Winter 2024 Rundown Part 1

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SCHARBAUER WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

WORLD TOP 10

1- Zane Chunn

2- Turner Thompson

3- Matt Sronce

4- Cain Quam

5- Mitchell Kramer

6- Abby Esau

7- Cecil Berry

8- Paul Chapman

9- Dylan Lawson

10-Ella Kelly

2024

US Winter Championship

Feb 14-17

CMSA Extravaganza

April 10-13

Cooper Steel Arena

Horseshoe Park & Equestrian Center

Queen Creen, AZ

Shelbyville, TN

National Championship

May 23-26

Lancaster Event Center

Lincoln, NE

Western US Championship

July 25-28

South Point Arena

Las Vegas, NV

Eastern US Championship

September 10-14

Cooper Steel Arena

Shelbyville, TN

CMSA World & AQHA World Championship

October 8-12

Tri-State Expo Center

Amarillo, TX

PRESIDENT/

David

Kristen

cmsakristen@gmail.com

cmsapaige@gmail.com

Chris Scharbauer

John Scharbauer

Mike Stevens

Jodi

Abby

Ken

MrQuigleyPhotography.com

Scott

WHAT'S INSIDE

1. Year End Awards pgs.8-11

2. Family of the Year & Hall Of Fame Inductee: Wayne "Scooter'" Riggs pg.12

3. Broken Records pgs. 14-15, 18-19

4. Through a Mother's Eyes By: Jodi Kelly pg. 22

5. What is a Winner By: Ella Kelly pg 23

6. World Championship Results pgs.25-28, 32

Ancillaries pgs. 35, 37-38, 40-41

AQHA World Finals pgs. 42-43

7. Definitely Two Eyed Chip "AKA Chip" By: Abby Esau pg. 29

8.Turner Thompson By: June & Turner Thompson pg.30

9. IACMSA By: Joe Caffrey pg. 31

10. Wrangler 2 Rookie By: LillyAnn Chromey pgs. 33-34

11. UnderDog Mindset By; Kayla Lewallen pgs. 44-45

12.Advertising pgs. 48-49

"We would like to thank the CMSA for their continued support and want to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season. We are looking forward to a bright 2024!

The Choice of Champions

1. Mike Lewallen 25118

2. Kyle Kisse 23157

3. Caelan Garland 21783

4. De Chapman 20352

5. David Mitchell 19521

6. LillyAnn Chromey 18653

7. Ella Kelly 18423

8. Lonnie Nye 18140

9. Jamie Marshall 17952

10. Dan Byrd 17592

11. Zane Chunn

12. Kenda Lenseigne

13. Steve Keech

14. Sadina Decker

15. David Lohrey

16. Paul Chapman

17. Ken Jardine

18. Kelli Shryock

19. Turner Thompson

20. Amber Rinell

21. Curt Moore

22. Chris Dye

23. Dianne Lipham

35. Adam Ross

36. Mike Stevens

37. Rylee Lawson

38. Ben Harness

39. Jessica Emmons

40. Lauren Finch

41. Darren Lipham

42. Joe Sekutera

43. Therese Johnson

44. Taryn Thompson

45. Shawn Hallahan

46. Reese Guier

47. Jamie Travis

59. Alexa Herrington

60. Paul Reyes

61. John Roach

62. Avery Persch

63. Courtney Chapman

64. Traci Garland

65. Blair Philippi

66. Emma Oyer

67. Londyn McKnight

68. Chrissy Lindahl

68. Kenny Lawson

69. JD Graham

70. Denise McGinnis

81. Tyler Johnson

82. Jeanne Davis

83. Kenny Kline

84. Jeffrey Pulford

85. Eric Sanders

86. Sam Finch

87. Claudia Jenkins

88. Laura Grazier

89. Chrissy Ramsey

90. Joe Caffery

91. Mitchell Kramer

92. Donnie Sales

93. Trevor Hirshberg

1. Mike Lewallen

Cowboys

2. Kyle Kisse

3. Caelan Garland

4. David Mitchell

5. Lonnie Nye

6. Dan Byrd

7. Zane Chunn

8. Steve Keech

9. David Lohrey

10. Paul Chapman

1. De Chapman

HIGH POINT Cowgirls

2. LillyAnn Chromey

3. Ella Kelly

4. Jamie Marshall

5. Kenda Lenseigne

6. Sadina Decker

7. Kelli Shryock

8. Amber Rinell

9. Dianne Lipham

10. Paige McGinnis

AQHA & OVERALL HANDY

"EF HANCOCK BARTENDER" MIKE LEWALLEN

GRADE "BELL"

