By: De Chapman
SWEETWATER CLASSIC
Rock Springs, WY Sweetwater Classics
What a fantastic weekend in Rock Springs, WY this year! We love this facility and the Sweetwater crew did not let us down. The ground in the indoor and outdoor arena was perfectly groomed for all 3 days of competition.
There were 3 separate ShootPony Classics paying back $10,000 added money each day as well as lots of prizes in the Thursday Classic Average, the Friday Classic Average and 4 custom Saddles and prizes in the combined Average for the Thursday and Friday Classics. Each shoot paid back traditional CMSA payback to the classes with $2,000 addded that portion as well $8,000 in the ShootPony 4D. Competitors received 6X the points for each shoot. Here’s the breakdown:
Saddles to D Winners Combined Average
o 1D Tyler Johnson
o 2D Joe Sekutera
o 3D Stephan George
o 4D Cheri Philippi
Saddle Pads to 2 nd in the Combined Average
o 1D Abby Esau
o 2D Joe Sekutera
o 3D Danny Decker
o 4D Joan Goodell
Blankets to 3 rd in the Combined Average
o 1D David Mitchell
o 2D Tad Jolley
o 3D Jake Longfellow
o 4D Judy Moore
Bell Boots to 4th in the Combined Average
o 1D Caelan Garland
o 2D Macee Wettstein
o 3D Katrina Klotz
o 4D Stan Waddell
$68,063$12,481inPrizes&
Tail Bags to 5 th in the Combine Average
o 1D Ramiro Gonzalez
o 2D Ben Harness
o 3D Larry Gaskell
o 4D Caelan Garland
Buckle Cups for Overall Open Seniors Combined Average
De Chapman
David Mitchell
Overall Limited Senior Combined Average
Jolene Cahoon
Larry Gaskell
Overall Open Combined Average
Abby Esau
Tyler Johnson
Overall Limited Combined Average
Macee Wettstein
Lukas Gilbert
Wrangler Prizes All 3 Days!
o Baylor Brgoch
o Case Casperson – Open Buckle Thurs,Buckle Cup Fri
o Grainger Brinkerhoff
o Jared Wedgeworth
o Jordan Lenfesty
o Lily Hansen – Limited Buckle Cup Fri
o Oakley Hansen
o Raelyn Male
o Ryker Brgoch
o Wes Casperson – Limited Buckle Thurs
Shotgun Buckles
o Caelan Garland – Open
o Judd Casperson – Limited
Rifle Buckles
o Trey Casperson – Open
o Judd Casperson – Limited
Equusound Custom Horse Earplugs to Top LMT
o Londyn McKnight
o Matt Yarbrough
Sweetwater Events Complex
• Explore Wyoming
• ShootPony.com
• Signature Press
• Utah’s Mounted Thunder
• Wrangler
• Wolf Creek Cedar, Inc.
• Stifel, The Brummet Team
• Wyoming Desperados
• S&S Barns & Buildings
• Hotshot Horsemanship
• Equusound
Thank you to all of our competitors for coming and playing with us in Rock Springs! If you did not, please mark you calendars for next year Thursday through Saturday following the National Championship in Lincoln. We would love to have you join us!
Buckles to Thursday Classic D Average Winners
o 1D David Mitchell
o 2D Joe Sekutera
o 3D Stephan George
o 4D Judy Moore
Headstalls to Thursday Classic 2 nd Place D Average
o 1D Abby Esau
o 2D Ben Harness
o 3D Danny Decker
o 4D Blair Philippi
Fleece Coolers to Thursday Classic 3rd Place D Average
o 1D Ramiro Gonzalez
o 2D Joe Sekutera
o 3D Jacob Longfellow
o 4D Danny West
Wrangler Gift Cards to Thursday Classic 4th Place D Average
o 1D Taryn Thompson
o 2D Tad Jolley
o 3D Janet Freeland
o 4D Cheri Philippi
Buckle Cups to Friday Classic D Average Winners
o 1D Dylan Lawson
o 2D Lukas Gilbert
o 3D Diane Male
o 4D Stan Waddell
Headstalls to Friday Classic 2nd Place D Average
o 1D Tyler Johnson
o 2D Jake Krohmer
o 3D Wendy Schaefer
o 4D Hope Sides
Fleece Coolers to Friday Classic 3rd Place D Average
o 1D Caelan Garland
o 2D Rylee Lawson
o 3D Alex Winder
12,000RODEOFANSSalty Shooters Light Up the Flagstaff Pro Rodeo's 12th Anniversary
The spirit of the Old West was alive and blazing in the high country of Arizona this past June as the Flagstaff Pro Rodeo celebrated its 12th anniversary. But it wasn’t just broncs and bulls that had the crowd on its feet—it was the debut of the Salty Shooters that truly stole the show.
