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it's called "cowboy mounted shooting."   the ammunition is .45 caliber long colt, blanks, loaded with black powder.  the balloon targets are burst by the flaming granules of black powder.   there is no paper wadding or rock salt.   any type of projectile would not be "spectator friendly."

 

there are 54 different patterns used in cowboy mounted shooting competition.  the first part of the pattern, referred to as the random part, consists of five white balloons placed on stakes, and arranged in such a way that the rider must showcase theirs and the horse's ability to manuever, accelerate, change leads, and/or directions while engaging the targets with the first of two pistols.  the pistols, .45 caliber single action revolvers must be carried in holsters attached to the rider or the saddle.  the second part of the pattern usually consists of five red balloons on stakes, arranged in a straight line, 36 feet apart.  this part of the pattern is designed to challenge the horse and rider to go as fast as possible.

 

cowboy mounted shooting has separate divisions for men and women,  junior divisions, and a wranglers division for children under the age of 11.  wranglers ride the patterns, but do not shoot from horseback.  riders compete in class levels, beginning at level one, and advancing to the next class based on the number of wins.  currently, a few of the most advanced competitors are at level 6.   the matches have awards, prize money and jackpots.

 

 a match consists of 4 patterns, or "stages".   the patterns are drawn from a hat before the match starts.  all of the competitors run the first pattern, then the next pattern is set up.  there is also a separate rifle competition, in which competitors shoot the random pattern with a pistol, and the rundown pattern with a rifle.

 

cowboy mounted shooting is a timed event, like barrel racing.  penalties are assessed for missing a target, knocking over a barrel, or incorrectly running the pattern. penalties are also assessed for dropping a pistol, or falling off your horse.

 

part of the fun of cowboy mounted shooting is dressing up in authentic old west or silver screen era cowboy duds.  many of the ladies dress like saloon girls.  i call it riding in their underwear.

 

the cowboy mounted shooting association has local clubs in just about every state.  there are currently over 5,000 members nationwide.  there are local, regional, and national competitions.   for the first time ever, cowboy mounted shooting competition was held in conjunction with the PBR Nationals in Las Vegas, last October.   the competition was limited to 75 competitors, each of whom paid a $1,000 entry fee.   corporate sponsorships allowed for 100% payback in prize money, so the top winners took home some serious cash!  there was also a celebrity competition for some of the top bullriders, such as adriano moraes, and luke snyder.

 

that is just a brief summary.   for more info, look up  the Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association.

 

cowboy ed  (cmsa member, men's level one competitor, won my FIRST match last saturday!)