SABRINA LEWALLEN

NON AFFILIATED "SUMMER"

STEPHEN HARRIS

HORSE TRACKING

APHA CHARLES "JBS PDQ"

JOHN BRANDRETH

ROOKIE OF THE LILLYANN

RESERVE ROOKIE DANNY DECKER

RIFLE & SHOT GUN HIGH POINT

DE CHAPMAN OPEN LADIES

RIFLE & SHOTGUN

TAYLOR GOIN

LIMITED LADIES

RIFLE & SHOTGUN

CAELAN GARLAND

OVERALL

RIFLE & SHOTGUN

MIKE STEVENT LIMITED

Congratulations to the Thompson family!

Hall of Fame 2024

Wayne "Scooter" Riggs

Family of the Year 2024

By: Ken Jardine

What’s the biggest/longest shoot you’ve ever attended? 2 stage warmup shoot or maybe a 3 or 4 stage club shoot? How about a 5 stage state, regional or national shoot? Some clubs even hold 6 stage state competitions! You are probably thinking that’s a lot of shooting but would you sign up for an 80 stage match? How about one with 350 stages?

This is what you’re signing up for when you set a CMSA Season Overall High Points Title as your goal. We’re talking about committing to 45 or more weekends in a season getting to all majors while putting on the 40 to 60 THOUSAND miles needed AND placing high in most of the shoots, often against CMSA’s best! This is exactly what our season high points Champions did last year AND broke all but 1 season high points record ever set!

To attain the title of Season High Points Champion is a difficult task in and of itself. To do so and break the past record is rare. To have 6 of the 7 CMSA season high points records broken in one year is…….truly remarkable but that’s what happened in 2023

Let me break it down for yall.

Honorable mention must go to some of the Season Reserve High points champions. Some of the reserve champions points totals broke the previous world records as well……. Revolver Season High Points Reserve Champion, Kyle Kissee 23157 points

Cavalry Season High Points Reserve Champion, Mike Lewallen 799 points

Wrangler Season High Points Reserve Champion, Robert Sipols 1354 points

Your pushing caused the Season Champs to work very hard to stay ahead, we owe some of our success to your being such awesome shooters. Y’all should be very proud of being record breakers as well.

In my beloved Cavalry Class many state, regional and ALL National level matches broke their own record for number of troopers shooting . In fact in our 20th year Cavalry had the most troopers shooting the most matches in CMSA history. Indeed 2023 was a banner year. Most National level shoots broke attendance and prize money records and there were more folks and the 2024 season promises to build on this trend. If you ever get the itch to see if you can reach the highest accomplishment in our sport

For some thoughts on what the record breakin road was like I spoke with all the Champions, I hope you’ll enjoy their insights:

LILLYANN CHROMEY 2023 ROOKIE OF THE

How long have you been riding and shooting?

Started with my mom at age 5 then shooting at age 7. When did you decide to chase your season high points title?

We talked about it before the season started and after a LOT of family discussion the decision was GO FOR IT!

What was the biggest challenge?

Being away from home and without all my other horses especially not being there to train my babies. What was the biggest surprise something you didn’t expect?

How pretty and enjoyable the traveling was. Scenery, animals, birds you wouldn’t see with out travel. Beside this world championship What was your best shoot/award/ biggest accomplishment of last season?

Winning AQHA Youth Limited Champion in Amarillo Were you surprised to set a new high points record? Was it a goal?

Had no Idea until the very end of the season. I was in the saddle when it was announced so a TOTAL surprise.

Would you do it again? YES I would do it again

Last words (thank anyone)

Thank You to Mom and Dad first and foremost. Also I couldn’t have done it without the warmth and support of every single shooter I encountered.

How long have you been riding and shooting?

18 th year mounted shooting 25 years riding

When did you decide to chase your season high points title?

