CMSA Winter 2024 Rundown Part 2

Wranglers

LIMITED WRANGER WILLIAM SIPOLS

WRANGLER 2ROOKIE

By: LillyAnne Chromey

Hi! My name is LillyAnn Chromey, I am 14 years old and my horse Zip and I are the CMSA 2023 Rookie of Year recipients. I have had the opportunity to travel around this year and hug so many familiar faces and meet new ones, and I am so happy that I did!

For those who don’t know me, this story... I started competing in the Wrangler class at 7 years old, my parents ponied me through a few shoots that year. See, my family was new to horses and shooting. This was the first year we had a horse to ride, and we dove in. My first horse was a 23-year-old, 16.1 hand quarter horse named Chester, he was gifted to me from my parent’s good friends the Dixons’, who were retiring him as their shooting horse. That horse gave me wings and taught me, what felt like, everything I know. Without him, I would not have the accomplishments I have today, he set the pace and the bar.

As I came up through the Wrangler program in CMSA, Donnie Sales, whom I affectionately called “cone head” helped build my confidence and hone my course management ability. Chester, and I went on and won more State, Regional and National level titles than I can count, as a Wrangler.

In 2019, my family and I decided to try for a CMSA Limited Wrangler High Point title. That was a long year, and looking back, helped build me up for this year. I rode four horses that year Chester, Whiskey, Chama who is owned by Rob and Shelley Boucher and new horse Zip, near the end of the season. Fun Fact: Zip lost his right eye shortly after we bought him. I ended 2019 the CMSA High Point Wrangler, breaking the points record obtained by a Wrangler in any given year prior.

After that year we moved from Washington to Oklahoma and although we did shoot some, we did not spend much time on the road. However; I was able to clench an Open Wrangler World Championship, in that time.

First off, goals. We all talk about them, some set them. Some we make and some we don’t. What I learned in 2023, more importantly, what do you do when you fail? My big goal, was to be 2023 Rookie of the Year, then I had secondary goals that I wanted, but were not as important. Now how do I get there? I am 14, how do I know? Well…..fortunately for me, my parents helped me lay it out!

My first CMSA shoot was December 30th in Florida, a mere two and a half months already into the 2023 season. It was three shoots. I had some really great runs in one arena and absolutely terrible runs in the second arena. My mind raced after stage two I had missed two, I felt defeated, I was mad, I wanted to scream. We traveled over 2000 miles and here I am, embarrassing myself. What was I doing wrong? It continued, stage three I nailed it, as a measly L1 I held the fast time for a while and ended 11th overall on the stage of over 150 riders. Whew, there I am! I roll into stage four, back in arena two, and I miss three and have a turn around. Now, now I am really in my head. Everything was racing through my head as I walked back to my stall to untack, I could feel my eyes welling up with frustration. Again, I am embarrassing myself. I know I am better than this. As I raked myself over the coals, the negativity rolled in like a black cloud on a stormy night. It was at this point my dad made it to the stalls, hugged me and told me to let it go. Wait, what? Let it go, how? No! why? I can’t! “I completely embarrassed myself”, I exclaimed!

Don’t get me wrong, my mom’s favorite saying is “you are going to get out of something no more than you are willing to put in”. I am pretty sure I hear this in my dreams, it is so vetted into my brain. But on this day, they told me something else, something that set the course for my entire year. they said, “Lilly, embarrassment is the cost of entry”. Huh? I rolled my eyes. My mom repeated. “Embarrassment is the cost of entry.” As I rolled my eyes again, I said, “I heard you mom, what do you mean?” On that day, at that very moment; I got my first BIG lesson in winning, at this level. This is what I learned: If you want to be the best winner, you have to be the best looser, and it is ok to suck. THAT is what they meant. If you want to enter the big leagues one day, you have to know what it is like to be a looser, and part of that, usually, is being embarrassed. It is ok, to be humbled.

I rolled that over and over in my head and the next two days, I took my first two wins as a L1. Over the year, this has been a constant as I have had plenty of less than enjoyable or pretty runs. I often will claim at the end of a run “I was just paying my dues” and this is where that stems from.

To obtain the Rookie title, I wanted to make the middle of the overall at every shoot, making the trips, runs, miles and entries worth it, it’s a long race to run for a year end award, not a sprint race. Most of the time I was able to obtain that, and when I wasn’t, I assessed, addressed and moved on. By mid-year I had worked my way out of the A division and decided to try and double up, my goals were growing. Not only did I want to be Rookie, I wanted a divisional win, it was like a second challenge to see if I could do both. I wanted to end the season as a L4, with at least one win and Top 10 Ladies. So how did it all pan out?

