Looking to get started in a fun and challenging equestrian events?  Terrific, because we would love to have you join the family!

Follow Colorado Mounted Thunder on Facebook for up-to-date information regarding the local Colorado club shoots.  CMT is an affiliate of Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association, aka CMSA.  CMSA’s website is CMSAEVENTS.COM and is the place to find all the events throughout the country, membership information, the rulebook, and courses. Wait! If you join CMSA through CMT then you are automatically a member of CMT.  CMT membership includes a FREE year end shoot and banquet.

In order to compete in any competition, you must be a member of CMSA.  Not quite ready to compete? Don’t worry you have options!

Start by coming on out to a shoot and visiting with folks. Let your horse stand around, give them a chance to get used to everything.
While you are there learn about the patterns and course management.  There are over 80 patterns that are randomly drawn from for each shoot.

Anyone entering the sport starts as a level one and moves up by accumulating qualified wins. We ALL start out slow and work our way up.
You can also sign up to do “time onlys”. Time onlys are not part of the competition, but rather a place to get a horse started. You can maneuver the course at just a walk, trot, or lope to get your horse used to the balloons and atmosphere. The cost is $5 for non-shooting. You can dry fire a gun during the time only to practice aiming and riding and your horse gets used to the clicking. Check with your event manager on waiver and membership requirements before riding.
Don’t worry about buying the equipment right away, folks will often let you borrow what you need to practice. It is also a good idea to borrow equipment at first so that you can see what you like.
Another option is to ride through a pattern following a shooter who is firing at the balloons to see how your horse does following a calm shooting horse.
When you are ready, there is the option of doing a shooting time only for $10.
SO many people are there to offer guidance assistance and help you on the way, so don't be afraid to talk to competitors.

Of course you could always work with a private trainer.  Here is a list of some in the state that focus on mounted shooting; 
Heath Marshall Horsemanship 719-276-4406
Troy Kerr 719-248-8581
De Chapman 719-651-3119
Jesse Anderson 719-250-1116
Emily Honeyman 720-537-1785
Dale and Katrina Klotz 970-566-1084
Josh Dones 720-323-2534
Matthew Jobe (Missouri – does clinics in CO) – find him on Facebook

There are course management books and training books available:
Elizabeth Clavette - https://www.doubleeperformancehorse.com/
Kenda Lenseigne - https://www.kendalenseigne.com/
Mitchell Kramer on Facebook offers a course management book as well.

There are a few clinics in Colorado each year.  Keep an eye on Facebook and/or contact us for what is happening in the state. If we know, we will share!

Once you become a member the first step you should take is to log into CMSA and research the rulebook.  You will want to read over the rulebook and become familiar with what is expected.  You don't have to memorize it, just become familiar.  It is your first step to success.