Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association "CMSA" - The Fastest Growing Equine Sport In The Nation
News
AQHA QuarterFest – Huge Success
The drought busting downpour that fell the entire weekend, while welcomed by local farmers and ranchers, couldn’t dampen the spirits of those who attended this exciting new AQHA educational and entertainment format. Th ere were clinics and seminars hosted on many subjects ranging from a trail course setup, equestrian land use, trail building and maintenance, beginning ranch roping, colt starting, natural riding, horse camping, working cattle, horse health education, a kids korral for youngsters (many of which rode an American Quarter Horse for the fi rst time!), and of course MOUNTED SHOOTING! Leading the clinics and seminars were many of the nation’s top equine clinicians were on hand including; Bob Avila, Julie Goodnight, Jeff Griffi th, Christy Landwehr, Curt Pate & Tammy Pate, Bo Winslow and CMSA’s own Annie Bianco-Ellett.
Due to the hard and steady rain, schedules were changed often, but the very professional production staff of the AQHA handled it smoothly, and the old show biz phrase, “the show must go on” was setting the tone from setup day to the closing ceremonies.
CMSA members from across the state of Tennessee, represented all levels of experience and class levels. Th ese riders put on demonstrations that brought the crowd to their feet. A special thanks goes out to the following people for donating their time and expense of travel to promote the CMSA and the sport of Cowboy Mounted Shooting; Nan Kimbro, Andy Carrier, Brittany Henson, Glenda Wilson, Whitney Vickers, Shifarrah Carr, Bobby Ruwe, Derrick & Kristi Hutchings. Showcasing the sport by showing all levels of competition from brand new class 1 competitors through seasoned class 6 mounted shooters, showed the crowds that mounted shooting is a sport with a wide umbrella, that allows all ages and skill levels to participate. As with any event or demonstration, those working in the background are a huge part of the events success and this event was no different. A special thanks goes out to TnCMSA for providing the grounds crew and equipment, and a tip of the hat goes to Bobbie and Barb Ruwe, for assisting with the production of this important AQHA event. Annie Bianco-Ellett was the lead clinician for the event and did a superb job of showing potential new mounted shooters the basics to get started correctly. Annie’s clinics included tips on gun safety and starting a horse, then progressing to proper techniques for actually shooting courses. Two of the notable new members to participate were Bobby Brooks, former PRCA rough stock rider and owner of "Blue Jeans" the grey AQHA gelding featured in the Disney movie “Hannah Montana” and Meagan Ridley, Miss Rodeo USA!
Neither Bobby nor Meagan had ever been exposed to cowboy mounted shooting, and both did a wonderful job. They showed the crowds that with proper instruction, mounted shooting is a sport all ages and skill levels can enjoy. In the final demonstration Meagan ran the double rundown CLEAN at a pretty good gallop--after only a few hours of instruction. Bobby is looking forward to his first CMSA competition!
