One of the nation’s fastest growing equestrian sports in the country, Cowboy Mounted Shooting is a combination of Wild West Show exhibition shooting, cavalry drills, reining competition, barrel racing and historical reenactment. All competitors wear period clothing which creates a festive and informal atmosphere of the late 19th century. The rider shoots black powder blank cartridges from .45 caliber pistols, at balloons, and is scored on accuracy and time.

Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association's events are open to all horses and mules. Mounted Shooters use .45 caliber single action revolvers like those used in the late 1800's. Single action revolvers must be cocked each time before firing by drawing the hammer back. A double action revolver can be fired by simply pulling the trigger, without cocking the hammer. Despite the use of double action revolvers in the Old West, the CMSA limits its competitions to single action revolvers.

Rick & Janice with their "partners" - all of the horses (save one) that have helped them to achieve their titles in the Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association. The only horse missing is Brett, a faithful lesson horse that sadly passed away before the photo shoot.

Janice in competition with one of her horses

Rick with Paso Fino Royal Oak Lyrik, demonstrating Cowboy Mounted Shooting at the 2002 PFHA Grand National Championship Show.

Janice with Paso Fino multi-National Champion Royal Oak Fandango. Fandago's numerous titles include: PFHA Grand National AO Performance Champion, PFHA National Performance Champion, PFHA Grand National AO Pleasure Champion and PFHA National Pleasure Champion.

For more information, you can visit the CMSA website:

www.cowboymountedshooting.com