Mounted shooting, a thrilling combination of horsemanship and marksmanship, has been captivating audiences and participants alike for decades. At the forefront of this exhilarating sport is the Arizona Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association (ACMSA), dedicated to fostering a safe, family-friendly environment for competitors of all ages and skill levels. In this interview, we delve into the heart of mounted shooting with ACMSA, exploring its mission, the training required for both horse and rider, the firearms used, the competition format, and the future of the sport.
Q: Can you dive a little bit deeper into the mission of ACMSA?
A: Our mission is to grow the sport. ACMSA continuously works to implement new ideas to improve the sport and provide a safe, family-friendly, fun environment for everyone in attendance. We welcome new shooters and are always available to answer any questions they may have.
Arizona Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association (ACMSA) was founded in 1997 by members for members. ACMSA produces shooting matches where the competitor’s experience is a top priority. ACMSA is a not-for-profit club. All profits are used for the operation of the club, equipment, year-end awards, and generous payouts and awards throughout the year.
Our club operates through the efforts of volunteers. The success of the club is a direct result of the contributions of these individuals.
Q: What is something people might know about mounted shooting?
A: People may have seen Mounted Shooting during a halftime show at a rodeo or demos at various events such as the Game and Fish EXPO or other events.
Q: What kind of training is required for both the horse and the rider in mounted shooting?
A: Mounted Shooting can humble the best of riders. Running a course looking straight ahead, with proper body language, seat, and hands can be challenging enough at high speeds. In mounted shooting, you can be turning left but reaching back to the right to shoot a target, sending body language to your trusty steed that may not be conducive to making that left turn. You have one hand on the reins and a gun in the other hand. There is no grabbing the horn to turn a barrel.
Riders have to learn to ride differently than in other equine disciplines. A solid, broke equine partner is the best tool in the box. Breaking your horse to gunfire would be the most challenging for most, I would say. Second to that, learning your own body position during a run, gun change, and gun handling.
A good shooting horse will know how to carry itself correctly in turns, rate, neck rein, and be broke to gunfire. A ‘good’ mounted shooter (rider) will learn to trust their ‘partner’ and know their pony will do their job. This allows the shooter to focus on their form, the targets, and gun change.
Q: If someone wanted to get started in mounted shooting, how would you recommend they do that?
A: Although a person can make their own horse, go out and shoot, after my own personal experience, I would encourage anyone who can, to seek out a trainer. They can help find a suitable shooting horse. They can attend lessons and typically try out a number of different brands of equipment. There is a big difference between holsters and guns. It is not a ‘one size fits all’. Although it may cost a few bucks to hire a trainer, at the end of the day it is more economical and less frustrating than learning by trial by fire. When factoring in entry fees, buying equipment and later replacing that equipment because it isn’t working out well, horse training (gun breaking) gone wrong, and trying to fix it later, it is money well spent.
Q: What type of firearms and ammunition are commonly used in mounted shooting?
A: Replica Colt .045 single-action pistols are used in Mounted Shooting. The brands, barrel lengths, and grips vary, depending on the shooter’s personal preference. We use .045 caliber black powder blanks.
Single-action pistols require the shooter to pull the hammer, then the trigger, for each shot.
Rugers Montados are the most sought-after and in my opinion, best-mounted shooting guns. They were designed by mounted shooters and have many desirable features that the other brands do not have.
Cimarron, Uberti, and Taylor Running Irons are also common brands used in mounted shooting. There are several models available from each of these companies that are great options.
Most mounted shooters have ‘action jobs’ added to their guns by professional gunsmiths. Action jobs add smoother action, lighter hammer, and trigger pull. Some shooters like a bird’s head grip and others like traditional.
Mounted Shooting also has a rifle and shotgun class. Shotguns must be side-by-side coach-style. Rifles can be lever action, pump, or revolving.
Q: How do mounted shooting competitions typically work?
A: Mounted Shooting matches can be one-day shoots, or a multiple-day shoot. Matches include a minimum of three ‘stages’ for a one-day match and can have up to 5 – 6 stages for a multi-day 2 or 3-day match.
Some matches have a 4D format, similar to barrel racing. Most matches have classes and competitors compete with those in their class.
There are 6 levels, 1 – 6, 6 being the highest/fastest riders. There are over 50 levels known as senior classes and the ‘open’ classes for those under 50 or anyone over 50 choosing to compete in the ‘open’ class.
Shooters move up based on wins. Depending on a shooter’s level, there are a minimum number of competitors in a class to count as a qualified win. Shooters need a set number of qualified wins for their class level in order to move up.
A stage is a pattern, similar to a gymkhana pattern. It is a course of fire, consisting of 10 balloon targets. Shooters will engage the course by crossing the timer line, shooting 5 balloons of one color, holstering their first gun and drawing their second gun, and shooting the second 5 targets.
Mounted Shooting is a timed event. Missed balloons, failure to round the barrels or complete the course correctly (and other rule violations), and knocked down barrels = penalties. 5 seconds for knocked-over barrels or missed targets, 10 – 60 second penalties for other procedurals. The fastest combined times for all stages in a competition wins the class. In 4D matches, fast overall time wins the 1D, 2D-4D payouts are awarded based on where their times fall.
Matches that are based on ‘class’ offer a competitive chance to those who may not have the ‘fastest horse’. Being ‘clean’ (no misses or penalties), in an overall combined time format, offers the opportunity, to those who are consistent and have a competitive equine partner, to win their class vs a ‘horse race’. In mounted shooting, our motto is “Clean IS Green!” ($$)
Q: How do you see the future of mounted shooting evolving?
A: Our goal for mounted shooting is to be recognized and added to PRCA Rodeo competitions, and high school rodeos.
When Mounted Shooting began back in 1994, an average match would have 20 riders OR less. Over the past 10 years, numbers have grown. It is not uncommon to have over 100 riders at a local match and 200 – 350 riders at Regional, State, and National Championships.
Mounted Shooting is fun to watch, and many clubs are invited to ‘perform’ during halftime shows or during the event itself in other arenas. ACMSA has partnered with the Flagstaff Rodeo, Roots n Boots rodeo, and Parada Del Sol Rodeo, as halftime and other entertainment.
As a fan favorite, I see mounted shooting being included as an ‘event’ in pro-rodeo.
Closing Thoughts
Mounted Shooting is a sport that the entire family can complete together. We have ‘wrangler’ classes for the little tykes, under 12, who do not shoot yet, senior classes, and many levels to suit all riders. Parents, kids, and grandparents can all enjoy this sport, in a class that suits their ability.
I would encourage anyone interested in Mounted Shooting to come out to a match. The Mounted Shooting community has one of the most friendly and open bunch of competitors. Everyone is happy to share tips, lend equipment, and connect you with a trainer you name it.
A list of ACMSA events can be found at acmsa.com. You can also find a list of nationwide events at cmsaevents.com. Click on the events tab and select the state from the dropdown.
It’s clear that mounted shooting is more than just a sport—it’s a community, a passion, and a way of life. Thanks to the dedication of organizations like ACMSA, mounted shooting continues to thrive, attracting new riders and spectators alike. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or a curious spectator, there’s no better time to saddle up and experience the thrill of mounted shooting for yourself.