Not until February 2023. This is actually my 3rd attempt at this title.

What was the biggest challenge?

Logistics, full time job, family, life and to be on the road for 65,000 miles was very challenging.

What was the biggest surprise something you didn’t expect?

I was surprised at how many big points shoots I had to attend in the mid west to keep in contention, there is such a high concentration of points out west.

Beside this world championship What was your best shoot/award/ biggest accomplishment of last season?

Winning overall, overall in all 4 Iowa Buckle Series shoots and to be the Iowa buckle series open champion considering the GREAT shooters out there. Also achieving high points horse for Handy again..

Were you surprised to set a new high points record? Was it a goal?

I knew that with the number of shoots we’d be attending the possibility existed. When I decided to go for the title, I also decided to try to break the high points record.

Would you do it again?

Not on my radar it was a bucket list goal I’m thrilled to have achieved.

Last words (thank anyone)

There are so many folks I owe a tip of the hat to thank you to everyone who helped and shared in this. The greatest thanks must go to my wife and travel partner Sabrina I share this with her. This was my dream and as she’s always done, she helped make it come true.

How long have you been riding and shooting?

I have been shooting since 2014, riding as long as I can remember.

When did you decide to chase your season high points title?

At the start of the year the PLAN was to take it easy but by June I realised the long gun titles were attainable and it would be foolish to give that away.

What was the biggest challenge?

At the end of June we drove to Pueblo CO then shot, then flew home got more horses drove to Nebraska an then to Fort Worth. It was a hectic 2 weeks

What was the biggest surprise something you didn’t expect?

How quickly my 6 year old Uma improved she picked up about 2 seconds over the 2023 season!

Were you surprised to set a new high points record?

Was it a goal? I noticed I was within striking distance of breaking the Rifle record going into Vernon but it was the last chance of the season to get it! I switched to my “Good” horse and went for it.

CAELAN GARLAND

Would you do it again? Absolutely Yes Sir

BRYLEN HALLER

2023 OPEN WRANGLER WORLD HIGH POINTS CHAMPION

How long have you been riding and shooting?

Riding since I was a little kid (4 years)

When did you decide to chase your season high points title?

I think we did yah. When I saw my friend Avery Searle win the Wrangler saddle last year I decided I’d like one as well.

What was the biggest challenge?

Keeping my confidence up after a poor showing. I learned that a bad stage of match doesn’t have to take confidence away. You can have a bad day and still be a good shooter.

What was the biggest surprise something you didn’t expect?

How loving and giving the CMSA community was. They just take you under their wings.

Beside this world championship What was your best shoot/award/ biggest accomplishment of last season?

Honestly I’d say the whole experience was totally entertaining and

Were you surprised to set a new high points record? Was it a

I was very surprised to do this. I didn’t expect this to happen when the season started.

Would you do it again?

Absolutely! I probably should check with my folks first Last words (thank anyone)

All thank-you’s, of course Mom and Dad but I also share this with the Lewallen Family, De and Paul Chapman as well as the entire South Dakota Thompson Clan and many others who helped me along the way.

How long have you been riding and shooting?

Got my first horse in 2013 so 10 years riding and 8 years shooting. Since we have to return to Canada for half of each year, we normally only get 6 months out of every 12 to compete.

When did you decide to chase your season high points title?

In 2017, this has been a bucket list goal of mine for many years. What was the biggest challenge?

Staying focused and sometimes keeping my energy up between shoots. This usually dispersed once in the chute but not always. Also the administrative hoops we had to go through to be able to stay in the USA beyond 6 months last year.

What was the biggest surprise something you didn’t expect? The discipline required the mental aspect if you will. There is also a surprising amount of planning and strategy required. Also surprised at how much Id enjoy seeing so much more of the USA it’s a beautiful country

Beside this world championship What was your best shoot/award/ biggest accomplishment of last season?

Winning the Southeast Regional Open Cavalry Sabre as my wife Jean Dugas won the SE Regional Limited Sabre. So great to share this and to do it with some of the best Cavalry troopers in the country (3 former world champs) was a highlight of the year.

Were you surprised to set a new high points record? Was it a goal?

