What Is Cowboy Mounted Shooting
Cowboy
Mounted
Shooting
(CMS)
is
an
equestrian
sport
that
combines
horsemanship
and
shooting
skills.
Participants
ride
horses
through
a
pre-defined
course
while
shooting
at
balloon
targets
using
specially
designed
firearms.
The
sport
emphasizes
speed,
accuracy,
and
control
of
the
horse,
providing
a
thrilling
display
of
skill
and
coordination.
Ohio
defense
attorney
Sallynda
Rothchild
is
a
skilled
and
experienced
Cowboy
Mounted
Shooting
cowgirl.
Video
of
Western
Mounted
Shooting
from
Cowboy
Mounted
Shooting
Association
Rules of Cowboy Mounted Shooting
-
Course
Design:
- Riders follow a course set up with 10 balloon targets.
- Courses typically involve a combination of straightaways, turns, and patterns.
- Riders must complete the course in the prescribed sequence, shooting each balloon in order.
-
Scoring:
- Riders are scored based on speed and accuracy.
- Missing a target incurs a penalty (typically 5 seconds).
- Deviating from the course or knocking over course markers also results in penalties.
-
Timing:
- The rider with the fastest time, including penalties, wins.
- A clean run (all balloons hit with no penalties) is crucial for competitive performance.
-
Safety:
- Safety is a top priority. All firearms must remain holstered until the rider is in the arena.
- Riders must follow strict safety protocols for handling and firing guns.
-
Equipment:
- Horses must be well-trained to remain calm under the noise of gunfire.
- Riders often wear traditional western attire, which may include cowboy hats, boots, and chaps.
Type of Gun Used
Cowboy Mounted Shooting uses single-action revolvers, typically replicas of firearms from the late 19th century (e.g., Colt .45 revolvers). The guns must meet the following criteria:
- Ammunition: Only black powder blank cartridges are allowed. These blanks have enough power to break a balloon at close range (10-15 feet) but pose no risk of harm beyond that distance.
- Caliber: Most revolvers are chambered in .45 caliber, but .38 special and other calibers are also common, as long as they comply with competition rules.
- Single-Action: The hammer must be manually cocked before each shot.
Other Key Details
- Many competitions include divisions based on rider experience, from beginners to advanced.
- Riders often use two revolvers, with five shots each, to complete a 10-target course.
- The sport emphasizes horsemanship, so riders are judged not only on shooting skills but also on their ability to control and maneuver the horse effectively.
Cowboy Mounted Shooting is sanctioned by organizations like the Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association (CMSA) and features events across the United States. It’s a sport deeply rooted in Old West traditions, blending history with modern-day athleticism.
