Competitors from across Canada are gearing up for the fifth annual Miami Shootout — a high-speed, high-precision mounted shooting event that returns to the Double Z Arena just outside Miami on May 31 and June 1.
Since 2020, Miami resident Josie McEwan has been hosting a mounted shooting competition for horse and gun lovers alike. The event draws competitors from across the country to take part and enjoy all the town has to offer.
Mounted shooting is a sport that requires skill in both horsemanship and marksmanship. The goal is straightforward, though completing it is anything but: competitors must shoot 10 balloon targets with a pistol while riding horseback through a series of challenging courses. A typical event involves using two old Western-style single-action revolvers, each loaded with five specially designed blank cartridges.
There are 85 different course patterns to choose from, each lasting between eight and 25 seconds. Miami’s main match will see competitors run the same pattern to complete the task. Entrants can also sign up for the shotgun and rifle event, which involves two separate patterns — one using a pistol to hit five balloons, and another with a shotgun or rifle to hit the remaining five.
McEwan has been competing in mounted shooting since 2018 and says she loves the rush of the sport. That’s why she’s been hosting a shootout of her own, right on her property, for the past five years.
“I love to compete in it, and I like hosting it at my own house,” she said. “I like seeing the community come out and talk about it. I enjoy talking about the sport and showing it to new people.”
McEwan said training a horse to compete is one of the most challenging aspects, and the process can take months. Her horse took an entire season to start running comfortably with the sound of gunfire — avoiding spooking or jumping sideways. With time and repetition, the animals get used to the noise and learn to navigate the patterns. During competition, horses also wear earplugs to protect their hearing.
“You’ve got to desensitize the horse,” she said. “They have to be gun broke, so you work with them. Some horses take to it pretty quick, and some take a while.”
Mounted shooting is a family affair for McEwan. Her daughter and parents also compete, and she has a busy season ahead — including a shootout in Selkirk this August, a demo at the Morris Stampede, a competition in Vita and a recent appearance at the Brandon Winter Fair.
“It’s just a really good adrenaline rush,” she said. “I’ve done barrels and jumping and all that stuff and nothing compares to this.”
The fifth annual Miami Shootout is set for May 31 and June 1 at the Double Z Arena on McEwan’s property just outside Miami. The main match begins Saturday at 11 a.m., followed by the shotgun and rifle competition. A potluck supper starts at 6 p.m. Sunday’s events begin at 10 a.m.
McEwan said participants have travelled from across Alberta, Saskatchewan and even the United States to attend. Dry camping and self-penning will be available on-site for competitors.
To compete, participants must have a Manitoba Mounted Shooting membership and a restricted firearms licence. They’ll also need their own gear — including firearms, appropriate holsters, a horse and proper horse equipment. Registration for the main match is $100. To register, contact McEwan at 204-242-0036.
Everyone is welcome to attend as a spectator. Admission is free, and hot dogs, snacks and drinks will be available throughout the weekend.