This fast-draw shooting showcase brought a fresh jolt of adrenaline to the rodeo’s nightly entertainment. Ten competitors from across the region stepped into the spotlight, vying for nightly bragging rights and serious stakes: $1,000 in cash and a coveted custom buckle for first place, and $500 cash for second. The stakes were high, the draw speeds were higher, and the crowd—6,000 strong—roared with every well-placed shot.
But the action didn’t stop there. Come Saturday morning, 50 of the sharpest shooters took to the arena to compete for over $10,000 in cash and prizes. With the sun shining and a perfect 75-degree breeze sweeping across the rodeo grounds, it was a picture-perfect day for blazing barrels and tight competition.
Whether you're a cowboy at heart or just a fan of skill and precision, the Salty Shooters’ debut promises that Cowboy Mounted Shooting is in the rodeo spotlight—and it’s here to stay. Save the dates for this elite event next year June 4-6, 2026.
Matthew 5:13
Jesus instructs his followers that they are the "salt of the earth". This means they should have a positive influence on the world, similar to how salt preserves food & enhances its flavor.
Sponsors:
Hirshberg Performance Horse,Straight Arrow
Contracting, Brave Horse, P&M Trailers, Flag Hauling, Alamo Fence, EquuSound, Gingerbread Ranch, Joanna Klomann CPA , J&L Exclusive
Property , Hunter Builders
The Cutting Room Floor, Matts Drywall, Janel Miller, Signature Press
Da Gama E Silva Family, Polaris Roofing, Performance Staffing
Julie Georgell-13Moonstruck, Pinnacle Bank, Metro Barber, Rush Truck Center, Big D Drywall
Kristen Daulton Real Estate, Wicked Fast
Overall & Overall Cowgirl: Carrie Hirshberg
Salty Shooter Tail bag & Hat, Cutting Room Floor bag, Hirshberg Top 10 Bucket,
Signature Press Jacket, EquuSound Custom Earplugs
Reserve Cowgirl: Ella Kelly
Overall Cowboy & Sr. Overall: Curt Moore
Salty Shooter Tail bag & Hat, Cutting Room Floor bag, Hirshberg Top 10 Bucket, Signature Press Jacket, EquuSound Custom Earplugs & Yeti Buckle Cup
Reserve Cowboy: Dylan Lawson
A Buckle Champion: Kaylin Bright
AA Buckle Champion: Erika Tippett
AAA Buckle Champion: Carrie Hirshberg
A Reserve Chair Champion: Paulette Benedict
AA Reserve Chair Champion: Kristie Tow
AAA Reserve Chair Champion: Curt Moore
Top 10: Carrie Hirshberg, Curt Moore, Ella Kelly, Jamie Marshall, Erika Tippett, Dylan Lawson, Rylee Lawson, Kristie Tow, Tristen Wikel, Janessa Casillas
Wrangler Open: Scarlett Agee
Wrangler Limited: Lucas Hirshberg
Total Paid $10,300 $5000 in prizes
Photography by: Steve Petronsky
$100 SPLIT LIMITED $200 SPLIT OPEN
$50 SPLIT LIMITED
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT THE FUTURITY?
Futurity & Derby
Wayne Hanson, Futurity / Derby competitor and Stallion Incentive owner.
