Match Director

How is mounted shooting scored?

In mounted shooting, you ride a timed pattern while shooting at balloon targets. Your score is based on your time plus any penalty seconds added for missed balloons (typically 5 seconds per miss). The lowest total time wins.

What are the penalties?

Cowboy Mounted Shooting is a competitive equestrian sport involving the riding of a horse to negotiate a course of balloon targets while shooting them with two .45 caliber single action revolvers loaded with specially prepared blank ammunition certified by CMSA.

CMSA sanctioned matches range from local club events to regional championships and the annual CMSA World Championship. Events typically include multiple stages (courses) that competitors ride over the course of the event.

Competitors must be current CMSA members to participate in sanctioned events. Registration for events is handled through the CMSA website. Check the Events page for upcoming competitions and registration deadlines.

On match day, competitors should arrive early for check-in, equipment inspection, and to walk the course. Safety briefings are held before competition begins. Each competitor will ride the designated stages throughout the day.