Almost 50 riders from the Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association (CMSA) gathered in Clearwater Twp. last weekend to compete against each other and raise money for a good cause.

 

“All the proceeds from this weekend go to Project ASTRIDE,” said match director Shellie Kremers.

 

Project ASTRIDE (Adapted Specialized Training & Recreation Involving Disabled Equestrians) is a local program for therapeutic horseback riding for individuals with disabilities.

 

The non-profit organization is based in St. Stephen, where there are indoor and outdoor arenas and riding trails for ASTRIDE members.

 

Last weekend, members of the CMSA took part in a shooting competition where they had to ride through a course, around obstacles and shoot baloons along the way.

 

“It’s scored on accuracy and time,” said Gary Ehalt from Grand Rapids, a competitor at Level 2. “If you miss a balloon it’s five seconds. If you miss a gate or a barrel it’s 10 seconds.”

 

Shooters move up a level by winning four competitions that are held at different arenas throughout the Midwest.

 

Last weekend’s event was hosted by the Minnesota Mounted Shooters Association (MMSA) and held at the Gnasty Gnat Arena at the home of Tom and Wendy Jones in Clearwater Twp. The event was called Riding on Angel Wings. 

 

“It’s in honor of our dear friend La Kota who rode with project ASTRIDE and passed away two years ago from cancer,” said Kremers, who has been a volunteer with ASTRIDE for over 18 years. 

 

Early Saturday evening, after the regular competition was finished, members from ASTRIDE were paired up with MMSA riders. The riders went through their course, then it was time for ASTRIDE members to show their stuff.

 

“They do same pattern but use a stick with a pin.  Their patrner will be on the ground helping them pop the ballooons,” said Kremers. “We’ll take the combined time, and the fastest boy and girl rider will get a buckle.”

 

There were prizes and trophies for all ASTRIDE members, and they got a chance to take part in a fun competition. 

 

“With therapeudic riding, we’re usually calm and quiet,” said Kremers. “This  gives them an opportunity to get outside and use their loud yelling, hooting and hollering voices instead of what we do inside.” 

 

Project ASTRIDE started in 1986 and has served individuals from age four  through 103 by promoting a fun and positive learning environment and encouraging people of differing abilities and perspectives to learn and grow from each other.

 

To learn more about Project ASTRIDE, check their website at astride.org.