Group to host fast action competition

What do horses, guns and barrel racing have in common?

Everything. And it will all be on display this summer at the Great Alaskan Shoot-Out Series, held in Delta Junction.

The Shoot-Out Series is a cowboy mounted shooting event that is hosted by the DJ Saddle Tramps 4-H and sure to excite both rider and spectator.

Cowboy mounted shooting is a fast-action, all-around equestrian sport in which mounted contestants are timed as they ride through a variety of patterns, each one consisting of 10 balloon targets. Competitors use two .45-caliber single-action revolvers, each loaded with five rounds of specially prepared blank ammunition, which is provided at the event. Only fixed sight, single action revolvers of .45 Colt caliber, designed prior to 1898, or reproductions thereof, are allowed in the competitions.

Some examples of the vintage revolvers are the Colt Single Action Army and Bisley models, the Smith & Wesson Schofield, the Russian and Remington 1875 and 1890 models and the Ruger Vaqueros.

Adding to the excitement, competitors dress in traditional turn of the century western clothing and use horse tack and gear in the style of the old-time cowboy. Period clothing and tack are not required, but strongly encouraged. Riders of all ages are welcome to compete in the Great Alaskan Shoot-Out Series. The competition is broken down into four age classes: adult (18-55), senior (55+), junior (13-17) and wrangler (children 12 and under).

All classes, except the Wrangler, fire live ammunition. Wrangler riders compete with squirt guns. Prizes are awarded in each class, with best of class winners, top cowgirl/cowboy awards and a jackpot run capping the event. The Great Alaskan Shoot-Out is open to all breeds of horses and mules, registered and unregistered. Riders are expected to compete with mounts that are healthy and in good physical condition. Horses must be introduced and conditioned to the sound of gunfire prior to competing in a match. New riders will be required to demonstrate that they can safely control their mount while completing of a trial course of fire before they are allowed to compete in the event. New rider qualifying will take place on the morning of each schedule competition.

Getting a horse prepared for mounted shooting is easy. Riders gradually introduce the sound of gunfire to the horse by shooting while standing on the ground away from the horse. As the horse becomes adjusted to the sound, the rider shoots closer and closer to the horse until shots can be taken from the saddle. Riders typically begin training their horse weeks or months before the competition season begins. Information on prepping a horse and rider can be found at the following web addresses. www.cowboymountedshooting.com/horses_under_fire.htm, www.mountedshootersofamerica.com

and www.californiadesperados.com.

The Great Alaskan Shoot-Out Series is scheduled for June 14, July 19, and August 16 in Delta Junction. The event is sponsored by the DJ Saddletramps 4-H Club. The cost to register is $35 for the day and includes ammunition. Contact any of the names listed below if you require the use of guns.

Wrangler class registration is only $10.

Don't miss Alaska's most exciting new sport.

For registration forms please contact any of the following; Kari Thomas at 895-1117, Courtney Durham at 895-2075, Louis Stockwell at 895-4984 or Russ & Linda Bowdre at 895-4328.