In From The RangeIn From The Range
Ed Harris, Viggo Mortensen
Ed Harris and Viggo Mortensen star as a pair of lawmen out to tame a chaotic Western town from the throws of a criminal rancher in Appaloosa, an adaptation of the Robert B. Parker novel. The film places Harris back behind the camera for the second time after his acclaimed directorial debut with the film Pollock in 2000 in which he played the title character. Harris and Mortensen last played enemies in the 2005 "A History of Violence." Renée Zellweger co-stars as a double-dealing widow whose appearance creates a rift between the two men and their mission.
When Virgil Cole and Everett Hitch arrive in Appaloosa, they find a small, dusty town suffering at the hands of renegade rancher Randall Bragg, played by Jeremy Irons, a man who has so little regard for the law that he has taken supplies, horses, and women for his own and left the city marshal and one of his deputies for dead. Cole and Hitch, itinerant lawmen, are used to cleaning up after opportunistic thieves, but in Bragg they find an unusually wily adversary-one who raises the stakes by playing not with the rules, but with emotions.
Appaloosa, which was filmed on location in New Mexico, has been picked up by New Line Cinema, but has yet to set a release date. You can bet the film will be released in time for Oscar consideration being that the cast is a who’s who of Oscar nominees and winners. The Hollywood trade magazines have already used the “O” word for Appaloosa.
Silver Screen Legend Makes Happy Trails For Abused Children
For the eleventh year in a row, the Happy Trails Children’s Foundation will raffle the Silver Screen Legend to raise money for abused children in its Victorville, California facilities. Through the generosity of Colt’s Manufacturing Company, the non-profit organization has put together a gun and holster set of intricate design in a tribute to Roy Rogers and the Miller Brothers 101 Ranch Wild West Show.
Roy Rogers appeared and performed at countless stage shows, fairs, rodeos and Wild West shows and for several years was headliner of the Roy Rogers Championship Rodeo, produced by Col. Jim Eskew, of the JE Ranch Rodeo. Col. Eskew presented Roy with a pair of six-guns from the collection of the world-renowned 101 Ranch. These 7 ½” barreled .45 Colt Single Action Army revolvers with the 101 Ranch brand crudely stamped on the side frame were gold plated and used heavily in exhibition shooting by Roy in his live performances. To go along with the gold plated guns, Roy had a special double holster rig made in 1949 to commemorate the centennial of the 1849 gold rush. The outfit in the Roy Rogers style featured gold spots and buckle sets. The original guns and holsters are now on display in the Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Museum in Branson, Missouri.
The Silver Screen Legend pistols were donated by Colt Manufacturing Company to commemorate the originals. The hand engraved, gold plated, .45’s with 7 ½” barrels, feature hand-crafted stag grips and the 101 Ranch brand engraved as on the originals. The holster rig is an exacting replica of the original, fully carved using the identical pattern as on the original with hand crafted and engraved gold plated spots and buckle sets. Roy reserved the use of this fancy outfit for public appearances and for use in photo shoots for his comic book covers and movie publicity.
Jim Lockwood of Legends in Leather provided the original concept, theme, design and production of the Silver Screen Legend XI. Conrad Anderson of Rocktree Enterprises provided the handmade sterling silver gold plated buckle sets, spots, and hand engraving on the pistols. The carved stag grips were hand crafted by Bob Leskovec of Precision Pro Grips. Ben Hansen of Beauty from Scratch made the presentation case for the guns and Ron Love of Prescott, Arizona donated the prop cartridges.
Tickets for Silver Screen Legend are $10 each or 11 tickets for $100. The drawing will be held December 14, 2008 in Victorville, California. Winner need not be present. To order tickets phone (760) 240-3330 or visit www.happytrails.org.
CMSA TO AWARD FORD PICK UP
The Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association announced it would award a brand new Ford F-150, 4×4, crew cab pickup truck to one lucky high point champion for the 2008 competition season. Coinciding with the recent increase in point qualifications to enter the World Championships, point winners in every shooting class, twenty-seven in total, will be eligible to win the Ford.
“Every class––Men’s and Senior Men’s, Ladies and Senior Ladies as well as Junior, Limited, Express and Master will each be awarded and recognized for being the High Point Class Winner for 2008,” says CMSA Marketing Director, Brady Carr. “From each divisional grouping one will be drawn to win a free Main Match Entry and a stall at all 2009 Championship Series events.”
