SHOOTING

is always a great way to spend the weekend.”

Mounted shooting is a relatively new sport, only gaining traction in 2000. ough being formed in the 1990s, the sport traces its roots to the 1800s and the cowboys of the West. To honor this history, competitors are required to wear Western-style clothing. Some competitors choose to wear historic clothing of the American West or Cavalry uniforms. Women will sometimes wear long, ornate Western skirts and dresses on horseback.

Ken Jardine competed at the event in Kiowa on Saturday. From Nova Scotia, Canada, he is currently traveling around the United States competing in Cavalry mounted shooting. He currently leads the sport in points for Cavalry with 585. At the event he was dressed head-to-toe in traditional Cavalry garb.

“I’m an adrenaline junkie. I was a commercial and military diver and I ew in military airplanes. is is the closest I can get to that same feeling of adrenaline. It’s just great fun and great people really,” said Jardine. “I shoot Cavalry. Cavalry is a military tribute class. I’m a veteran. A lot of us are. It’s a way for us to keep our veterans, military, and forefathers in mind.”

A few days before the competition, the Elbert County News did a Q&A with Cassidy Esposito, a participant in mounted shooting and a contestant for the Miss Rodeo Colorado 2024 title. e Q&A is below: Where are you from?

I am originally from Parker, Colorado where I was born and raised. I went to Douglas County Schools and was in Douglas County 4-H growing up. Since 2018, I have been attending college at Colorado State University in Fort Collins and just recently graduated in May with my master’s in journalism and media communication. So, for the last few years, I have called both Fort Collins and Parker home.

SEE SHOOTING, P5

Your Douglas County Fair & Rodeo is just around the corner

Looking for unique food options, starstudded country music and vintage cars all in the same place this summer? Visit the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo from July 28 to Aug. 6. To purchase tickets and view the schedule, visit FairandRodeoFun.com