My biggest 2023 accomplishments:

2023 Rookie of the Year

2023 AA Ladies Division Winner

Top 10 Overall year End High Point, back number 6

2023 Ladies Reserve Overall Year End High Point

2023 L4 Highpoint (2 qualified wins)

2023 Oklahoma Overall Cowgirl

4th Place finish in the Non-Pro Futurity

2023 AA Ladies Double Down World Champion

2023 Limited AQHA World Champion

Highest Points finish of a Rookie, to date

First Rookie to make the Top 10, ever

Over the thousands of miles we traveled, I shot 18 weekends, often multiple shoots per weekend, or pre-shoots to majors, all the majors and, ended with 18,653 points and shot in 11 different states. My year in review reminds me of the level of fortitude and determination that is needed to face circumstances and days, that make us feel like our dreams and goals have been dashed, slowly slipping away. Then to muster the resilience and acceptance of failure, and still to keep coming back every day, embracing our embarrassment, paying our dues and driving ourselves to be better while celebrating our losses with the winners, whom we love and admire. We are champions.

I have made the best of friends, lifelong friends, in Mounted Shooting and I look forward to passing out hugs in 2024!

2023 Rookie of the Year, LillyAnn Chromey

DOUBLE DOWN

CorbincDavis

AA Cowboys

A Cowgirls

Amanda Hudson

A Cowboys

SENIOR ADDED MONEY & AWARDS

Winter & Western US Championships

Rob Boucher Team

• Pat & Sherrii Gurule / Gurule Trucking

• Blair & Cheri Phlippi / Rundown Ranch

• Mari Benson

• Phil & Sarah Wogoman

• Rob & Shelley Boucher / Wolf Creek Cedar Inc.

• Steve Flint

• Dwayne Savage / ProFuel Truck Wash

• Don & Deb Evans

• Wayne & Anna Cordeiro

• Mark & Jamie Zueger

• Paul & De Chapman / Shoot Pony

• Tyler & Rick Johnson / Signature Press

National & World Cecil Berry Team

• Cecil & Leslie Berry

• Tad & Joann Jolley / Jolley Pharmacy

• Kenny Lawson / Silver Dollar Ranch

• Ronnie & Stacey Smith

Eastern US Championships

Connecticut Renegades

Florida Peacemakers

Peach State Mounted Shooters Association

Red Clay Rebels

Northern Illinois Outlaws

Indiana CMSA

Indiana Mounted Regulators

Kentucky Sharp Shooters

KY Cowtown Rangers

The Cajun Posse Mounted

Bay State Bandits

Mason Dixon Deputies

• Mike & Sabrina Lewallen

• Jim Winnick & Christie Paterson / Bourbon Hill Ranch

• Joe & April Sekutera

• Janie Ford / Three Feathers

• Jon & Maria Gregory

• Kevin & Merilee Thacker

• Kevin & Beth Brown

• Dale & Wendy Schaefer

Eliminator

Senior Incentive

Blake Dooley

Faythe Yarbrough Limited Cowgirl Champion

Cecil Berry

Open Cowboy Champion

Kelly Shryock Open Cowgirl Champion

Steven Flint

Limited Cowboy Champion

Julie Saratsky

Limited Cowgirl Champion

All

$50 Split Limited

$100 Split Open

CMSA World

$100 Split Limited

$200 Split Open

DARRELL DUFRESNE LIMITED WORLD CHAMPION

ERIC HUDSON RES LIMITED WORLD CHAMPION

BRETT BORKOWSKI OPEN WORLD CHAMPION

ROB BOUCHER RES LIMITED WORLD CHAMPION

SHOTGUN SHOWCASE

Brett Borkowski

CMSA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

CMSA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

TREY CASPERSON

LIMITED WORLD CHAMPION

TAYLOR GOIN

RES LIMITED WORLD CHAMPION

ZANE CHUNN

OPEN WORLD CHAMPION

JD CASPERSON

RES LIMITED WORLD CHAMPION

By: Kayla Lewallen

UNDERDOG MINDSET:

MINDSET

DEVELOPING A GROWTH

Backstory:

In November 2018, my family and I purchased an eight-year-old gelding that would eventually become well-known to anyone who knows me as Scooter. After purchasing Scooter, I decided that I needed more help learning the ropes with him. I grew up riding every horse on the farm, but there was just something different about this horse. I spent most of my summers riding with a trainer near my house, Sam Helms. As many people know, I rode Scooter for about two years until I started the Underdog Mindset Facebook Page on October 23rd, 2020. I wanted to share my struggles and lessons I have learned from growing up competing with others who may be facing the same challenges. See, in the arena, we often think that everyone has it all put together. No matter if you are a beginner, amateur, or professional, we all face the same challenges. For me, it was learning to develop a growth mindset and to stop listening to everyone else's opinions.

The Struggle was Real:

After Sam’s passing in 2021, the progress I had made with Scooter and my shooting started to backtrack. I would receive negative comments from others about my capability with this horse. I was told I was not qualified to ride a horse of his caliber, and he needed someone else to take him to his full potential. I let all these things bother me for so long and felt lost. A few weeks after Sam’s passing, Dana Hall sent me a letter. It was a picture of Sam and me from the first major championship I ever won on Scooter. The picture has a quote that reads, “Teaching is only demonstrating that it is possible. Learning is making it possible for yourself. - Paolo Ceohlo”. After shedding a few tears, it was time to stop dwelling on negative comments and to get to work. I had to stop dwelling on opinions I couldn’t change and focus on growing into the rider I wanted to be.

