Mounted Shooting
Mounted Shooting has been described as “barrel racing with an attitude”. Contestants dress in old west attire and use both riding and shooting skills. 45 caliber fixed sight, single action revolvers are used. Black powder ammunition is supplied at the match. Ammo must be tested and must meet safety requirements.
Each contestant loads 5 shells per gun. A contestant shoots the first five targets, (balloons), then holsters the first gun. He then draws the second gun and shoots the remaining 5 targets. There are over 50 patterns for horse and rider to navigate. 4-6 stages are run at each match. Barrels, poles and turns are added in different patterns.
Contestants are timed and assessed penalties for missed targets, dropped guns and so forth. Contestants are divided in to skill levels and must “win” their way to the next level. Younger contestants, 7-9 ride only and are timed. 10 and 11 shoot cap guns and must make a gun exchange. At age 12, a rider may opt to join the Junior division and shoot the real guns. There are Wranglers, Juniors, Ladies, Mens, and Senior divisions.
Mounted shooting is a family sport where everyone can compete and have fun!
If you have any questions regarding this wonderful sport, please visit the web links provided, or email us at lumark@windstream.net. We have trained some wonderful shooting horses and would be happy to help you with yours.
(JW (7yrs) and Howdy competing at the Nationals in Tunica, MS last year.)
