GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Nearly 200 riders in old-style western regalia and a pair of six-shooter holsters competing for the title of Cowboy Mounted Shooting State Champion in the Cattleman’s Arena on Friday, Dec. 30, starting at 8 a.m.

The competition will proceed with the 4th Annual Warmer Winter Pastures, New Year’s Double Shoot-out, starting on Saturday, Dec. 31. The competition will end on New Year’s Day.

Mounted contestants compete in this fast-action timed event using two .45 caliber single-action revolvers, each loaded with five rounds of specially prepared blank ammunition.

“Live rounds are strictly prohibited at competitions,” said Florida Peacemakers CMS Club President Nelson Riollano.

“The guns have been remodeled and modernized for safety reasons. The bullet, I will call it a bullet, is really just a shell casing stuffed with black powder. The blast of black powder extends about 15-18 feet,” he said.

The closest target to the perimeter of the fence cannot be closer than 21 feet, so spectators don’t have to worry about flying bullets.

“It’s based on historical reenactments at Wild West shows in the late 19th Century,” Riollano said. Although firearms have been modified for safety reasons, the models used must be before 1888.

Contestants must complete a course marked by orange traffic cones. On top of each cone is a balloon. The objective is to shoot ten balloon targets while riding through various challenging courses. It’s a timed sport. The competitor who rides the fastest with the least amount of missed targets wins.

“There are about 80 patterns; some take longer to maneuver, so even the fastest competitors are running it any 18 or 20 seconds,” said Riollano.

Unlike most equestrian sports, Cowboy Mounted Shooting combines both horsemanship and marksmanship.

“You have to be able to stay on the horse. That is a sport in itself. Then you add the marksmanship,” Riollano said. “You can have a really fast horse, but if you can’t keep up with the shots, it doesn’t do you any good.”

If a contestant misses a balloon, five seconds are added to the total time.

“When you’re talking about the upper levels, one-half a stride, one-quarter of a stride between you and your competitor means the difference between a win. You have people that are within three-tenths of a second of one another. That’s how close it can be,” Riollano said. “Fast and clean gets you to the top of the leaderboard. That’s the best you can do.”

The championship will be divided into three events throughout the weekend. “Friday is the Florida State Championship. We will run a calvary event, a shotgun event, a rifle event, and the main match where everyone shoots pistols across all levels – men’s, women’s, even the wranglers (for ages 11 and younger),” Riollano said. “Saturday is an all-day competition. It goes from 8:30 a.m., and we try to wrap up around 8 p.m. Sunday begins at 9 a.m.”

Competitors are broken up into six skill levels. Competitors advance by winning a specific number of competitions at each level, beginners being level one and the most experienced being level six. “We have Women’s 1-6 and Men’s 1-6, but anyone over 50 can qualify for seniors 1-6,” said Riollano. “Every level just gets a little bit faster and faster, so it really is thrilling to watch the progression. It builds up the excitement.”

There will be a winner in each of those categories. Champions then advance to the main event for cash prizes.

“There will be food trucks, vendors and a gunsmith on the property, as well,” Riollano said. You don’t need to be a horse enthusiast to get caught up in the lure and attraction of the sport of Cowboy Mounted Shooting. The Florida Peacemakers encourage guests and spectators to attend. “The announcers are really good about explaining the event, so if you know nothing about the sport, they usually try to do some coaching between the runs.”

Parking and admission at the Clay County Fairgrounds are free for this family-friendly old-west exhibition. The fairground is located at 2497 State Road 16.

“It’s open to the public. Parking is right in front of the main arena. People are super welcoming, so if you have any questions, just ask. People are happy to tell you what’s going on,” Riollano said.

For more information about Florida Peacemaker’s Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association, visit www.flpeacemakers.com.