Competitive shooting from horseback

[seamusTX]

Some peoples' idea of fun is to dress up like a cowboy or cowgirl and shoot at targets with a single-action revolver while riding a horse.

They use primers with no bullet to shoot at balloons. A good competitor can hit 10 targets in 15 seconds.

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I've always wanted to see this sport. Some people can't ride a horse with one hand. Some can't shoot with one hand. Few can hit a target per second with a single-action revolver even standing with both feet on the ground.

- Jim

[ELB]

Shooting balloons from horseback predated this cowboy mounted version. Years ago, when I was more actively riding in Europe, my riding partner and I came across this. There it was essentially a cavalry-exercise-become-sport. Riders used primer only cartridges AND short spears and/or sabers to pierce balloons, which of course represented enemy soldiers on foot. It wasn't all flat ground stuff either -- jumps were included in the courses, and the balloons would be at the jumps, as if the cavalryman was jumping an manned enemy fortification -- so you had to ride the horse, jump, and shoot/stab/slash all at the same time.

Looked like fun. My buddy and I intended to try it one day, but we were transferred back to CONUS before we got to it.

elb

[CompVest]

I have "speared" 4" and 6" rings while riding a jumping course with a short 3 foot javelin. That was great fun! Never tried shooting from my horse's back. I value my life too much for that.

[jbirds1210]

Never tried shooting from my horse's back. I value my life too much for that.

I value the life of the horse too much for that. One of my infamous trigger slaps and it could be very ugly.

Jason

[seamusTX]

That's one of the many reasons that they use blanks (although blanks are not completely harmless).

- Jim

[quidni]

It would take a good horse, well-trained, that trusted the rider, to do this sport successfully.

As the saying goes, "You can shoot a gun from the back of any horse, once."

[CompVest]

I would get do it twice from my mare. She is always willing to let me try anything with her once. It is the second time I ask and she knows what to expect that I can have issues!