BIG BEAVER — The Saskatchewan Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association held an outlaw-style competition from June 6-8 in Big Beaver arena.
This sport is family-oriented and multi-generational. Club president Lucas Thiessen, secretary Katherine Guskjolen, other club members and many volunteers organized the weekend competition.
All ages, from the very young to the well-seasoned, enjoy and participate in riding and shooting, which requires training of riders and horses.
Guskjolen commented that it’s a sport you, your kids and parents can enjoy and compete together in. She had been competing for a while when her son decided it looked like a great sport to get into and started training, with the result that he took part in the wrangler section this year. ‘
Guskjolen explained that there is a strict dress code. Missing any part of the outfit costs the competitor points. She shared that everyone is so excited to see each other succeed that if one notices another is missing some part of the uniform, they will point it out before the other enters the arena and either go get the piece or lend their own.
Thiessen explained the many stages of training both the rider and the mount. He introduced his wife and daughter, who, along with him, have been taking part in the circuit for up to 10 years. Remi, their three-year-old, had her debut this year on a full-sized horse with a small saddle designed for her size, complete with miniature chaps that were gifted to her.
Thiessen, who hails from Humboldt, said that while this sporting event takes place to some degree in Ontario and also the Maritimes, it is mostly found in the western provinces. To fire the pistol in the mounted shoot, each competitor must first pass the restricted Possession and Acquisition Licence course. Since that education is only for ages 18 and up, the younger shooters can only point the handgun, but can fire rifles and shotguns.
The Big Beaver Recreation Board ladies ran the Bob’s Your Uncle Food Truck all weekend, as well as cooking and serving supper Saturday night in the Big Beaver Community Hall. As it turned out, the Engelheim Tour Bus came through the area and stopped so the tourists could watch.
Five stages of competition took place over the weekend with three on Saturday and two on Sunday, wrapping up by about noon. The 45 Colt pistols are modelled after the original style used in the 1800s. First, second and third place winners received cash, toques and a gift certificate from Cow Town. Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba brought contenders, which started Friday evening with the full costumed dramatization of the story of Sam Kelly and his outlaws, featuring Cst. Maderom from Coronach dressed in full NWMP uniform.
The mounted shoot relies on sponsorship that makes it possible to pay 50 per cent back to competitors. At one time, 40-60 registrants filled the arenas, whereas now the numbers range from about 20-30.
