Hannah Lee is one of more than 20,000 people involved in mounted shooting in the U.S.
Precision, speed and teamwork: These are just a few of the skills Sumner High School FFA member Hannah Lee has taken into consideration during her rides through the arena. Lee, who’s from Washington, competes in mounted shooting, a unique competition she’s excited to be part of.
“Mounted shooting takes a high level of focus and discipline, which are crucial traits for effective leadership,” said Lee, a second-year competitor who decided to take up the sport after talking with one of her trainers.
For the first few years, Lee competed for recreation. But now, she means business.
Hannah Lee and her horse, Pepper, aim for a balloon target.
What Is Mounted Shooting?
Since 1994, mounted shooting has been a growing sensation across the U.S. The competition consists of riders wearing western-style clothing to imitate what cowboys would have worn.
Depending on their skills and advancements, competitors start in different classes. For example, if you are a first-year rider, you would be in class one. To advance to class two, you would have to beat everybody in class one.
This is just the beginning; the actual competition consists of a rider and their horse navigating through a challenging course, sometimes one that replicates a historical event. It takes a skilled equestrian to unholster and prepare a gun before each shot.
Riders use two .45-caliber single action revolvers, loaded with five rounds, to hit a variety of different target balloons. Scoring is based on time and accuracy.
Hannah Lee and Pepper compete in a balloon target mounted shooting competition.
“It’s a unique competition,” Lee said. “Not a lot of people are familiar with it, which makes it fun!”
Today, more than 20,000 individuals are involved in mounted shooting across the U.S., making it one of the top equestrian sports. Many are joining for fun, and others to enhance their riding and marksmanship skills.
Leadership Beyond the Arena
“Managing a horse while accurately shooting balloons demands quick decision-making and adaptability skills that are needed to be a leader,” Lee said.
Leadership in the arena is an important trait for all riders. Confidence, resilience and adaptability are just some of these important traits riders will gain through their time training for and competing in mounted shooting.
Lee and her horse, Pepper, an Appaloosa and Quarter Horse mix.
Lee and her horse, Pepper, an Appaloosa and Quarter Horse mix, continue to compete across Washington and around the country.
“I see myself continuing past my high school career and as long as I can,” Lee said. “I can’t wait to see where this competition takes me!”
Want to learn more about this unique sport? Visit the Cowboy Mounted Shooter Association website to see how you could be an equestrian sharpshooter.
