Cowboy Mounted Shooting
Jump in and learn firsthand about the fastest growing equine sport around!
Laura and Dynamite
What Is Cowboy Mounted Shooting?
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When you first start out it’s best to work with a trainer or club in your area where you can get hands on exposure, practice and guidance for you and your horse.
CMSA offers a webpage sorted by state and clubs. Pew Pew Ponies is happy to help you navigate that to see if there is a club nearby. Shoot me a message!
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Mounted shooting fosters proper gun handling skills. You will learn the techniques for loading, holstering, handling and proper muzzle control both on the ground and on your horse.
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CMSA and USMS both have a booklet listing out the specific guidelines to be followed. This is helpful when starting to learn maneuvering patterns, what dress code is acceptable, class divisions, penalty explanations and much more.
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Equipment to try out includes guns, holsters, chinks and sometimes hats and saddles to get you outfitted.
There are many different styles of holsters and guns to suit everyone’s preference. You will handle different versions of these until you find what suits you and your horse.
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Selecting your horse for mounted shooting can be a process. However if you already have a horse you’re riding, you are welcome to use them regardless of their breed or previous training, provided they break to gunfire.
Is every horse suitable for mounted shooting no; but every horse is welcome to give it a try!
Should you want to select a horse specifically for mounted shooting. Pew Pew Ponies offers an equine selection program where we work 1:1 with you and help you find a great match!
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Everyone starts at a Level 1 and progresses through competition with qualified wins to Level 6.
Mounted Shooting is a timed event on horseback where the rider and horse navigate a course of fire with 2, .45 caliber, single action revolvers, loaded with black powder blanks.
q&a
what pops the balloon?
The hot ash being fired out of the revolver hits the rubber of the balloon and pops it.
how far can you shoot?
The ammo goes about 10-15 feet. Providers are certified in the production of the rounds and quantities available for purchase online.
What kind of ammo is it?
The rounds are a .45 caliber with a crimped top. There is no projectile which makes it safe to perform this sport in a spectator environment.
What Kind of guns do you use?
Each rider shoots a period correct .45, single action revolver. There are also auxiliary classes where competitors use rifles and shotguns.
Do the horses wear ear plugs?
Yes! There are multiple types of ear plugs the horses learn to wear for their protection in practice and in competition.