I love the training of a young horse to learn a discipline for the first time. Teaching a horse to steer with one hand while learning to take gunfire is exhilarating. More exhilarating is raising one from your own stock and showing the breeding that we believe in.
Wayne Hanson on his 2025 eligible Futurity 4-year-old he raised.
Adam Ross, Futurity / Derby competitor & 2024 Res. Open Futurity Champion
My favorite thing about the Cmsa futurity is the level playing field it puts all the horses on. There is only one way to do well in it and that is hard work and dedication to bring along young horses the right way. The payouts offered bring in an incentive for owners, shooters, and trainers all alike to get onboard with the program to highlight their bloodlines and showing ability.
2017 AQHA Stallion, 2021 Horse of the year in CMSA and Quarter Horse Congress Champion in 2023. Standing at No Reins Performance Horses, Wooster, OH. Contact Ezra Yoder @ 330-600-5459
Sound Decisions: Putting EquuSound to the Test
By: Dr. Matthew & Cammi Taranto Founders of EquuSound, LLC
What earplug would your horse choose if comfort and protection were up to them? When we introduced EquuSound, the cockpit inspired – world’s first custom-fit equine earplug – to the mounted shooting community in early 2025, our mission was clear: deliver a premium custom-fit earplug for the horse with a focus on comfort, performance, and trust. For more background information please refer to our article in the spring Rundown edition. In this article, the EquuSound earplug is put to the test. We built a small portable anechoic chamber, a container for minimizing external sound and internal echo, to test our product and six other horse hearing protection solutions in a controlled environment. What we found affirms what riders continue to observe: horses respond much better when they are comfortable and protected.
Why it Matters
Hearing loss is permanent. Tinnitus (the perception of sound – like ringing, buzzing, or hissing – in the absence of an external source) likely affects many mammalian species with similar cochlear anatomy. Just like humans, horse’s cochlear hair cells are non-regenerative once damaged (Ryals & Dent, 2018). Loud environments, such as mounted shooting produce decibel levels routinely exceeding thresholds known to cause irreversible damage in humans (NIOSH, 2016). The physiological strain induced by loud noise coupled with hearing protection solutions that do not fully accommodate the unique anatomical structure and motility of the equine ear can result in stress, pain, and irritation. At EquuSound, we have spent the last year dedicated to developing the world’s best earplug for horses.
To orient to the logarithmic decibel scale, we have included a reference chart below. Note: For every 10 dB increase in noise, the perceived intensity increases tenfold.
Where the Decibels Roam
During our arena tests, a .45 caliber revolver firing full-load blanks registered 116-126 dB when fired 1-3 ft away from our decibel meter, simulating distances of a rider’s revolver from their horse’s ears. These levels exceed the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) which identifies 120 dB as the maximum peak level to avoid immediate harm. (NIOSH, 2016).
Source: OSHA.gov, Retrieved 2025
How We Tested: Methods, Interrater Reliability, & Attenuation
To evaluate protection effectiveness in a controlled environment, we built a compact anechoic chamber using a Pelican Case, foam-lining, a Reed R1620 decibel meter (placed inside), and a reverse impression of Traeger’s right ear –
748 - 0067
an actual replica of the deep bowl-shaped part of the outer ear leading to the ear canal. This part of the equine ear is known as the concha, (Latin for “shell”). The decibel meter was connected to the base of the ear replica via a small rubber hose to mimic the ear canal of the horse. We produced a consistent sound using an iPhone alarm
set on maximum speaker volume calibrated to 75 dB, approximately three inches from the top of the ear. Decibels (dBA) were recorded with an open ear and seven different hearing protection products inserted in or over Traeger’s concha replica.
To assess interrater reliability, Cammi and I repeated all sound measurements independently. For every non-custom plug, we noted variation in seating and decibel reduction. This inconsistency reflected a known issue: many riders find it difficult to know where to best seat a traditional earplug. One feature of the EquuSound earplug is that locks into place, giving clear tactile feedback. Every time we seated EquuSound earplugs— regardless of who did it—the results were the same. In terms of protection, our test showed EquuSound delivered a more than tenfold (12 dBA) reduction in noise intensity compared to the next best product in the test set as shown in the figure below.
