Cowboy Mounted Shooting

Western Washington Mounted Shooters

September 1, 2016

Speed and Precision Make this Sport

Credit: Charles Gremps

In the sport of Cowboy Mounted Shooting, riders on horseback are timed and must maneuver through a set pattern while shooting ten balloon targets. It’s like barrel racing, with the added element of target shooting and a pattern that changes for each competition. There are levels of competitors from beginners (level 1), up to experts (level 6). Riders negotiate a variety of official courses created by the Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association. Competitors use western style guns – single action revolvers that shoot blank ammunition. The blank’s burning black powder embers burst the balloon targets. The rider and horse with the fastest time and the least amount of missed targets without a knocked over barrel is the winner.

For videos and information, check out the CMSA at http://www.cmsaevents.com/home/.

For local practices, clinics, and shoots, join WESTERNWASHINGTONMOUNTEDSHOOTERS (all caps) on Facebook, see club website westernwashingtonmountedshooters.com, or contact Jennifer Burnell at paintrider@comcast.net.

Upcoming events:

Sept. 2-4 – Rochester, WA

Sept. 10-11 – Sultan, WA

Sept. 17 – Othello, WA

Published September 2016 Issue