The Stagecoach Outriders, a cowboy mounted shooting club in Western New York, will participate in the New York State Championship Balloon Harvest 2012 on Saturday and Sunday at the Warren County Fairgrounds in Pittsfield, Pa.
The Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association is the fastest growing equestrian sport in the nation. Mounted contestants compete in a timed event using two .45 caliber single-action revolvers each loaded with five rounds of specially prepared blank ammunition. Cowboy mounted shooting is a combination of reining, barrel racing, horsemanship and marksmanship. Contestants carry two loaded revolvers, and execute one of more than 50 possible patterns. Each pattern consists of 10 balloons in which contestants shoot five balloons of one color, holster their first gun, run to the end of the arena draw their second revolver and shoot the remaining five balloons.
The Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association has a variety of levels of competition ranging from novice levels to the seasoned professional. The New York Stagecoach Outriders Club was formed in January 2010 and has 30 members ranging from 6 to 75 years old. In cowboy mounted shooting, there are three divisions: men's, women's and seniors' with levels one through five in each division. Riders start out in level one and move up by accruing points in CMSA shooting events. CMSA events are coordinated through the United States.
Article Photos
Karen Ohl, a member of the Stagecoach Outriders, is pictured at a competition in Ohio.
Spectators are welcome to attend, with Old West vendors available and opportunities to meet the competitors.
Competition will start at 10 a.m. both days. Cash and quality non-cash prizes will be given in four classes, 21 divisions, as well as for overall standings. There will be random prizes for competitors and giveaways available.
Food and souvenirs will also be available for purchase. Admission to the event is free.