Cowboy Mounted Shooting is the fastest growing equestrian sport in America. It's like barrel racing with balloons in between the barrels, and you are shooting the balloons while riding at a gallop.
Western Shooting Horse Magazine Grand American, Cave Creek, AZ - March 2008 Mounted Shooters ride a timed course of fire consisting of 10 balloons. Typically a course of fire pattern consists of 5 white balloons -- grouped together in one place or spread out over the entire arena -- and 5 red balloons placed in a straight row toward the finish line. Most courses have at least one barrel, but some have as many as three barrels to test horsemanship.
Riders shoot all 5 white balloons first. Then they holster their first gun while riding to the far end of the arena, draw a second gun, round a barrel, and shoot 5 red balloons in a straight line called 'the Rundown.'
Festival of the West, Phoenix, AZ - March 2008 Riders shoot black powder blank cartridges from single-action Colt .45 or similar revolvers, at balloons, and are scored on accuracy and time. Black powder blanks spray burning powder about 10 to 15 feet to break the balloons.
Festival of the West, Phoenix, AZ - March 2008 Cowboy Mounted Shooters outfit themselves and their horses in authentic late 1800s period clothing and tack.
Cowboy Mounted Shooting is an equestrian shooting sport that can be enjoyed by the whole family, and there is a skill level for everyone. There is a Men's Division, a Women's Division, a Junior Division, and a Senior's Division, with Classes 1-6 in each of those divisions. There is also a Wrangler Class for those 11 and under.
Video
of
Jerry
& Kasidy May at
the Festival of the West 2008
More about Kasidy May Jerry's AQHA mare
"Guns have only two enemies, rust and liberal politicians"
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