Cowboy
MOUNTED SHOOTING by Jade Kensington | photos courtesy of Lindsay Guier
A
nyone who has ever shot a gun before could tell you that it takes a combination of form, concentration, and technique to hit one’s target. Now imagine taking those skills and transferring them from ground to horseback! 14-year-old Reese Guier has competed in the fast-action, competitive sport of Cowboy Mounted Shooting since she was 11.
and reverse their horse at the direction of a judge. Horses are judged based
on their quality of movement following the commands while staying calm and traveling on a loose rein. “Three years
Cowboy Mounted Shooting is a growing
must holster the first gun and unholster
ago, she took an interest in barrel
for many years. According to the
added on for missed targets, and the
Reese’s trainer allowed her and other
equestrian sport that has been around American Quarter Horse Association,
it is a timed event that uses a set of 10 balloons attached to strands. They are
set in one of over 50 approved patterns. These patterns can include advanced maneuvers such as turning around a
barrel or switching direction and riding
the second while on the run. Time is
contestant who completes the course with the fastest time is declared the winner.
competitors must be at least 11
Lindsay. Western Pleasure is where
20 | ARGYLE LIVING | APRIL 2021
in the Wrangler Open class, where
was 6 years old.
Reese started riding when she
each carrying five rounds of blanks. The shot, and upon firing five shots, they
Reese took to it immediately. She started competitors ride through the pattern
“She started in Western Pleasure, which
rider must cock the gun before each
trainees to practice shooting, where
Reese’s mother, Lindsay Guier, said
through a narrow opening. A rider uses two .45-caliber, single-action revolvers,
racing, which she does some.”
with guns pointing, not shooting, as years old to begin shooting.
wasn’t fast enough for her,” states
“By the time she was 11 and ready to
contestants travel the perimeter of the
Open World Championship. In
arena while asked to walk, jog, lope,
start shooting, she won the Wrangler
November of 2018, Reese started as a www.LiveLocalMagazines.com
