Cowboy Mounted Shooting is a fast growing equestrian sport that combines the Old West with cavalry drill, barrel racing and historical reenactments. Mounted contestants compete in this fast action timed event using two .45 single action revolvers each loaded with five rounds of specially prepared blank ammunition. Courses of fire are set in a variety of patterns. The first 5 targets, balloons, will be set in a pattern that requires the horse and rider to stop, turn, change leads and accelerate rapidly. The second 5 targets, called the "run down", are in a straight line with targets set at 36 foot intervals.
Typically, a competitor crosses the start line and shoots the first five targets, holsters the empty revolver and proceeds around a barrel at the far end of the arena while drawing their second revolver. They then engage the last five targets on the rundown at full speed.
Scoring is based on elapsed time plus a five second penalty for each target missed or barrel knocked over. An average course of fire normally takes a contestant between 25 and 30 seconds to complete.
If
you are interested joining New Hampshire's Cowboy Mounted Shooters or their
upcoming events, please contact Dick Moody at RMoody3415@aol.com.