The workshop is for
beginners who have never participated in a mounted shooting event and
will be held on Feb. 10 at Larkyn Memorial Arena in New River.
Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and the workshop starts at 9 a.m. The
workshop will last two to three hours.
“It looks like a
lot of fun,” comments Curt Schulz, an electrician from Cave Creek.
“I’ve been into horses all my life, a hunter and shooter all my life.
When a friend took me to a mounted shooting match and the people were
all so friendly, I knew I wanted to give it a try.”
Schulz signed up
for the free workshop even though he doesn’t own a horse yet. “I have
a horse property already, so now I’m looking for a good horse.” Owning
a horse will be the realization of his lifetime dream. It’s a trend
the organization sees often with new members. The viewing of a
competition prompts adult spectators to finally purchase their first
horses. The social group provides an opportunity to get together with
like‑minded adults who saddle up to a fast‑track course on horse
ownership. A good number are in or nearing their senior years with
resources and time to travel to club events around the country. The
hobby keeps them feeling young.
Prospective mounted
shooters can either bring a horse to ride or audit from the ground
without a horse. The purpose of the workshop is to provide
information, advice and contacts to people of any age or ability who
want to get started in this fun sport that celebrates the Old West.
Attendees without horses will be advised on finding a horse and
training. ACMSA has many members who started with just a cowboy hat
and a desire to learn.
Cave Creek’s own
2005 World Champion, Annie Bianco‑Ellett, and New River’s 2006 Arizona
State Champion, Dan Byrd, will be on hand to offer instruction.
Attendees will not be shooting at this workshop.
Information and a
sign‑up link can be found at www.acmsa.com. Updates and any changes
necessitated by weather can also be found there. Contact Robert Morris
at (480) 563‑9015 or
robert@jmphotoart.com.