I wasn’t surprised as I realised we were getting record numbers at the Cavalry classes so of course more points available to get. Luckily Beau and I were placing high up in most of our Cavalry classes. Breaking the record was something I set out to do from the very start, Go Big or Stay Home .

Would you do it again?

Not a good time to ask I’am still “Road Weary” so gut reaction is no, BUT 10 years ago I was a non rider so who knows.

Last words (thank anyone)

The road to Top Trooper was not traveled alone. If it wasn’t for my wife Jean NONE of this would have been possible nor as much FUN. From the start when Gil Dominguez kept my horse legged up til we got south to the troopers who loaned me horses from time to time, all the advice and encouragement by my fellow competitors will always be remembered. A special thanks to Tom Hockran, Mike and Sabrina Lewallen, Bruce Travis and Rob Rickhauer for your kind hospitality and friendship during my travels. Last thank you God for making a world with such wonderful people and animals.

KEN JARDINE

2023 CAVALRY WORLD HIGH POINTS CHAMPION

Through a Mothers Eyes....

phone set to video, and try to control my breathing and body language to match them. She starts her 1st warm-up circle. I take a deep breath and whisper my token parental prayer… “Lord, please keep them safe..” I take another deep breath, “I don’t care if she’s clean, or fast, please just keep them safe.” Then I take one more deep breath knowing I’ll be holding it for the next 9 to 20 seconds as they leave their 2nd circle and start the run. I struggle to watch and video at the same time. Sometimes I see 10 balloons die, some runs it’s less. Most runs are smooth, but not every run is perfect. That’s the beauty of life. It will never be completely perfect. We learn from the struggles. Not the success. She gets told and then retold “You are loved for who you are, not what you do.” Her acceptance from us isn’t based on her perfection or performance. A child from whom perfection is constantly demanded, will eventually get discouraged and give up. Let them make mistakes, but love them unconditionally. Easy? Nope. Sometimes its messy. Sometimes you have to let them pick their nose on a bumpy dirt road to figure things out for themselves. Some days your tongue gets sore from biting back the “I told you so’s”. But growth happens from hard times. She’s lost Lady’s Overalls at Majors. She’s eaten dirt and torn ligaments. Her little body has injuries that most have no idea about because she won’t quit. Her coach too, has a “No excuses” mind set. You do your best. Every run. No safety-ups. No thrown matches. Just run your run every run.

Two years ago, thanks to missing multiple shoots including 2 Majors due to a nasty case of Covid and her parent’s multiple week celebratory anniversary trip,

truck and living out of a trailer for weeks at a time, competing for some high stakes isn’t for pretty little pansies. It lessens your pride. It eats your ego. No fake nails here. It took determination, grit, dirt and manure under the nails, and lots of dry shampoo. It took humor. It was dry wrapping your horse’s legs in the cold, dark, early morning, both of you having your knees lock up, but being able to laugh about it and not even think of quitting. It was multiple sketchy Laundromats, and iffy overnight layovers sleeping with one eye open, hugging a shotgun. I’m forever grateful for the husband and dad back home working his tail off for us to live this dream. Knowing we had his support, and that he was proud of us was priceless. He got lonely. And over-worked. He was torn between joining us, and all the responsibilities of keeping multiple companies running smoothly, feeding the animals and keeping the Grandma alive and thriving. It also takes a coach who isn’t just a coach. Dan’s “Been there, rode that” cowboy wisdom is something you can’t make up. It’s an honor to be part of the Byrd Herd. Sportsmanship is expected. Character building is occasionally acquired by the view from under the bus. We laugh at ourselves. And each other. We’ve all had runs where we shot at a squirrel. Or a pigeon. Or at nothing. They’re real people. Honest people. You won’t hear Dan say “Good run” or “Nice line”, if it wasn’t. So when you do hear it, you KNOW it was good. Those of us who may need verbal affirmation after a struggle bus run, can trip over this. I have fixed the issue by talking to myself. Just kidding. But not really.

Ella has always loved speed. Me? Not so much. I certainly plan to run faster. Especially after getting thoroughly beaten even with shooting clean. But then my self-preservation kicks in and a pony-loping we go. I still managed to win 3 buckles and move up to an L2 this past year so all the travel for her gaols wasn’t in vain for me haha. My goal for this next year is to pick up speed and at least be a worthy opponent in the L2’s.