The CMSA also announced the addition of new added money sponsors in the Cavalry Class sponsored by a group of Sundowner Dealers, Rifle Competition sponsored by Double E Ranch, Colt Eliminator and Wrangler Pro Shootout.
Stetson Dives Into Denim
Stetson Apparel dives into denim with a “fit for all” approach to jeans. The new 1520 Standard Straight Leg jean lends itself to a broad spectrum of customers with its premium denim and relaxed fit. The new jean features a relaxed seat and thigh and is slightly tapered at the knee with a straight leg. The 1520 is available in both medium and dark stone looks.
“Stetson Apparel has always bridged the gap from mainstream fashion to western functionality, and the new 1520 Standard Straight Leg does just that,” said Ginger Wallace, brand director. Stetson jeans are constructed of American made denim to give added strength and durability in a heavy weight 13 and 14oz denim. You’ll have a tough time finding a pair that won’t fit your needs since they are offered from 26-44 waists and from 30-40 lengths.
The Stetson 1520 jean will be available in finer retail stores starting in April 2008. Be sure to ask your nearest western store for Stetson jeans, and try a pair on for yourself. You’ll appreciate the quality construction that makes these jeans everything you expect from the Stetson brand.
Stetson Apparel and Boots’ headquarters are located in Aurora, Colo. Stetson’s distinctive clothing and boots are designed for men and women seeking sophistication and quality in their western wardrobe.
For more information, contact Stetson at stetsoninfo@roperusa.com or (800) 825-6555, or visit Stetson online at www.stetsonapparel.com
Colt Get’s Laid Back
In one of the most significant modifications ever made to the Colt Single Action Army since it was first introduced in 1873, Colt’s Manufacturing Company is offering two new hammer options specifically deigned for the Mounted Shooting market. The laid-back hammers come in a slim and a wide version and can be installed by Colt or purchased as an option when buying new guns. Price point for the hammers in new pistols will be $75 for the wide and $50 for the slim. Cost for the hammers alone will be $200 for the wide and $150 for the slim. Go to www.coltsmfg.com.
The Switchback
Legendary bit and spur maker, Tom Balding of Sheridan, Wyoming continues to impress the discerning horseman with his fine craftsmanship and versatility in creating functional bits and spurs. His original no-pinching Ballhinge was a technology breakthrough in the equine world. Create a custom bit by combining a Ballhinge mouthpiece with Tom’s newest shank design, the Switchback. The sleek combination of stainless steel and brass produce an eye catching bit that will add an extra degree of style to your performance. View the on-line gallery of bits and spurs at www.tombalding.com
Hydro Horse
Hydro Horse is an on-demand in-trailer watering system for horses. Your horse can now drink fresh water while going down road. No spill. No loose bowls. With a press of the lever it releases water and horses can drink as much as they want, when they want. No more having to worry about pulling over to water your horses––filling buckets, wondering if they’re going to drink and wasting water. Hydro Horse comes standard for a three-horse trailer. An optional four-horse system is available as well as optional brackets you can mount on the outside of the trailer. Unit comes with bowls, plumbing, pump, 40-gallon water tank and a T-off to hook up garden hose. Cost for the complete unit to mounted shooters is $800. Battery not included. Contact Randy or Heidi Gunn at 970-377-2403 or email them at gunnpoint@peoplepc.com.
Troxel Cowboy Hat Helmet
Troxel LLC, the worldwide leader in ASTM / SEI certified equestrian helmets, has introduced the Western Hat Helmet, bringing a new era of safety to Western riding. A major breakthrough in helmet technology, the Western Hat Helmet integrates certified protection into a classic, creased-brim Western hat.
Troxel conceived the Western Hat Helmet to meet the needs of the rapidly changing Western riding industry, where helmets are starting to establish a strong presence. The bull-riding industry in particular has started to mandate the use of protective helmets in order to compete. Among Western riders, the demand grew for a hat/helmet that provides protection without sacrificing Western tradition.
“An overwhelming number of riders asked us to create a product that combines the traditional Western hat with a certified helmet,” said Shay Joaquin, CEO of Troxel. “This product represents the next evolution of safety technology in Western riding, and we are proud to do our part to encourage helmet use in the Western market.”
Available in hat sizes 6 1/2 – 7 1/8, the Western Hat Helmet features Troxel’s advanced fit technologies, including an internal Flip-Fold™ Fit System that allows personalized adjustment within each head size, and a leather retention system that secures a comfortable fit. The exterior black hat, made from 2X wool felt, features a 4" shapeable brim, and a 3/8” felt hat band. The Hat Helmet weighs only 14.6 ounces.
