Reese Smith: Mounted Shooting Champion

Reese Smith, a Flower Mound student, has been participating in mounted shooting, receiving many accolades and awards.
Coram Deo Academy students not only excel in the classroom but also in various extracurricular activities that highlight unique ways the Lord has shaped them. Reese Smith is no exception to that, most recently finding a love for equestrian sports in mounted shooting.

Mounted shooting is an equestrian sport that started in the mid 1990s, a mixture of speed shooting while maneuvering through obstacles at the same time. Reese grew up doing performance showings and, in 2018, began mounted shooting after being introduced to it by her father. For Reese, whether it’s the thrill on the course or the community of great people in mounted shooting, she has found a passion in the sport.

Reese actively participates in mounted shooting training with her horse for speed and minuet moves. Being in the sport for five years, she has learned to know the patterns more and more, which range from 85-90 variations. The biggest challenge for Reese was growing the connection between herself and her horse.

“Compared to other equestrian sports, the horse is a robot. In mounted shooting, you and your horse have to be fine-tuned and in sync.”

For mounted shooting alone, Reese has participated in nine world championships. She has won the World Show from the Paint Horse Association and also won reserve. In fact, she placed first in six out of the nine entries, while finishing second in the remaining three. The atmosphere is competitive but fun, and the community is welcoming.

Reese has grown in connection with her horse, Boone, whom she has been participating with for three and a half years. Her father found the horse back in New Mexico and, though tough in the beginning, they have grown in their partnership. These last couple of months, the duo has been on the top of their game as their bond has become more robust.

When asked about how she had seen The Lord working through these experiences, the first thing that came to mind was getting rid of pride. Reese shares, “Knowing there’s competition I should be better than, or losing to those who haven’t done it as long, is very humbling.” As a reminder to herself, Reese always says three things: "Never underestimate your opponents, never take advantage of opponents, and never compare yourself to your opponents."

If you or someone you know might be interested in equestrian sports, the Western Star Ranch in Flower Mound teaches lessons. Thank you, Reese, for sharing your experience with us.
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