Thank you CMSA Family for this past year’s memories…for all the support, high-fives, shoulders to cry on, sounding boards, and venting sessions. Happy shooting till we meet again.

Is the only winner the one holding the Overall Buckle, or getting the Class win? Not to me. To me, a shiny object isn’t the only thing that defines a winner. I went into my final run at the 2023 Bishop’s Winter Championship feeling like a first place loser, which most people know as second place. Sitting there in my own head, a scary place to be, I suddenly realized no matter how this run ended, Foxy and I would still be winners. We didn’t have to bring home the shiny new thing. We’d had smooth, clean runs and were working as a team, so we were winners in my book. Of course I wanted to win. But I felt no need to place that pressure on myself or my mare. I decided to be happy with one more, smooth clean run together. That last run won us our L4 Class and our first Ladies Reserve Overall. I decided then that winning, or being “the winner” is really just a mindset. Sure, someone gets the buckle at the end. But it’s the little victories in between that also make you a winner.

I went into the 2023 season with two goals:

#1= Place in the top 10

#2= Be an L6 before I turned 16

My mom and I traveled more this year than we ever had before chasing those two goals. From a Regional in California, to majors in Tennessee, and dozens of places in between. If you asked me which shoots were when and where, I couldn’t tell you. Honestly it’s pretty much a blur. But some of the most meaningful memories were made with my CMSA Family. For example, I will never forget where my trust issues came in handy when my coach, Dan, attempted but failed miserably, to smash my celebratory L6 ice cream cake into my face. I’ve never seen him so deeply disappointed. And yes, they scraped off the gravel and ate it anyway.

My mom and I traveled more this year than we ever had before chasing those two goals. From a Regional in California, to majors in Tennessee, and dozens of places in between. If you asked me which shoots were when and where, I couldn’t tell you. Honestly it’s pretty much a blur. But some of the most meaningful memories were made with my CMSA Family. For example, I will never forget where my trust issues came in handy when my coach, Dan, attempted but failed miserably, to smash my celebratory L6 ice cream cake into my face. I’ve never seen him so deeply disappointed. And yes, they scraped off the gravel and ate it

WHAT IS A ?RENNIW

By Ella Kelly

My last move-up needed to make L6 happened at the New Mexico State Shoot two weeks before we left for World’s. I was the only L5 signed up, which meant I had to win Overall Overall for a qualified win. The first day Foxy and I had four, clean, smooth runs placing us well, but not Overall. Going to sleep that night I knew all I could do was my best. The last day we were able to stay consistent and won Overall Overall. The happiest part? This would be my last move-up dance.

Ever. Looking back, the most memorable move-up dance involved a banana costume, a Mr. Clean costume, and the Byrd Herd attempting to do the “Can-Can”. It was epic.

Competing at World as an L2 vs. an L6 was definitely different. As an L2 I went to World on my then “back-up” horse, Foxy, and did a lot of nervous hand shaking. As an L6, I went to World again on my now main horse, Foxy. My body now requiring stretching, instead of hand shaking. My focus had changed from being all about a class win as an L2, to focusing on just enjoying it as an L6. When all was said and done, out of a class of 20 L6’s, only four of us had managed to stay clean. Foxy and I had 5 smooth, clean stages. Foxy, ran her golden heart out for me with every run. We took second place in our class, and Ladies Reserve Overall. I never would have guessed my “back-up” horse could take me so far.

2023 is over. Leaving me with all its memories, emotions

The Scharbauers arrived in Texas in 1883 and began running Sheep and Cattle. In 1887 John and Christian Scharbauer who were brothers formed Scharbauer Brothers Corp. which today is known as Scharbauer Cattle Company. They soon grew their herd and land holdings in Texas and in Southwest New Mexico. Clarence Scharbauer Sr. soon joined his uncles and was hired on as Manager. The Scharbauers put together nearly 500,000 acres and at one time ran 20,000 head of Hereford Cows. After Clarence Sr death in 1942, Clarence Scharbauer Jr. became the Owner and Manager at the young age of 17. He added a Panhandle Ranch known as the Alamocitos in 1952. Chris Scharbauer, now owner of Scharbauer Cattle Co. is responsible for introducing Angus Genetics to the herd in the early 90's. The Scharbauers, only purchasing the finest of genetics that the Hereford and Angus breeders could produce, grew a commercial cow herd that is second to none. John Scharbauer, the 5th generation has taken the reins and now has introduced their beef to the public in the form of Midland Meat Company.