The Troxel Western Hat Helmet system is a safety helmet at heart and as such has a larger profile than your standard western hat. The Western Hat Helmet is SEI certified and meets ASTM safety standards. To keep the helmet profile as discreet as possible the size range is limited. We suggest a fitting at your local tack shop to ensure the Western Hat Helmet system is right for you.
Available in April from select retailers and catalogs at an MSRP of $119.95, the Western Hat Helmet is the latest addition to Troxel’s line of Western helmets, which includes the Western-detailed Cheyenne and rugged all-trails Sierra . Visit Troxel’s website at www.troxelhelmets.com for more information.
CMSA RIDES WITH THE DUKE
Starting with their Classic Series Match at Phoenix, Arizona’s “Festival of the West,” the Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association (CMSA) has officially signed on to hold their major mounted shoots as part of “Team Duke.” As part of the CMSA’s continuing efforts to raise awareness for such charities as Wrangler’s “Tough Enough To Wear Pink” fight against cancer program and the North American Riding for the Handicap Association (NAHRA), the CMSA will also be promoting the name of the JWCF and the good work that it does.
John Wayne, Hollywood’s biggest box office draw during his lifetime and now nearly three decades after his passing, and amazingly, still one of the world’s most popular movie stars, beat lung cancer in 1964, although cancer of the stomach finally took his life 15 years later. During this difficult period, the Duke became passionate about helping others fight this terrible disease. To honor his memory, his family created the John Wayne Cancer Foundation to bring courage, strength and grit to the fight against cancer.
Since it’s founding in 1985, JWCF has supported awareness programs, education programs and support groups, and is aligned with like-minded groups and non-profits that advance the fight against cancer. JWCF has also been committed to groundbreaking cancer research and education at the John Wayne Cancer Institute.
Team Duke is an athletic fundraising program unlike any other. You pick the sport. You pick the event. The JWCF helps you enlist sponsors and meet your goals, and all of your hard work benefits the JWCF. Now, Cowboy Mounted Shooting—CMSA style–has saddled up to promote the name of Team Duke and bring awareness of the JWCF to more people nationwide. As members of this worthwhile and prestigious team, all CMSA cardholders will ride at our Big Four and the CMSA Classic Series, while representing the John Wayne Cancer Foundation (JWCF). The CMSA is extremely proud to be riding in memory of John Wayne, an original cowboy mounted shooter, while fighting cancer! As the Duke would say, “Mount up…we’re burnin’ daylight!” For more information on how you can help in the fight against cancer, contact the JWCF directly at www.jwcf.org.
Target Automation By Mark Boardman
It’s a familiar site at mounted shooting contests—just as much as horses and riders speeding around the course.A group of folks, usually youngsters, race out after every contestant to put in the new balloon targets. And for event organizers, it’s a headache and a half. Many nonprofit groups don’t want to do it. Others want too much money. Or even worse, some don’t show up for the match.
Ray Crandell has a solution. Welcome to the age of technology.
It’s a machine that automatically replaces the balloons after every shooter. And it works like this: the tower shaped device contains an air cylinder, an air compressor, a radio control, and a belt with 120 holes for balloons. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes to change or reload the belt, and there’s a backup that can be filled while the other is in use. Between riders, an operator sends a signal to the machine, which fills up the 10 balloons in just a few seconds.
It’s efficient. And it’s speedy.
“We estimate that we can run 70 riders an hour,” says Crandell, “Basically, it will cut the time between riders in half—or better.”
For his part, naturally, Ray Crandell is enthusiastic about the possibilities. “I think we’re headed into a new era in mounted shooting, one that not only speeds things up but builds audience anticipation by picking up the pace,” he says. “As one rider goes off, another gets started.”
And that means that riders will have a better idea of just when they’ll shoot each round: “If you know you’re number 80 on the lineup, and they’re running, say, 60 horses an hour, an hour and a half from now you’re going to be shooting. So you don’t have to sit around, you don’t have to wait and you can dedicate your time to something else.”
Crandell has already had inquiries from potential buyers, and the machine will probably hit the market this summer. The price has yet to be set; that’ll be based on demand and on whether mass production is possible. He has been renting some out, though. And the word is getting out.
What about all those kids who’ve been running balloons out to the course? Maybe they can watch the competition—or even join in.  Related posts:
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