Why EquuSound Is Different
EquuSound’s patent-pending design does not rely on compression or friction, it gently contours to the ear’s natural anatomy. The result is consistent placement and effective protection. Other earplugs offer little feedback during insertion. Too shallow, and they do little to block sound. Too deep, and they press against sensitive cartilage and trigger irritation, stress, and behavioral problems. EquuSound solves both problems.
What We Found: Measurable Protection & Reliable Comfort
EquuSound delivered the best noise attenuation and the most reliable placement. But most important? Our test results are consistent with the feedback from our clients and their horses. EquuSound’s design mimics the shape of the equine ear, fitting into the concha and against the pinna without creating sore spots or blocking natural motion. Anatomical harmony means less irritation and improved hearing protection.
To our clients—thank you. To those we have not met yet—we look forward to meeting you! Whether you see us at a show, follow us online, or message us with questions, know this: we are here to help you and your horse. Learn more, order, or connect with us at www.EquuSound.com and follow us on Facebook.
About the Authors
Cammi Taranto is a lifelong horsewoman and new mounted shooter. Cammi has played a key role in testing, shaping, and refining EquuSound’s designs with a sharp eye for comfort, behavior, and fit. She continues to advocate for horses who give their best – and deserve the best in return.
Dr. Matthew Taranto is a retired USAF aerospace physiologist who spent over 20 years flying, teaching, and conducting research in many high-performance flight environments. His experience with the anatomy of hearing, noise exposure, and human performance under pressure inspired the development of EquuSound. He now applies the same precision and care offered to fighter pilots, to the horse.
Sources
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (2016). Occupational Noise Exposure: Revised Criteria 1998. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Occupational Noise Exposure. Retrieved from OSHA.gov, 2025. Ryals, B. M., & Dent, M. L. (2018). Mammalian Auditory Hair Cell Regeneration: Regrowth, Reprogramming, and Why it Matters. Hearing Research, 361, 213-223.
Noise Protection Test for Seven Different Horse Hearing Protection Products.
THE RUNDOWN
The Rundown is the official magazine of the Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association – one of the fastest growing equestrian sports organizations in the nation.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. The family–friendly CMSA offer multiple levels of competition for men, women and children, from the novice to the seasoned professional.Founded in 1994 the CMSA now boasts over 100 local clubs in four nations, representing over 25,000 members. It sanctions over 500 events a year across the country, including seven events at its highest level, the Championship Series, and pays out over $1,000,000 in prize money annually.The Rundown is published QUARTERLY, and is sent to the CMSA’s membership base, which is growing at a rate of 5 a day. Most members join at the family rate, ensuring that The Rundown is consumed by three to five members of each household.
Print Dimensions
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• Half Page H: 6.75X4.6
• Half Page V: 3.89X10.625
• Quarter Page Sq: 4.444X3.635
• One 6th Page V: 2.54X5.3125
Rates
Full Page $800 Half Page $550 Quarter Page $350 Sixth Page $175
• Inside Cover $1500
• Center Fold $1600
• Back Cover $1700
1. Accepted File/Photo/Logo Formats: High resolution JPEG or PDF file preferred. Please inquire with any additional file formats. Low resolution, blurry, dark files will not be printed. 2. Oversized ads will be adjusted to fit the space purchased. 3. Please submit ads/articles in a Word document to allow for proofing before printing. 4. We print in full color.
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Deadlines
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• Have you always wanted to see your company name on a banner around the arena?
• Ever wondered how you can get a commercial on the live feed?
• Would you like to have a flag flying at the Showcase?
• Do you want an ad in THE RUNDOWN Magazine?
• Looking to be a vendor at a major championship? As
800 Light Horsemen
If you’re inspired by this chapter, get the book entitled “Billy” by Col Stringer. It’s the story of a young Aboriginal buffalo shooter who finds himself thrust into world shattering history, as the Australian Light horsemen ride triumphantly into Jerusalem.