World Title Sponsor

WORLD

LADIES 1

1ST Lindsey Gillespie

2ND Danielle Litchfield

LADIES 2

1ST Amanda Hudson

LADIES 4

1ST Taylor Kahl

2ND Claudia Jenkins

LADIES 3

1ST Taylor Goin

2ND Ashley Kindred

LADIES 5

1ST Morgan Stumpf

2ND Clara Oyer

MENS 1

1ST Justin Baker

2ND Mike Daniels

LADIES 6

1ST Abby Esau

2ND Ella Kelly

3RD Kenda Lenseigne

1ST Curtis Clausen

2ND Justin Alps

MENS 3

1ST Randall Newson

1ST Cain Quam

2ND Aaron Bollhoefer

3RD Eric Sanders

2ND Lincoln Male

3RD Caelan Garland

2ND Jake Krohmer

3RD Chad Brewer

MENS 6

1ST Zane Chunn

2ND Turner Thompson

3RD Matt Sronce

OVERALL WORLD CHAMPIONS

Zane Chunn Abby Esau

RES OVERALL WORLD CHAMPIONS

Turner Thompson

Ella Kelly

WORLD

C H A M P I

SENIOR LADIES 1

1ST Ginger Barton

SENIOR LADIES 2

1ST Julie Saretsky

SENIOR LADIES 4

1ST Lynn O'Connell

2ND Sabrina Lewallen

2ND Deb Ivey

SENIOR MENS 1

1ST Michael Brochu

SENIOR LADIES 6

1ST Kelli Shryock

2ND Betty Jarrard

SENIOR MENS 2

SENIOR MENS 4

1ST Miles Cahoon

2ND Ronnie Smith

3RD Donnie Sales

1ST Ramiro Gonzalez

2ND Joe Shinkle

3RD Pete Melby

SENIOR MENS 3

1ST Jeff Middleton

2ND Doug Benne

SENIOR MENS 5

1ST Keith Gentry

2ND Shawn Hallahan

3RD Gerald McKelroy

SENIOR MENS 6

1ST Cecil Berry

2ND Paul Chapman

3RD Rob Boucher

"AKA CHIP"

By: Abby Esau

No one prepares you for the day your horse tells you it’s time. After 15 years in competition together, Chip told me he was ready to finish one last season and retire. Some people are lucky enough to find their heart horse that can speak to you without a single word at a young age. It’s the kind of connection you only get when you are there to see them born in your back pasture, and that’s exactly what I did. Chip was born on April 17, 2006 when I was 5 years old. This explains his name fairly easy, a little girl can’t see white with brown spots and not think “that’s a chocolate chip cookie”. From that day forward, Chip was my best friend.

When I was 7 and Chip was 2, my aunt and dad found mounted shooting. After the first competition, our entire family was hooked and we sent all of our horses at the time to Cox Performance Horses in Galena, MO. Chip was an arena horse by nature, he didn’t spook at the creepy crawlies that could be in the back corner and he enjoyed mounted shooting from the start. Chip spent most of his four months in training on the trails in pastures learning that nothing was going to kill him behind every tree.

After taking to the gunfire, Chip and I went to countless competitions as Limited Wranglers. At first, with a helmet and crop to keep him into a trot because his favorite speed has always been a walk. After some years passed, we moved to the Open Wranglers and Chip realized I was holding a gun in my hand, which encouraged a bit more speed out of him.

When we weren’t at shoots at this age, we would go to 4H events, where I would wear my holsters and guns and point at nothing when we ran just to get any speed out of him.

When I finally turned thirteen, we were ready for competition. Chip and I did a lot of cool things over the years, and I love hearing stories of what others remember of us as a team. Some of these are sweet stories of victories, like our first year in competition when we won the Limited Eliminator at World in 2014. There are a couple of funny ones, when Chip bucked me off after I had forgotten to put his ear plugs in. Chip has always liked to keep everyone on the edge of their seats at shoots.

