We are so excited that you are interested in the sport of Cowboy Mounted Shooting! Below we have listed several frequently asked questions. If after reading though this information you still have questions, please feel free to contact us.
What will I learn at a new shooter clinic?
Topics covered include: Rules and regulations, penalties, dress code, who and what a Range Master is/does, equipment, gun safety, gun requirements, ammunition, gun loading, & gun safety. We will cover how to navigate a course of fire and basic course management. You will learn about desensitizing your horse to balloons and gunfire, and have the opportunity to expose both you and your horse to gunfire in a controlled environment. We will also give you several drills that you can work on at home.
What should I bring to the clinic? Do I need guns and holsters?
There will be several guns and holsters for you to use at the clinic. Just bring yourself, your tack, and your horse. We do not recommend purchasing your six shooters and holsters just yet. There are many different models of guns and styles of holsters. It’s a good idea to look at and try several different guns and holsters so that you can find what works best for you.
How should I prepare my horse?
Your horse must be able to neck rein, stop, and rate. It’s also best to have a solid foundation on your horse as Mounted Shooting will have lots of new elements for your horse to learn. Furthermore, it’s a good idea to desensitize your horse to balloons and get them used to wearing earplugs. Start with the earplugs in for short periods at first, and then gradually increase the time. If you would like to make your own ear plugs, check out this linkfor one way to make your own. You can also purchase them from several retailers: Rocking' Bar B Ear Puffs are great and are what our horses like the best. Some horses prefer the foam type sold by NRS Searching Google will also bring up other companies that sell ear plugs for horses. While being able to shoot off your horse is the goal, please keep in mind that this may not happen in a one-day clinic. Every horse is different. Some take to gunfire in 30 minutes others take several months. With that in mind, you will walk away from a new shooter clinic with the tools you need to continue training your horse at home.
