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.

Video of Western Mounted Shooting from Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association

Rules of Cowboy Mounted Shooting

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Timing:
   • The rider with the fastest time, including penalties, wins.
   • A clean run (all balloons hit with no penalties) is crucial for competitive performance.
4. 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.
5. 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.