The Old West comes to Virginia
Submitted by: Sherry Smith
Phone: 540-825-4540
Email Address: Sherry(at)ccds.net
Date Added: 1/21/2014
The Fastest Growing Equestrian Sport in the USA on Fire in Virginia
The 1st Virginia Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association is raring to go for 2014! Fun loving, adrenaline chasing, family oriented members of this club compete in fast action timed events navigating their horse through a specific course using two .45 caliber single action revolvers while attempting to break balloons. Each revolver is loaded with five black powder filled cartridges, live rounds are strictly prohibited. Riders are scored on time and accuracy with a five second penalty for each missed balloon. A typical pattern can be run in 15 – 35 seconds, so course management and accuracy are important. Many new comers to this sport start at a walk or trot while honing horsemanship and shooting skills.
There are no specific horse breed or registration requirements. Some horses take to this sport easily, others do not. A horse’s temperament and a riders desire to work with their horse to desensitize it to shooting and prepare it for turning, and eventually going fast are all key to success and make this sport challenging, fun and fulfilling. Trainers specializing in preparing horses and riders for this sport are available. CMSA members are happy to tell you how this sport will create a brave and reliable four legged partner, and improve performance in other disciplines.
Riders wear chinks or chaps over modern jeans or late 1800’s western attire, the ladies may even compete in dresses of that era. Competitors are ranked by Men’s, Women’s, and Senior’s Divisions with classes 1-6 in each division. Advancement is determined by a specified number of wins. Kids under age 11 may compete in the “Wrangler,” division do not compete with real guns while riding. Dues for annual CMSA memberships are; $100 for family, $75 for individuals and $35 for associate as a developmental class. New comers often comment on the warmth and camaraderie of Cowboy Mounted Shooting and how helpful the “old timers,” are.
Large arenas are required, with at least 100 feet wide and 225 feet in length of useable space with good footing. With the rapid expansion of the sport the 1st Virginia CMSA is looking for a covered or indoor arena of this size in Virginia, with at least 50 stalls for their mounted shooting competitions to be held over two days. For more information about Cowboy Mounted Shooting, or if you have information about available arenas, please contact Brett Horner at 540-408-3334, or at kinetent@aol.com. Detailed information about the CMSA may be found at, cowboymountedshooting.com. Virginia club information is at 1stvirginiacmsa.com.
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