Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association® is the Fastest Growing Equestrian Sport in the Nation. Mounted contestants compete in this fast action timed event using two .45 caliber single action revolvers each loaded with five rounds of specially prepared blank ammunition. The Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association “C.M.S.A.” has a variety of levels of competition for everyone, ranging from novice levels to the seasoned professional. CMSA REQUIREMENTS

Are there clothing requirements?

• Yes. It is required that you dress western. You may either dress in traditional western style or you can dress in the old time style of the late 1800’s.
• Traditional style includes a long sleeve western shirt, 5 pocket blue jeans covered by chinks or chaps, western boots, and a cowboy hat.
• If you prefer ‘rolling back the clock ‘ to the late 1800’s try to look as authentic to the period as possible, by wearing shirts without collars, and high-waisted pants with buttons, not zippers, and an old style cowboy hat, for example. Visit CMSA’s Official Clothier Website

Are there horse requirements like breed, or registration?

• No. You can use any horse or mule that you want. Some horses take to this sport easily, others do not. It is up to your horse’s temperament and your desire to train him or her to get used to shooting, turning, and going fast. Some riders will use earplugs for themselves and their horses.

CMSA GUNS & BLANKS

What type of guns are used?

• Mounted Shooters use .45 caliber single action revolvers like those used in the late 1800’s. Single action revolvers must be cocked each time before firing by drawing the hammer back. A double action revolver can be fired by simply pulling the trigger, without cocking the hammer. Despite the use of double action revolvers in the Old West, the CMSA limits our competitions to single action revolvers.

What about gun leather?

• Riders can buy ‘off-the-shelf replicas’ of the old time gun belts and holsters. Or, you can have custom-made gun belts and holsters to suit your wishes. There are several custom ‘makers’ that you can find in ‘old west’ magazines.

Do you use live ammunition (lead bullets) or bird shot?

• No. The cartridges fired are called .45 caliber Long Colts. The brass cartridge is loaded with black powder (like that used in the 1800’s). This load will break a balloon up to about 15 feet. Live rounds are strictly prohibited at competitions. At each event we have a person to load the rider’s guns as he or she enters the arena, and a person to unload the guns after the rider is finished. Riders do not carry loaded guns outside of the arena or when not competing.

For more information – please visit the CMSA website