CMSA Shines Bright at AQHA Worlds

[Western Shooting Horse]

Cowboy Mounted Shooting was spotlighted and given an enthusiastic reception during the 2009 AQHA World Show in Oklahoma City when the CMSA presented its first mounted shooting exhibition and competition.

Part of the featured Saturday night competition program in the Jim Norrick Arena at the Oklahoma State Fair Complex, ten shooters vied for the bronze trophies in front of an audience of cheering spectators.

An historic milestone in the history of the CMSA, the exhibition marked the first time Cowboy Mounted Shooting was included in the 34-year history of the AQHA World show.

“It was a great experience for all of us,” says CMSA president Dan Plaster. “It put mounted shooting another step ahead and presented us to the whole world this evening.”

“It’s a privilege for us to be here at the AQHA World,” commented CMSA Chairman Jim Rodgers. “I was happy to see Laura, one of our newer shooters and Bobby Ruwe, one of our older shooters do so well.”

CMSA vice president Brady Carr said, “It’s one of the biggest things that has happened to the CMSA. The spectators loved it. The contestants loved it and it’s one step closer to actually being a qualifying AQHA World.”

Taking the top spot in the men’s division was men’s level six competitor Bobby Ruwe who’s AQHA World win brought added significance. “I came from an AQHA background, a barrel racer and pole bender all my life,” says Bobby. “My son won the AQHA Youth World and my daughter stood up in the nation for years and now I’m finally bringing home an AQHA World trophy.”

Level four competitor, Laura Parmentier took top honors in the ladies division.

Competing in the historic event in the men’s division was Zane Chunn, Don Day, Bobby Ruwe, Stu Townlian and Stephen Wilson. For the ladies it was Shifarrah Carr, Jessie Kuka, Kenda Lenseigne, Lynn Merrick, and Laura Parmentier.

CMSA competitor and spokesperson, Annie Bianco-Ellett also took part in a pole bending mounted shooting demonstration on her AQHA stallion El Costa Prom.

The AQHA and the CMSA joined forces in 2008 to promote mounted shooting and the usefulness of the American Quarter Horse in shooting competitions. Through the partnership, AQHA and CMSA now track American Quarter Horse achievements and display earnings and awards as part of the horse’s official AQHA record. AQHA also awards the top-placing American Quarter Horses at the CMSA World Championship.

See Bobby Ruwe's winning run. Click Here

See Laura Parmentier's winning run. Click Here

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