We first decide which of the 58 courses we want to practice.  The course is set with  balloons set on four foot poles.  The object is to break the balloon by firing black powder blanks from our 45 Cal. single action revolvers. 

Not only do our horses have to be desensitized to gun fire but to balloons as well.  Here Smokey is not sure of the balloon shadows he sees on the ground.

Patience with your horse as he tries new things is important. Even though Smokey has been a shooting horse for three years, he still needs to be introduced to similar things found in a new environment.

One of nice things about the Cross Brand Church arena is our freedom to take our time discussing the best way to run a stage. 

Another advantage is to be able to work on individual problems.  Two Bits has been competing for a number of years and he wants to get out there and get the job done.  He is often a hand full when he first enters the arena. Here Karie is working on getting Two Bits to relax by riding small circles at the starting end of the arena. 

Another advantage is being able to dry run the course.  Concentrating on the most efficient way to run it without having to worry about shooting.

Once we think we understand the best way to ride the stage, we get out our guns and give it a try at full speed.  I say "think" because, even though we have given the course a dry run or two, sometimes our horses have a different plan in mind.  That is not all bad as it teaches us to be flexible and switch quickly to plan "B".

You may be asking what type of horse is used in this fast growing sport.  Karie and I both ride American Quarter horses; however many breeds are represented in the sport and server very well.

I place ear plugs in Smokey's ears. It may be hard to see them in this photo.  Some horses will tolerate them and others won't. 

You are welcome to come to our practices.  We would encourage you to bring your horse, set balloons with him, run the practice stages and maybe even give mounted shooting a try.

The more we expose our horses to, the better and safer they become.

For more information on Cowboy Mounted shooting visit the Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association web site by clicking here.

There are three clubs you may be interested in visiting.  CMSA of Arkansas, Missoura Six Shooters, and the Missouri, Arkansas and Oklahoma Gunslingers.