(Originally written in the winter of 2018.)

First, let’s have a little biographical history lesson, shall we? Did you ever hear of a woman named Annie Oakley? Perhaps her name conjures up some images of the wild west or a woman holding a rather large rifle. If that’s the case–you would be correct. Anne Oakley is synonymous with the vision of the American frontier with women on horseback dressed as cowgirls, gun slinging men fighting outlaws, and covered wagons setting the scene. Annie Oakley lived in these times, and her claim to fame was her impressive hand-eye coordination, which led her to become one of the greatest trick shooters of all time. Even though most of her pistol skills came while standing stationary, she often took her expertise to the next level as she would speed around the arena hitting targets on horseback. So, what does this trip down pioneer road have to do with Mrs. Broenelle? Brace yourselves as you hear the story of Niles Middle School’s band director creating her own modern version of Annie Oakley!

Mrs. Broennle was fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to be around horses for most of her life. Her aunt introduced her to her love of the equine (fancy word for horses ) at a very early age while she helped her at Ohio State University’s Galbreath Equine Center, which is a veterinary medical facility. When she would visit her aunt, she would not only care for her aunt’s horses , but she housed her first pony CJ there as well.

Now, fast forward.  Mrs. Broennle owns her own barn in Howland where she has two horses of her own: Sizzle (13) is a mare and Kirby (10) is a gelding. These two really take a lot of her time and even though she would like more, she isn’t ready to add any additions to her animal family just yet. She also has two dogs and two cats so it is safe to say that Mrs. Broennle’s hands are full. And full in the sense that besides her love for these animals, she holds a full time job as a music teacher; she’s one of the high school’s band directors ; she’s married to her husband Shaun, and she also is a member of the CMSA (Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association). Now it gets really interesting! This is the time where Mrs. Broennle, the teacher, becomes the modern day Annie Oakley.

For the past three years, Mrs. Broennle has traded in her weekly Niles Red Dragon gear for her weekend outfits of cowboy boots, fringed plaid shirts, cowboy hats, and don’t forget her chaps. She literally transforms herself from band director by week to western cowgirl by weekend. Her dress code is based on the 1800s time era, and she follows the dress code rule book explicitly. Mrs. Broennle even saddles up and competes in a long skirt; just like you know who: Annie Oakley. Mrs. Broennle comments on her attire, “I Love it!  I’ve always enjoyed anything western and this just lets me get away from the rush of everyday life and enjoy my hobby.

This past year proved incredibly special for Mrs. Broennle. She was bestowed “2018 Overall Cowgirl” at the Ohio State Competition. She went up against 128 riders while she competed over a two day period. “ I never

expected to win. I just went into it trying to do my best.  When the dust settled, I ended up taking first place out of all the female competitors. I will never forget the sense of accomplishment that I felt,” says Mrs. Broennle. There are six levels of achievement in this sport. Right now, Mrs. Broennle is a level four, but she has her sights set on getting to a level six. She says, “Even though advancing to the next round gets harder and harder, I know one day I will make it.  Never give up on your dreams. Commit to them and strive to do your best no matter what.

Along with her achievements and her love for this sport, Mrs. Broennle has also credited this hobby to making lifelong friendships with other CMSA members across America and having time away from home and work with her husband. Although her husband has always supported her, she thought at first he really wasn’t “into it.” Today she says, “He is now hooked, competing too, and having a blast!

Annie Oakley made this famous quote, “Aim for the high mark and you will hit it. No, not the first time, not the second time and maybe not the third. But keep on aiming and keep on shooting for only practice will make you perfect. Finally you’ll hit the bull’s-eye of success.” Mrs. Broennle represents this statement literally and figuratively. She has her goals set for earning the highest rank in her sport, and her work ethic of practicing until she gets there is second to none. This quote also fits perfectly for her band students who she teaches. The more you practice, the more successful you’ll be. Who would have guessed this quote could represent both musical instruments and horses? “Music and horses go hand in hand for me, and even though it takes a lot of time and dedication, when you really enjoy something you find a way to make it work,” says Mrs. Broennle.

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This article was published five years ago , and I thought it would be an amazing idea to bring it back and see what Mrs. Broennle is doing now! We asked her and here was her response:

Since the last time I wrote in 2018, a lot has changed! As we all know, in March of 2020 Covid caused our schools to be shut down and this changed everyone’s way of life.  I had my son in May of 2020 and my life changed again!  Between the pandemic and being a first time mom, it took a lot to learn how to navigate the new life before me.  The horse competitions I participated in stopped being held during this time as well. Now, in 2025 life is pretty much back to normal.  That is, my “new” normal.  I have not gotten back to competing yet in Cowboy Mounted Shooting, but I am hoping to again soon.  I still have my two horses and we have recently added a third little miniature pony named Jolly to our herd.  Jolly is my son’s pony and I am teaching him how to ride.

I am hopeful that one day he can join me in competing in the wrangler division of CMSA.  For now, one of our favorite things to do is go on trail riding adventures together. Some of the places we like to go trail riding are Vickers Nature Preserve in Canfield, Headwaters Park in Huntsburg and Swine Creek Reservation in Middlefield.  As my son gets older we will do more out of state camping.  Professionally, I still love my job working with the best band in Dragonland!  Working towards our goal of making our band program better each and every day is something that I am super excited about!.  I have great colleagues and a band family that I get to surround myself with on a daily basis.  Who could ask for more?! One thing’s for sure, life is always changing. I’ve learned to embrace it as an opportunity for growth, new experiences and exciting adventures.  Happy Trails!