YOU HAVE QUITE AN EXTENSIVE BACKGROUND IN VARIOUS EQUESTRIAN SPORTS– WHAT WAS IT ABOUT MOUNTED SHOOTING THAT CAUGHT YOUR EYE?
I first saw mounted shooting when I was invited to a small rodeo that featured this “new sport” as a demo, and was encouraged by one of the competitors to try it. I had not shot a gun before, but was comfortable on the horse so I gave it a try. A quick explanation on gun handling and they turned me loose on my first pattern. I only hit two targets, but was hooked. I liked that mounted shooting combined skill, speed, and
horsemanship all in one adrenaline punch. I also liked that it is a timed event, which takes the judged aspect out of the sport.
IN YOUR FIRST YEAR OF COMPETING, YOU NOT ONLY QUALIFIED BUT WON THE WORLD LADIES LIMITED CHAMPION TITLE, AS WELL AS THE RESERVE WORLD CHAMPION COWGIRL TITLE THAT YEAR. TELL US WHAT THESE EARLY AWARDS MEAN’T TO YOU?
At that time (1998) the sport was so young and I was so new that it seemed like a whirlwind of luck, saying… “what? I just won?” Winning that early on in my career hooked me for life, and set a path of determination to evolve with the sport as it grew, and to only beat my personal best every season. Now when I ride to a win, I know I have earned it. I ride multiple horses every day, work drill after drill, and practice mental management exercises as well. Mental management plays a key part in competition, to
stay focused and controlled when the adrenaline and pressure sets in.
YOU FOUNDED A CHARTER CLUB OF THE COWBOY MOUNTED SHOOTING ASSOCIATION IN YOUR HOME STATE OF WASHINGTON. HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO PROMOTE AND SUPPORT YOUR SPORT?
It was not only important, but became part of my career-story. When I made the decision to move back to my home state, I wrestled with the fact that I may have to give up the sport as its popularity had not reached Washington yet. I realized the only way I could continue on is to bring the sport with me. It generated a geyser of new shooters, new opportunities and was the catalyst in turning my hobby into my career.
Training (horses), giving lessons, and teaching clinics all became demand in my schedule. All of this while gaining momentum as a competitor and I found myself a full time professional mounted shooter.
YOU’VE STARTED, TRAINED AND FINE TUNED MANY MOUNTED HORSES. TELL US ABOUT THE ULTIMATE TEST OF YOUR
ABILITIES – TRAINING “JUSTIN”?
Justin (AQHA Lieutenent Justin) is my greatest test and my greatest reward. I bought him in 2004 based on his breeding, conformation, and athletic potential, although he was a blank slate in his training. It took Justin about a year to accept gunfire on a pattern. I reached the point about 6 months into his program and considered selling him because I felt as if he wasn’t enjoying his job, in fact he appeared to hate it. Time and patience is what worked for us as a team. I backed off the pressure, and he came forward in his confidence. It’s an amazing feeling to have tenure with a teammate, especially in an animal that you can only communicate with actions and body language. He has it figured out now… he walks into the arena, rocks the clock and walks out.
IN 2009 YOU WON THE OVERALL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, AND IN 2010 THE OVERALL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP – AND BECAME THE FIRST WOMAN IN HISTORY TO WIN IT. IT HAD TO BE AN EMOTIONAL MOMENT TO BEAT ALL THE TOP MEN & WOMEN IN THE SPORT?
Yes, it was the greatest reward anyone can ask for in a career. The wins were sweet not only for the titles, but to be the first and only woman to reach this peak in a co-ed sport blazes a new trail and keeps the spirit of the cowgirl alive and kicking!
WHAT KIND OF RIDING ABILITIES ARE ESSENTIAL IF SOMEONE IS INTERESTED IN MOUNTED SHOOTING?
Mounted Shooting requires a great deal of horsemanship, as typically there are many different turns and degrees of rate and acceleration, all while being accurate in shooting. As with most disciplines, it’s important to be a balanced rider with quiet hands and a deep seat.
WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE A MOUNTED SHOOTING HORSE?
I look for athletic ability, blood and a good mind. A nice 15 hand Quarter Horse is my personal choice. We have 60 different patterns in our book to draw from, so it’s impossible to “pattern” a horse like you would a barrel horse. Shooting horses are trained to wait on the rider to guide them, which is why it’s also important to build confidence in the horse so they don’t anticipate or run off due to confusion. The sport
is open to all breeds, which makes it inviting to a broader spectrum of people with various discipline backgrounds.
I’M SURE OUR READERS WILL WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT YOU! DO YOU HAVE A WEBSITE OR BLOG YOU CAN SHARE WITH US?
My website is www.kendalenseigne.com and I am also on Facebook.