I finally realized that although these people were saying negative things, they were also right. They were right because if I did not fully commit and if I surrendered to the beliefs of others, Scooter would have been the horse that was out of my league. They were right in the sense that I wasn’t ready for him at that moment, but they were wrong on the idea that I would never be ready. They were wrong because they did not count on the fact of growth. See, having a growth mindset means that you accept the fact that where you are today is not where you will be in the future. It’s accepting change and being able to understand that there are some things you aren’t capable of at this very moment. It doesn’t mean you will never be capable. No, it means that to be capable of accomplishing what you want to achieve, you must grow. You must change your habits, become more disciplined, and grow mentally and physically. 17-year-old me was not capable of bringing that horse to his full potential when I got him. But that version of myself no longer sits in the saddle. I adapted, I grew as a rider, I learned from my past mistakes, and let this horse be my teacher. Were we successful in our first year? No. But we got there. Having a growth mindset is so important if you want to get to the next level. You might not be there now, but you will be. That’s the mentality you must have. Now, Scooter and I communicate and have a mutual respect for our individual capabilities in the arena. It’s all about growth. Don’t let people tell you that you can’t handle something. You might be unable to handle it now, but if you can commit to the goal, you will be able to overcome any obstacle in your way when you are ready. Train yourself to be capable and ready. Grow and learn from past mistakes. Accept change and develop your mental and physical capabilities. You are capable if you have a growth mindset. Growth is the only way we get better.

Developing the Growth Mindset:

First and foremost, believe in yourself. Believe that you can achieve your goals. Self-doubt attracts failure. Believe and be confident in yourself. Next, understand that although you are not ready today, it doesn't mean you never will be. Put in the work! Work on things that you struggle with. Whether it be a certain pattern you struggle with, timing issues, or even handling the pressure of high-stake runs. Get out of your comfort zone and work on your weaknesses. The more you apply yourself and work on things that you are not the best at, the faster you will get better at them. Remember, just because you failed at something a few times doesn’t mean you will never get it. Keep trying and keep going. Always set realistic goals for yourself as well and hold yourself accountable. Dedicate at least two to three hours a week working on things that will help you achieve your goals. Set a realistic timeline for when you would like to achieve these things. Whether it be a year from now or six months. Make sure you are setting deadlines that are achievable and will help you build your self-confidence. For instance, if you set a deadline to achieve a goal in two weeks and it would realistically take you four weeks, you are setting yourself up to doubt your abilities. If you achieve it earlier, then great! Remember, if you are applying yourself, learning, and growing as an individual, yet you didn't achieve your goal by a set date, it is okay! It is still a win because you showed up. So set goals, hold yourself accountable to those goals, and set realistic deadlines.

* Stimulates Acupuncture Points

Believe in yourself & know that you are capable of You are not alone on this journey. I and many others have faced difficulties and setbacks in our mounted shooting careers. Accept the changes and remember to grow. A growth mindset is the only way we can change the narrative and become the best and most

* Raises Performance Levels w/o Medication

* Works on The Cellular Level

* Fights Infection on Open Wounds

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Proud sponsor of Kenda Lenseigne

Photo by: Scott Lindquist

DO’S & DON’TS

Around the Arena Etiquette

1. DO Treat all guns as if they are always loaded.

2. DON'T ever let your gun point at anything that you are not willing to destroy.

3. DO Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on target, you have crossed the timeline and you have made the decision to shoot.

4. DO Keep guns holstered unless you are in the arena, at the loading table or at your trailer.

5. DOn't wear guns in spectator stands.

6. DOn't dry fire in the warmup pen.

7. DO Leave space when parking to allow competitors room to tie their horses to trailers. At least 15 feet.

8. Don't walk through a warmup circle or cut off a fellow competitor. go the same direction as traffic and not against it.

9. Do Put pets on a leash. this allows everyone the right to decide if they want to come up to your pet and not the other way around.

10. DO thank the ones producing the event. They don’t hear it often enough, and a simple “thank you” is truly appreciated.

Code of conduct for

COWBOYS & COWGIRLS

1. Live each day with honesty and courage.

2. Take pride in your work. Always do your best.

3. Stay curious. Study hard and learn all you can.

4. Do what has to be done and finish what you start.

5. Be tough, but fair.

6. When you make a promise, keep it.

7. Be clean in thought, word, deed, and dress.

8. Practice tolerance and understanding of others.

9. Be willing to stand up for what’s right.

10. Be an excellent steward of the land and its animals.

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.

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National Advisory Board

Chairman: Bobby Ruwe

(513) 479-5984

Mid Atlantic Robert Johnston (443) 783-0018 rustedstar10@gmail.com

Mike Lewallen (336) 442-2198 maverick@thecarolinaoutlaws.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 adamjamesross.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 hiddentreasurefarm@aol.com

South Pacific

Eric Ryan Anderson (352) 455-0803 roofcat64@yahoo.com

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

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

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 mountedgf@yahoo.com

Mike Lewallen (336) 442-2198 maverick@thecarolinaoutlaws.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 hannah@titusmarine.com

Rob Rickgauer 719-339-8707 leverguncowboy@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

SLIDING INTO

The Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association