The story takes place in 1916-1917 in Beersheba, Israel when British forces are bogged down in front of Turkish Muslims and German lines in Palestine. What eleven crusades couldn’t accomplish, God used the youngest and smallest nation to achieve the impossible. 800 “outback”, half Aboriginals, horseback buffalo hunters from Australia volunteer to be shipped across the Indian Ocean to the Sahara Desert and cross 300 miles of waterless wasteland to face certain death. Much like the Buffalo Bill era in our country.
When water gave out commanders ordered the men not to give water to their horses, but these were Aussies, a different breed of men, whose horses had saved their lives and in return would give their life for their horse.
When they finally reach Jerusalem and crested the hill over looking the Holy City there was a 3 mile plain between them and German artillery and machine guns with entrenched Turks on the front line.
The Aussies were thinking it’s certain death to charge those lines and it’s certain death to try and recross the desert they just came across with no water. They look across their own lines with a lost bewildered, “What do we do now?”
When their horses smell the water from Abraham’s “Well of Oath”, the wells of Bethsaida, without the consent of their master the horses started a single charge for the life-giving water. As each rider thought, “What the hay?” Who gave the charge? The horse’s unanimous enthusiasm for water gave their last run of their life.
By: Wes Walton
German commanders gave the order to fire the big guns, but the horses were coming so fast the artillery shot over them. In a panic they ordered reload, lower your sights, fire again and again the horses were coming so fast they shot over the charging Aussies. The horses were on a runaway to water. Machine guns open fire, while the “Outback men” shoot their buffalo guns.
They jump the entrenched Turks, using pistol and swords for close work.
For the first time in 400 years the road to Jerusalem was open.
500 Turks were dead and only 31 Aussies and 70 horse were killed.
It’s awful hard to shoot straight ahead in a charge, over your horse’s head, to shoot with any kind of accuracy and not shoot your horse out from under you. I know this from trying to shoot coyotes off a running horse.
As the horses smelled the waters of Bethsaida, God turned something natural into something supernatural. It reminds me of a song sang at my mother’s funeral, I can only remember this one line. Referring to Jesus, “His name is like a sweet perfume, whose fragrance lingers in a room.”
2 Cor. 2: 16 in the Message Translation says, “For we are to God the aroma of Christ, the fragrance of life, among them being saved.”
Everywhere we go people breath in the exquisite fragrance. Because of Christ we give off a sweet scent rising up to God, an aroma redolent with life.”
Winter visitors to Wickenburg, Arizona smell the love of God and are compelled to enter the old movie theater or old barn of Fire Rock and experience the life-giving touch of Jesus. His fragrance will linger on us all week long.
At the end of this historic and horrific battle the Aussies were ordered to leave their horses behind as there was not enough room on the ship or feed and water for the return trip to Australia. I can’t imagine that myself, after your horse gets you across the desert and through the battle, actually winning the war and saving your life multiple times.
Hebrews 13: 5-7 in the Message says, “You will never be left behind, you will never be abandoned, discarded or forsaken. You are branded with His Spirit as a guarantee, proving ownership, eternally and completely secure.”
Mississippi Pot Roast
Ingredients
1 (4 pound) beef chuck roast
¼ cup butter
5 pepperoncini peppers
1 packet ranch dressing mix
1 packet dry au jus mix
Directions
Step 1:
Gather all ingredients.
Step 2:
Place roast in a slow cooker. Form a pocket in the top of the roast and place butter, pepperoncini peppers, ranch dressing mix, and au jus mix in the pocket.
Step 3:
Cook on Low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours
Step 4:
Serve and enjoy!
