Regulators Ride Onto Lincoln Rodeo Scene

LINCOLN RIDING CLUB PRECISION DRILL TEAM

LINCOLN — “Regulators ride,” this command won’t be spoken by William H. Bonney or any of his cohorts wreaking havoc across a sagebrush-dotted prairie with posse in hot pursuit.

Instruction to move forward on horseback will more likely come from Marlana Edgmon or Hannah Sanders, coaches and line leaders, who, along with coach Megan Anderson, founded this version of ‘the Regulators’ billed as a precision drill team.

There is a Lincoln in the equation but not Lincoln County, N.M., where Bonney, widely known as ‘Billy the Kid,’ participated in a crime spree with a group of armed men known as Regulators before he experienced frontier justice at the hands of Sheriff Pat Garrett with a single shotgun blast at Fort Sumner.

These Regulators have ridden horses with names such as Bullet, Diva, Gunner, Cash, Moonshine, Trip and Wiley, but visitors to Lincoln’s 65th annual rodeo need not worry. The drama won’t involve any gunplay or outlaws. Violence will be limited to within the rodeo arena in a confrontation between man and beast as cowboys take on bulls and broncs.

LRC Regulators first performed at the 61st annual Lincoln Rodeo in 2014 as a 14-member-strong band of riders and horses, established by rodeo host, Lincoln Riding Club. The Regulators were formed in July 2013 based upon the founding trio’s passion for horses and tenacity, driving their dedication to the success of the drill team.

In recruiting members to the drill team, the Regulators acknowledge that horseback riders originate from varying backgrounds with different levels of riding ability. They stipulate participation in a drill team is not for beginners. Original policies were enacted with the foundation of the group requiring members to be out of high school and at least 18-years of age. That has since been amended to allow younger riders to participate, provided each possesses basic riding skills with the ability to pivot, side pass and ride two-handed and willing to commit to practices and performances. Horses must understand lead, lead changes and maintain a gait.

While Bonney and his Regulators owed allegiance to their employer, rancher John Tunstall, who was eventually assassinated in 1878 during New Mexico’s Lincoln County War, these Regulators ride to a different tune. Commitment and dedication to the team and their fans are valued.

LRC Regulators operate on foundational principles that set them apart. Members are expected to conduct themselves appropriately when representing the team, sponsors and Lincoln Riding Club. The team places a high emphasis on maintaining respect for others, self and horses.

LRC Regulators perform at rodeos, fairs and horse shows all over the Ozarks and beyond. Their aim is to provide family-friendly performances while striving to be good role models for all generations. Team members endeavor to make each child feel special and connect with the crowd and fans.

In addition to Anderson, Edgmon, and Sanders, there were three more cowgirls listed as founding members including two who continue to perform with the drill team. In 2014, nine more members joined for the first season as a performing group.

Current members of the Regulators range from 13 to 50-something in age featuring: Edgmon, coach/line leader; Sanders, coach/line leader; Anderson, coach; Amber Durham; Judy Gail McNeely; Dianna Lynn; Kylee Bobacher; Amanda Waters; Amber Hutchison; Fannie Davenport; Seirra Davenport; Tabby Peyton; and Matti Turn.

Three sponsor riders: Madeline Davenport, Cara Parret, and Chyenne Caldwell, also appear with the Regulators.

This year the Regulators have appeared at the Colcord, Okla., Rodeo June 1-2, and Owasso, Okla., Rodeo June 8-9. Last month, the Regulators performed July 13-14 at the Lavaca Rodeo and appeared in the parade.

LRC Regulators performed July 20-21 at the Muldrow, Okla., Rodeo held at Garrison Creek Arena, and appeared in the parade. Next week, they are scheduled for performances at 8 p.m. each night during the Lincoln Rodeo Aug. 9-11 and will take part in Saturday’s parade.