The 1st Virginia CMSA is one of dozens of mounted shooting clubs affiliated with the national Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association. CMSA sets the rules for mounted shooting, a sport that marries the skills of barrel racing with the precision of target shooting.

The men, women and children who signed up to participate in the two-day event bowed their heads in prayer. They thanked God for the opportunity to gather at the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington, Va., and for the horses they would be riding in the contest.

Then, the cowboys and cowgirls loaded their six-shooters with blanks and prepared to take aim.

Shoot ‘Em Up

One-by-one they entered the arena, where they would ride through different courses and shoot at balloons. Whoever completed the courses in the least amount of time would win.

 “Connie Gill, you’re up,” the announcer called over the intercom.

Sabrina Lewallen and her son, Trevor, were two of about 40 particpants in the 1st Virginia Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association's first competition, which was held at the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington, Va. Mounted shooters use six-shooters loaded with blanks to blast targets.