Recipe Tip
You can substitute beef round or beef brisket for beef chuck if desired
National Advisory Board
Mid Atlantic Robert Johnston (443) 783-0018 rustedstar10@gmail.com
Mike Lewallen (336) 442-2198 lewal5720@gmail.com
Mid_Central Eddie Miller (580) 554-1854 millerqh@yahoo.com
Mid Mountain Jeanne Davis (303) 489-0927 jeannenae@gmail.com
Mid-West
Delos Searle (720) 935-1682 delossearle@yahoo.com
Bobby Ruwe (513) 367-0644 cmsa65@aol.com
Carrie Wilburn (859) 230-4394 chbowling@gmail.com
North Central Debbie Little (763) 286-4427 LK4700@aol.com
Adam Ross (641) 344-1198 damjamesross.25@gmail.com
North Eastern Tom Hockran (440) 725-4720 tom.hockran@handhent.com
North Mountain RachelPeters (208) 661-7971 sureshot60@gmail.com
North Pacific Jeffery Kirk (206) 661-5244 kirkj343@hotmail.com
Mark Zueger (425) 348-1415 circle.z@earthlink.net
South Central Keith Gentry (931) 205-0484 keith.gentry49@gmail.com
Ray Wilson (601) 946-4697 raywilson527@yahoo.com
South Eastern Courtney Chapman (706) 302-1227 iddentreasurefarm@aol.com
Eric Ryan Anderson (352) 455-0803 roofcat64@yahoo.com
South Pacific Dan Moore (925) 382-4959 jkmdsm@pacbell.net
Joel Ostrovsky (702) 355-2717 jostrov@cox.net
Greg Worley (951) 707-6010 daco9297@aol.com
Southwest Diana Olson (520) 661-6464 olsondm@us.ibm.com
Kaley Salopek (575) 640-6551 kaytwy@gmail.com
Western North Jason Erhardt (701) 400-8677 jerhardt@od.sco.edu
Central Travis Lantis (605) 645-6780 travis.lantis@lantisnet.com
Western South Matt Sronce (830) 857-6530 matthew_sronce@hotmail.com
Central Lisa Dipple (936) 499-6885 lonestarQH@aol.com
Betty Jarrard (817) 366-9331 betty_jarrard@aol.com
Canada Mark Hallink (931) 434-4629 mwhallink@gmail.com
Don Litvak (403) 740-2853 dlitvak@telusplanet.net
International Kenda Lenseigne (509) 964-2421 cowgirlkenda@gmail.com
Rifle & Shotgun Committee
Committee Chair: David Lohrey (919) 671-7699 davelohrey@gmail.com
Dan Byrd (602) 370-7614 rockingdb@hotmail.com
Zane Chunn (479) 739-4450 topgunchunn@yahoo.com
Alice Hallink (931) 841-0405 lahallink@gmail.com
Chad Little (763) 497-4427 LK4700@aol.com
Terry Martin (260) 499-1814 tmartin@lagrangesd.com
Wrangler Committee
Committee Chair: Donnie Sales (281) 686-6827 dsalesjr@gmail.com
Mike Lewallen (336) 442-2198 mlewal5720@gmail.com
Jeanne Davis (303) 489-0927 jeannenae@gmail.com
Sharyl Anderson (352) 303- 0900 sharyl269@yahoo.com
Paige McGinnis (602) 618-6325 cmsapaige@gmail.com
Cavalry Committee
Committee Chair: Ken Jardine (902) 304-6978 ken.scubatech@gmail.com
Hannah Barnes (386) 801-5128 annah@titusmarine.com
Rob Rickgauer 719-339-8707 everguncowboy@gmail.com
John Bunch (509) 8689430 blue380@live.com
Phil Woods (306) 374-0686 phil.woods@usask.ca
Mark Zueger (425) 348-1415 circle.z@earthlink.net
International Committee Committee Chair: Kenda Lenseigne (509) 964- 2421 cowgirlkenda@gmail.com
Jessica Blixt +46 451 77 01 22 jessicablixt@yahoo.se
Don Litvak (403) 740-2853 dlitvak@telusplanet.net
Nicola Rahn Roger.Rahn@t-online.de
Being Raised a mounted shooter
The mounter shooter handbook
Let’s talk about the stuff that makes you a better horseman, a better team with your horse and a better competitor. In this book, I talk a little about me and a bunch about the pieces of this mounted shooting thing! Get this book, gain more mastery!
$34.50 free shipping
Contact for order info
Sylvio Pellegrino/Pellegrino Pasture 440-289-8489 thebigragusp@gmail.com
Flagstaff Pro Rodeo-Von Brady
Photo by: Steve Petronsky