In June of 2022, Chip’s career became a question mark. After making it home from a competition, he was playing in his pasture at home when he slipped and took out a T-post with the entire left side of his body. We took some time off and recovered him to the best of our ability, however it left permanent damage in the musculature of his neck and left hamstring, limiting his left flexion and hind-end gait.

When we hit the ground running in the 2023 season, I knew this was it for us. The spring season started with a lot of hiccups, creating a late start. Summertime meant a lot of early mornings spent long trotting the pasture, stretching him out and preparing him as best as I could for the fall season. I decided to take him to Westerns one last time, and Chip did not disappoint. He brought us back to and won the Ladies’ AAA Double Down with a run that was undoubtably one of my favorites ever.

Since I can remember, I’ve always wanted to win the World Championship on Chip. This year, mentally I was a mix of emotions-excited, nervous, joyful, sentimental, determined, and downright ready to win. Our last shot at something we’ve spent countless hours dreaming about. Before every stage, I petted Chip, told him I loved him and thanked him for everything he’s done for us as a team. Even if we blew it on a stage, I was still overwhelmed with gratitude that I was able to shoot at World one last time on him. Walking out of the arena for the last time on Chip was an incredible moment. After 15 years of competing on my heart horse, we were the Ladies’ Overall World Champions & Chip ended his career at an all-time high.

It took a lot of time and tears to get to the serious competition level that we ended on. We set our first world record in Murfreesboro, TN in September of 2020. Next, in October of 2020, we won our first major title together as Reserve Ladies Overall at the World Championship as a L5. Finally, after eight years, in March of 2021, we finally made it to the sixes. From there we set another world record in October at the World Championships in 2021.

Turner Thompson

By: June &Turner Thompson

Turner Thompson, a spirited 17-year-old from Groton, South Dakota, had a passion formounted shooting that ignited when he stumbled upon this unique sport in late 2018. But Turner's journey into the world of Cowboy Mounted Shooting (CMSA) wasn't astraightforward one; it had its trials and triumphs.

Before finding his niche in mounted shooting, Turner had spent three years immersed in the world of reining with Sattler Performance Horses. He excelled in this field, earning accolades like National Points for the 10 and under class and clinching the second position at the World Championship in the 13 and under category. However, the transition to mounted shooting wasn't initially welcomed with open arms.

Initially hesitant about leaving behind the beloved sport of reining, Turner felt a tug of resistance when introduced to mounted shooting. His first foray into the world of shooting was challenging and humbling. However, with dedication and perseverance, he slowly made his mark, moving up the ranks from a novice to the Men's Level 6 in CMSA.

Throughout his journey, Turner encountered mentors and supporters who played pivotal roles in his growth. Individuals like De/Paul Chapman, Mike/Sabrina Lewallan, and Adam/Sheila Ross became invaluable guides, offering advice and support that propelled Turner';s skills to new heights. Turner's progress was evident as he navigated the shooting circuit, taking part in various championships and competitions across thecountry.

Despite initial setbacks, Turner's determination never wavered. He faced each challenge head-on, learning from each experience and steadily improving his shooting prowess. Over the years, he amassed an impressive collection of achievements, including becoming the youngest Men's Level 6 shooter in CMSA history, securing consecutive AQHA Youth World Championships, and claiming victory at prestigious events like the CMSA Futurity and the CNFR Invitational.

Turner's success was not solely his own; he attributed his achievements to the unwavering support and guidance from a network of individuals. These mentors not only helped him refine his shooting techniques but also provided invaluable advice on course management, horse training, and overall skill enhancement.

As Turner reflected on his journey, he expressed profound gratitude to everyone who contributed to his success, acknowledging the importance of their honest advice and unwavering support. With a heart full of appreciation and a determination to keep improving, Turner looked forward to the promising horizons of his mounted shooting career, ready to take on new challenges and etch his name further into the realm of Cowboy Mounted Shooting.

When we think of calvary in the American Revolution we think of the Confederates and the Union, the North against the South. But let’s not forget the MIDWEST where CMSA CAVALRY IS ALIVE AND GROWING!

