Mounted shooting

I love to watch mounted shooting and last Friday I talked hubby into going out to one of the local competitions. Sadly, this one is way out of town so not many spectators attend which I find to be a shame. It is the most amazing sport you can imagine, You have to be an excellent horse rider,  an excellent gun handler,  strong as the horse to stay in the saddle and you better have some money or a sponsor plus.........you better know how to take care of your horse so add doctoring to the list.

The good thing about going where it is not so publicised is you can get up close and personal

She put up with me taking her picture.....











but this was her real attitude towards me

Oh well, it gives me the opportunity to point out the hoof shoes and leg wraps on her front legs you see used. Taking care of the horse is a must!

Most of the time if you attend you would have to sit in the stands but since hubby is well known we were able to stand at the gate at the end of the run down....be still my heart!

but I am getting a little ahead of myself here.

 If you don't know anything about mounted shooting it is like barrel racing plus shooting single action guns or a rifle at the  balloon's as fast as you can. Your time is recorded and if you miss a balloon a penalty of more time is added so it is speed and accuracy.

14.430 was his time with no penalty (a good run)

Here is a good demonstration video (turn off music to enjoy)

Hubby is Annie and Chad's gunsmith. They have to be set in a special way for mounted shooting...smooth but not too light because of all the bouncing.

For those of you who don't know much about guns here is a little extra added info. You can't fire a single action by just pulling the trigger, you have to manually cock the hammer each time to fire a shot.

and it only holds six bullets

so there has to be a gun change during the run....

Here is one type of the duel holsters they use

The big round part provides back support for the weight as noted on Annie's rig

Keep all this in mind as you watch this video of one of Chad's record runs...

Being down at ground lever with the smell of manure, dirt flying from hooves and noses flared is truly a thrilling experience....

Here he comes hooves pounding, ears back and digging in.

Now you may think I was very brave but trust me I ducted down more than once:)

After so many shooters the track has to smoothed, so out comes the handy tractor and an opportunity for us to sit for a spell.

Yep, stood for about four hours to watch it all but it was so worth it.

Remember I told you that money was also needed?  Well, here is home away from home.

Like the Rodeo circuit, there are competitions all over the country and since you can't fly with your horse:) it leaves you to driving many miles if you are a top competitor.