Have you ever dreamed of riding the trails with Hopalong Cassidy, Roy Rogers, The Duke, the Cartwrights, Wild Bill Hickok, Buffalo Bill Cody, Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, even Billy the Kid, Jesse James or Red Ryder? Have you ever dreamed of shooting the bad guys, while saving the damsel in distress, stopping a stagecoach holdup or riding in from a dusty cattle drive?

Well, now you can make that dream happen!

Cowboy Mounted Shooting is a re-enactment of the Old West of the 1880s, an exciting equestrian sport in which competitors race against the clock through a gymkhana-type course while wearing two single-action .45 caliber revolvers and firing at balloon targets. This sport requires the ability to control the horse through many turns and speed changes while cocking and firing the revolvers, holstering one when it's empty, and then drawing the other to complete the course of fire.

Revolvers are similar in design to the legendary 1873 Colt Peacemaker. They fire black powder blanks, capable of popping balloons on poles at a range of 10 to 15 feet. There is no bullet, and no live ammu­nition is allowed in the guns or gun belts. Safety is of the utmost importance. Each competitor carries two pistols on his or her gun belt or in a pommel holster mounted on the saddle. Some use one of each. Twirling or spinning of guns is not allowed.

Horses of any breed may be used, but their temperament is very important. The initial challenge is to acclimate your equestrian partner to the sounds of gunfire and balloons on poles blowing in the wind. Two methods are commonly used to accomplish this. The first is to gradually expose the horse to loud noises with cap guns or by slapping two boards together. Then, move up to a starter pistol with .22 caliber blanks. After you are sure the horse will accept these noises, you can move up to .45 caliber blanks. Some riders use neoprene or cotton ear plugs made expressly for horses. The second method is to use the horse's herd instinct, and place it in an area with calm, mounted shooting horses. When your horse realizes the gunfire is not bothering the other horses, it usually remains calm with them. A horse that neck reins is advantageous, because you will have a revolver in one hand and need to control your horse with the reins and leg cues. Horses that excel in barrel racing, gymkhana, team penning, and roping tend to do well in this sport.

Competitors usually create an alias or persona to fit an old western character, such as Billy the Kid, Wild Bill Hickok, Hopalong Cassidy, The Duke, a Union or Rebel soldier, and others.