Howard5252 Loc: New York / Florida (now)

Nice type of event to get action shots. For those not familiar with this sport ... The riders move through a series of balloons as fast as they can. They must shoot the balloons in a particular order and their ride is timed. Think of Barrel Racing ... with guns! No they're not shooting bullets, it's some sort of wadding. Anyone familiar with this sport is welcome to add more details. One more point, those horses are magnificently trained! They have gunshots going off right along side of their heads and show no reaction. They are wearing some sort of noise protection, but still ...

Moondoggie Loc: Southern California

Terrific action sequence. Thanks for sharing.

Quixdraw Loc: x

Nice! BTW - no bullets, special ammunition that just breaks balloons.

FRENCHY Loc: Stone Mountain , Ga

5 and 7 are my faves, all others are well done showing actions, wondering what type of loads they are using?

Thanks, quickdraw for you answer it before I look for it.

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

Great photos. Thanks for bringing up this sport.

Dennis

NMGal Loc: NE NM

Sounds like Fun.

Guyserman Loc: Benton, AR

Great set of action shots.

joecichjr Loc: Chicago S. Suburbs, Illinois, USA

Wonderful action shots ☀️🎖️☀️

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

Essentially just blanks. There's enough force from the report at close range (20 feet or less), plus the unburnt gunpowder will burst balloons. It's a special type of blank, I think originally created for the movie industry. There's always some smoke and unburnt powder spewed from the gun. You can see it in some of the photos.

There are usually ten targets and each rider carries two pistols. While they use six-shooter, single-action revolvers, only five chambers are loaded. Traditionally, one chamber was left unloaded as a"safe" way to carry a holstered revolver. So you only get one shot per target. Notice that most of the riders in the photos are carrying their guns in two holsters on a belt across their chest. Your ride is timed. Missed targets mean time added to the score.

There's also "cowboy action shooting", which is done on foot, uses live ammunition and involves both revolvers and lever action rifles being fired at various targets on a range.

Originally with both cowboy mounted and cowboy action shooting (also western mounted and western action) there were extensive costume requirements with an emphasis on authenticity. But those have been relaxed quite a bit by the organizers to allow for wider participation. You still need an appropriate hat, long sleeve shirt and some orgs require chaps to be worn, though possibly only in more advanced classes and at larger events.

Nice shots by the original poster! It's a photogenic sport, but requires the photographer and his or her gear to be very quick. Timing is everything (getting rider and horse in a nice pose, as well as the target and gun in the image).. And a moderately long telephoto comes in handy!

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

Great set. Beautiful horses in some very nice action pics.

Blues Dude

I've been involved in Cowboy Action Shooting for over 20 years now. It's great fun for the entire family; check here for more details: https://www.sassnet.com/
The western clothing requirements have been relaxed, but a complete rig is two single-action revolvers, lever action rifle and shotgun (double barrel or pump).
The Single-Action Shooting Society is the main organization, and the local clubs welcome newcomers. Many shooters will also let you try shooting their guns down range.

Quixdraw Loc: x

Don't forget Cowboy Fast Draw. Also done with Single Action Revolvers and wax bullets propelled either by a shotgun primer fitted to a special cartridge case, or a standard primed case with pinch of black powder sustitute.
https://www.cowboyfastdraw.com/index.php/rules

FRENCHY Loc: Stone Mountain , Ga

Thank you amfoto, after reading your answer I went and look for actors that were killed on the set and one came to mind it was Jon-Erik Hexum who was kill by a blank, still enough force to to do it if close enough.

tramsey Loc: Texas

I have a good friend just four houses away that belongs to this organization. He has a brace of chrome plated, pearl handled peace makers. His holster is across the front of his leg. He can draw, shoot the target and holster and it's all a blur. I tried talking him into letting me take some pictures of him or just the draw and he laughed, shook his head and walked away. Those revolvers are really good looking weapons and are well taken care of. Fun Sport

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

I don't have time to look him up but as I recall he is the actor who put a 44 Magnum loaded with blanks up to his head and pulled the trigger. Nobody will have any idea what the hell went through his mind but of course it was nothing after the burned powder and wadding for blanks went into his brain at, I am guessing maybe 1600 fps or more. Not very smart.

Dennis