Cowboy Mounted Shooting Competition
The following are interesting facts from the Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association (CMSA)
CMSA is the recognized association for the equestrian sport of Cowboy Mounted Shooting that provides the official rules and guidelines of the sport.
Cowboy Mounted Shooting® is a multi-faceted timed equestrian sporting event in which mounted competitors compete using two single action revolvers, loaded with blank ammunition specifically manufactured to CMSA standards to shoot 10 reactionary targets while negotiating a specified course of fire on horseback.
A Range Master is a key element to a well-run mounted shooting event. The Range Master’s responsibilities include maintaining a safe environment for both shooters and spectators, assessing any penalties incurred when a shooter engages the course of fire, and keeping the match moving in a timely fashion. It should be every Range Master’s goal to finish the match with as few procedurals as possible, accomplished by prevention, rather than overlooking penalties.
Before the first competitor starts, the Range Master should look over the selected courses with the Match Director, insuring there are no safety hazards for shooters or spectators. The barrels are to be a minimum of 25 ft from the side of the arena and 25 ft from the end. Targets shall be 30 ft from the arena rail.
Competitors should remain in CMSA Required Dress at all match events; dinners, award ceremonies, dances, etc. It is also recommended that invited guests and family wear western clothing. Members who elect not to wear CMSA competition dress at awards ceremonies will not be photographed and their image will not be posted online or in print.
Penalties shall be restricted to the following: 1) Missed target: 5 seconds 2) Knocked over barrel: 5 seconds 3) Failure to follow course of fire: 10 seconds 4) Dropped gun: 5 seconds 5) Failure to holster first gun: 5 seconds 6) Non Qualified run: 60 seconds 7) Gun twirling: 5 seconds 8) Loss of hat prior to engaging the course of fire: 10 seconds.
