on Sunday April 19, 2026 in the Blain’s Farm and Fleet Coliseum.
Prizes
- 1st: $2000 in Cash, Buckles, and prizes
- 2nd: $1000 in Cash, $100 Blain's Farm and Fleet Gift Card
- 3rd: $500 in Cash, $50 Blain's Farm and Fleet Gift Card
Scoring and Judging
- Three judges will score each team and scores will be combined to determine placings. The Judges’ determination is final.
- Judging categories will include Horsemanship, The Drill, Appearance, Audience Appeal, and overall time not to exceed 8 minutes (see score sheet for details).
- Audience appeal will plan to be gathered from a survey that audience members can fill out during the competition.
- Wayne Williams from Speaking of Horses will be working with Midwest Horse Fair to coordinate this event.
Important Information
- Submission of application and video does not guarantee you acceptance into the competition.
- Music is required and selected by drill teams to be submitted online by March 1st.
- All routines are free style developed by the competing teams.
- The performance time is limited to 8 minutes maximum.
- Additional bios and videos will be requested after acceptance for social media and website use to advertise for the competition.
- Order of go will be determined by the Midwest Horse Fair competition committee.
- The competition will be held in a crowded public setting and opportunities to warm up in the actual arena may not be available. Please do not apply if your team cannot safely function in such a setting.
- All participants must adhere to the Midwest Horse Fair Code of Conduct.
- Accepted teams will have the following two options:
- Option 1: Participate in the Breed & Discipline demonstrations by completing the MHF Breed & Discipline Demonstration Application as a team. Teams selected to also be part of the Breed & Discipline Demonstrations will be required to pay appropriate stall fees and follow ALL Breed & Discipline Demonstration Rules & Regulations, including arriving on Thursday, April 16 and staying through 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 19.
- Option 2: Arrive on Sunday morning of the Midwest Horse Fair by 7:00 a.m. with appropriate horse paperwork and can leave when competition is completed.
- Competitions are subject to change at the discretion of event management.
- It is the policy of the Midwest Horse Fair that if a scheduling conflict arises due to participation in multiple events, you or your group member must choose which event to attend. Special accommodations and refunds cannot be granted. Those who cancel last minute (within two weeks of the fair) and/or due to scheduling conflicts are less likely to be selected as participants in future Midwest Horse Fair events.
- Safety Rules: Safety is very important to Midwest Horse Fair. If a hazard appears in the arena that makes it unsafe to continue a time out will be issued. A time out will pause the music and routine for the safety issue to be addressed. Once it is addressed the team can re-group and the routine will resume where it left off. Scoring will be paused during the time out but it is up to the Judges’ discretion to remove points for any faults caused by the drill team themselves leading up to the safety event. After the time out judging will resume based on performance as if a time out did not occur. Some safety hazards may include but are not limited to horse falling, rider falling, two or more horses colliding, tack breakage, or medical emergency.
- Disqualification: a team will be disqualified if at any point a team member leaves the arena and attempts to return to the arena. If a medical emergency occurs or a horse/rider is unable to continue the drill a time out will be issued and the rider can be excused. The team may then continue without that rider to complete their routine.
- Health Requirements:
- Original and copy of the laboratory report of a negative equine infectious anemia (EIA) test conducted within the 12 months prior to import (after April 16, 2025) which clearly identifies the equine animal by registration number, lip tattoo, or a complete description of the equine animal.
- Original and a copy of the certificate of veterinary inspection issued within 30 days (after March 16, 2026) of Midwest Horse Fair if you are coming from a state other than Wisconsin or Minnesota.
Questions: Email: tickets@midwesthorsefair.com | Phone: 920.623.5515
Introducing the 2026 Competing Drill Teams!
Adelitas of IL
Adelitas of IL was founded in 2023 by Nayeli Horta and her parents, Jose and Yesenia. Adelitas perform as an escaramuza team, which is an all girl/women drill team made up of 8 riders. In their sport they have to perform on side saddles with their elaborate attire which are part of the sports regulations, the dress, sombrero, and boots. Adelitas was founded on the belief that everyone deserves an opportunity to enrich themselves in this culture and tradition of riding on an escaramuza team which is part of Mexico’s national sport, the charreria or Mexican rodeo. Adelitas of IL have presented in several competitions including in Kansas and Texas as well as their home state Illinois.
Escaramuza Flor De Alcatraz
Escaramuza flor de Alcatraz originated in the fall of 2022. The team consists of 8 riders and is an all-female drill team with riders as young as 9, with most riders having an extended riding history.
Escaramuza is the only female sport in charreria, Mexico's national sport. The team participates in their peak summer season at “charreadas” (Mexican rodeos), escaramuza competitions, county fairs and rodeos, equestrian-related events, and many parades. Their performance features synchronized routines that include crosses, spins, and many other complex patterns, all while riding side saddle in their elaborate, colorful dresses inspired by the “adelitas”, resilient and courageous women of the Mexican Revolution.
Flor de alcatraz proudly represents history and culture, and are always thrilled to demonstrate their skills as female riders riding side saddle.
Kettle Moraine Rough Riders
For over 30 years, the Kettle Moraine Rough Riders have brought precision, patriotism, and horsepower to arenas across the Midwest. Founded in 1995, this Wisconsin-based equestrian drill team has been able to unite team members that have ranged in ages from 12 to 70 in their fast-paced, flag-flying displays of teamwork and tradition.