The morning sun shines down on the peaceful pastures nestled in the scenic heartland of America. Blue Grass Iowa the home of my CMSA Calvary family, my bride Amy Caffery and I. Like historian William F. Cody better known as Buffalo Bill who also grew up in Scott County Iowa, Amy and I found a love for the Calvary division in the CMSA.

This article starts in the spring of 2023. I have always had a special place in my heart for our military men and women. Growing up in a family who served in the military and currently the proud step father of Lieutenant Commander Mollie Greenlund and son- in law Lieutenant Commander Neal Greenlund who is serving our country in the United States Navy. Growing up I considered joining the military but went on to serve my country in Law Enforcement for 23 years now. I’m currently a Captain with the Scott County Sheriff’s Office.

I didn’t grow up with horses nor did I know anyone who had horses. In 2010 my beautiful wife, Amy and I came across seven acres in the country. We started off like anyone else getting a couple of trail horses then quickly my competitive side took over and I joined the Iowa Rodeo Association and entered calf roping tie down events. Not long after that Amy and I were at a local event and we met the Wagner’s, Steve and Lu who were the Eastern Iowa CMSA club presidents. They invited us to attend their shoot and there was no looking back. The kindness and generosity of our fellow mounted shooters is unmatched. We quickly came to love the sport and all of our CMSA family.

Now speed ahead to the start of the 2023 shooting season, the new Cavalry troop led by the Travis family with IACMSA in Creston, Iowa. If you have never been to a Travis shoot held in Creston, Iowa I would suggest you put that on your bucket list!!! Between the rolling hills, trail ride from one arena to the other, fishing ponds on horseback, nightly potlucks and the hospitality of the entire Travis family you will be coming back year after year.

Just take a look at how many are enlisted in Iowa!! Amy Caffery, Bruce Travis, Jamie Travis, Adam Ross, Turner Thompson, Taryn Thompson and Nate Reams to name a few. I couldn’t go without mentioning Commander Ken Jardine and Trooper Mike Lewallen. CMSA Calvary today is thriving due to their efforts!

By: Joe Caffery

May 25, 2023 CMSA National Championship in Lincoln Nebraska. Seventeen troopers in the Calvary class This was my second time shooting Calvary. I ended up the 2023 CMSA Nationals Championship Limited Calvary winner. Trooper Turner Thompson won the Open Division and Overall Nationals Championship Calvary winner. I was overcome with joy and appreciation when I was awarded the Sabre by Commander Ken Jardine which I now proudly display in my home and yes 2 calvary troopers from the Midwest brought home the victories.

Next was the season FANALE! Calvary Worlds held at the Eastern U.S. Championships in Shelbyville TN. To me this is the event of the year as you have the Eastern Championships, CMSA Futurity and Calvary Worlds all under the same roof. If you were in the stands, you could hear the Calvary bugle played by Trooper Mark Lohman. 24 Cavalry members the best from across the country lined the warm up area. I was next to my good friend, Jamie Travis and said, “this is awesome”. To my knowledge this was the biggest Calvary class to date. (CO’S note- This was the biggest National level shoot in recent memory, FL Peacemakers hold the official record for largest ever cavalry troop of 33. KJ)

We entered the field of battle one by one running our stages. The excitement building, I could feel the heartbeat of my good horse, Jazz, through the chaps of my Scout uniform ready to attack the course. I loaded my Ruger revolvers, pulled down my hat and entered the arena for stage 2. I was clean in stage one and knew I had to run hard as I was up against the best in the country. I pulled my pistol from my Rod Kibler Calvary flap holsters and aimed down the 4 5/8” barrel one balloon at a time. 1,2,3 ……10 I was clean. I had just won the 2023 Season World Calvary Limited Division Class.

Awards were presented in the arena during the Friday night showcase. Once again both Calvary World Champions limited and Open are troopers (Turner Thompson and I) from the “Calvary of the Midwest”. Last, as is one of the objectives of the CMSA Cavalry Troop I would like to pay tribute to our Military forefathers, current serving military, “Thank You for your service.

Thank to the CMSA National and Cavalry Advisory Boards for your continued support.