Each synchronized maneuver reflects the discipline, unity, and courage rooted in the military origins of equestrian drill. With American flags held high, the Rough Riders proudly honor the veteran men and women who have served our country, inspiring audiences with their powerful blend of speed, accuracy, teamwork, and heart.
Known for their sharp formations and unmistakable American spirit, the Rough Riders have performed at premier events including Midwest Horse Fair, Breyerfest, and the Kentucky Derby Parade. As they enthusiastically return to the 2026 Midwest Horse Fair for the Thrill of the Drill Invitational, the Rough Riders come to ride with passion, purpose, and the competitive fire forged through their three decades of dedication. They aim to deliver more than just a performance. Their ride promises a patriotic experience that gets hearts racing with American pride, celebrates the unique partnership between riders, horses, and teammates, and adds to the once-in-a-lifetime moments found only at MWHF’s celebration of 45 Years of Making Memories.
Follow and ride along with the Kettle Moraine Rough Riders to be a part of their 2026 MWHF journey! Where precision meets passion, teamwork reflects unity, and their every stride is for the red, white, and blue!
Website: https://www.kmrr.com/about_kmrr
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kmroughriders/
Lockstep Riding Company
Lockstep Riding Company is a Volunteer team of young women ages 13 years and up. Relationship between horse and rider is the focus of our team, with an emphasis on equitation. It is an incredible privilege for our team family to share our horses and love for the sport Drill Team with Midwest Horse Fair.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BY4Wn58XP/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Midwest Renegade Dare Devils
Born from a desire to break free from the ordinary, the Midwest Renegades Dare Devils were founded in 2008 by a group of riders who grew bored with traditional drill team routines and craved something more daring. What started as a quest for adrenaline quickly evolved into a high-flying, heart-pounding trick riding team known for their precision, skill, and fearless stunts.
Blending the discipline of drill with the thrill of daredevil performance, the Renegades push the limits of what’s possible in the arena. Each ride is a dance of courage, timing, and trust—both in their horses and in each other—delivering breathtaking excitement for spectators and an unforgettable rush for the riders themselves.
Whether soaring through spins, flips, or synchronized maneuvers, the Midwest Renegades Dare Devils embody the spirit of adventure, skill, and show-stopping energy that makes trick riding an unforgettable spectacle.
Website: www.midwestrenegades.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/46387729426
The Outlaws Drill Team
Based in Southwest Ohio, the Outlaws are an equestrian drill team that was founded in 2020, when a group of cowgirls decided they wanted something new to do with their horses in the height of Covid. In just five short years the team has grown to achieve many dreams and goals, from performing at Equine Affaire and Horse World Expo, to founding the Midwest Drill Team Competition series in their own community. The team welcomes all riders and all horses, from Fjords to Thoroughbreds, showcasing that diversity is strength. The Outlaws are known to bring a powerful rock vibe and fun-loving attitude with them everywhere they go, and they are excited to attend the Midwest Horse Fair for the first time.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/outlawsdrillteam/
Red Rock Riders
The Red Rock Riders are a dynamic team of young women from across Iowa who share a passion for precision riding, speed, and show-stopping performances. For more than 20 years, they've been Central Iowa's drill team-bringing powerful, crowd-pleasing routings to arenas and events across the U.S. Every season, the riders dream up new choreography and push their skills to new levels, all while celebrating teamwork, trust, and the bond between horse and rider. Their dedication and love for what they do shine through in every performance, creating moments that audiences never forget.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/175yUF5usg/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Renegade Equestrian Drill Team
This talented and award-winning group of cowgirls and cowboys set the arena ablaze and energize the crowd with their unique routines and high octane music! The Renegades perform at all types of events including drill team competitions, parades, rodeo half times, county and state fairs, and expos. The team has won many awards ranging from 1st place in freestyle, rodeo, and theme at competitions, to best dressed at parades. We are a dedicated team of athletes who put an emphasis on becoming better horsemen and women. We are a close-knit group who consider each other family.
Website: https://renegadeequestriandrillteam.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ren.gadedrillteam
Rodeo City Riders
The Rodeo City Riders Drill Team is an equestrian drill team. The Rodeo City Riders Drill Team began in 1999 when six riders carried flags into the arena, and performed a simple routine at the Manawa Mid-Western Rodeo. Each following year the team has grown and brought improvement in all aspects of the drill team. The team rides to a choreographed routine with the American flag to patriotic music. The riders and their horses need to be responsive, from speedy, and dangerous moves to standing still for split seconds; adding flags to the level of difficulty with the use of only one hand controlling their horses.
The team travels throughout Wisconsin and UP Michigan performing in Rodeos, clinics and other equestrian events.
Please visit us on Facebook at rodeo city riders drill team
Stateline Hotshots Rodeo Drill Team
The Stateline Hotshots are an elite rodeo drill team representing the Stateline Area Equine Association. Based in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin, our riders unite passion and performance in high-speed, synchronized routines that celebrate the partnership between horse and rider. More than just a performance team, the Stateline Hotshots and their equine partners serve as ambassadors for the Stateline Area Equine Association, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the equine industry. Through their leadership and mentorship, they are inspiring the next generation—giving young horse enthusiasts not just the opportunity to ride, but the responsibility to care for and understand these incredible animals. Founded on camaraderie, horsemanship, and a love of western tradition, the Stateline Hotshots continue to inspire audiences and riders alike—proving that when you ride with purpose, every performance leaves a lasting spark.
Website: https://statelineareaequine.org/stateline-hotshots/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100054534876341
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stateline_hotshots?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/statelinehotshotsdrill?igsh=MXN5MzAydW05cDBk
