Category Archives: SASS

SASS

End Of Trail 2017

Posted on by kathousekelli70

It is June and that means one thing. The World Championships of Cowboy Action Shooting, End of Trail, is on this next week!

 

Well actually we head out today for Moriarty, New Mexico. The van is loaded to the hilt! It will be a full day's drive with the occasional stop on the way.

Tomorrow we will head out to Founders Ranch to pick up our packs and check in. Dropping gear off to other Aussie's and catching up with a few friends.

Saturday will be the start of the Wild Bunch 3 day championship so will be back in touch then!

Travel safely those who are heading that way as well, all 600 of you!

Kat xo

 

Super Saturday

Posted on by kathousekelli70

This past weekend, while some were shooting matches away or just staying at home, there were 15 cowboys and cowgirls who headed out to the range.

Not an ordinary shooting day but a clinic by Roy's Creek Dan (RCD) and Kathouse Kelli (aka me). After some preliminary review of basics, and brief talk about your mental game, we split the crew into 2 groups.

 

I took the group who needed some transition assistance, putting some shots on paper to really see where we are going, testing our 'to first shot', running some stages with discussion regarding movement, staging of guns and keeping both hands doing something whilst being smooth.

 

RCD took care of the new shooters and those that are in need of some further review, using some dry fire techniques to simulate their transitions and use of their firearms and equipment.

Jack was floating between the two groups and he did the 'subway' run for us all to have lunch. Good man!

After lunch we all got back to the range to video some stages so critiquing could take place and assist with some technique modifications if needed.

 

It was a long day, that I know I enjoyed sharing information with others and I hope that the positive reinforcement and information RCD had put together has helped many of those who were there. Look forward to seeing them all progress and have fun!

Thanks Hurricane Deck for the photos!

See you on the range!

Kat xo

Don't worry, Jack and I will hold some clinics in Aus 😉

 

Smokin’ Guns At Rabbit Ridge Part 2

Posted on by kathousekelli70

Okay, so after the exceptional opening ceremony yesterday, we shot 5 stages, got a little more suntan, had a blast with our posse and finished on a high note!

Friday I think as previously mentioned, was Wild Bunch, side matches, and a chilli dinner with joke night. THAT brought out some of the best and worst from all ages (might I add).

Saturday after the exceptional opening ceremony (see Smokin' Guns At Rabbit Ridge Part 1) we went through 5 stages of the main match which was pretty good and then we had a range dinner of catfish, shrimp and hush puppies with coleslaw and fries – of course a cupcake, and chicken tenders for Jack and others that didn't want catfish!

We had the band play last night but we retired reasonably early.

Throughout the night the thunder and lightning kept some of us awake and when it was time to see in the new day this morning it was still raining at a reasonable rate. Yuck!

Breakfast was had and by the time we left for the range it was very very light.

When we were ready to start shooting, all rain had ceased and we were blessed with spectacular cloudy, or cloudless weather for the rest of the day. It was particularly water logged and muddy – to say the very least!!!

 

Our group of shooters, Posse 1, (which included Annie Hicock, Fast Fingers Green, Billy Broncstomper, Belle Vaquera, Jackaroo and myself, C.S. Brady, Trail Agent, Slick McClade, Harpe, Jackalope Jeb, Red Jack Morgan, Okie Buck, Outlaw Bill Wilson, The Arizona Ranger and Three Sheets) finished in spectacular style, sliding into the very muddy Train Depot stage.

 

The clean match winners were announced and given a guncart hand towel. A neat idea and something different.

The veterans from each division (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, National Guard) were presented with a special challenge coin. I didn't know they had an area on the entry forms to state service, Jack had put his service down too and was pleasantly surprised to be included in this honour.

I present to you the 'Veterans Posse'. Everyone gave a standing ovation to these men and women. We thank you for your service.

 

Category awards were handed out with Jack and I both winning ours. Congratulations to the Lady Wranglers; Dew R Dye 2nd and Belle Vaquera 3rd! To the Silver Seniors; Three Sheets 2nd, 3rd and 4th!

 

We worked out 12 of the 16 in our posse placed!

The Mississippi State overall champions were Blackfish Kid for the Men's and Lady Gator for the Ladies.

The overall match champions were Slick McClade and Slick's Sharpshooter (not related, she belongs to a different 'Slick' family! 🙂 )

 

Well done to the Mississippi River Rangers for a fabulous and memorable weekend.

Kat xo

 

Smokin’ Guns At Rabbit Ridge Part1

Posted on by kathousekelli70

……I'm an American soldier, an American, besides my brothers and my sisters, I will proudly take a stand, when liberty's in jeopardy, I will always do what's right, I'm out here on the front line, so you can sleep in peace tonight….. (yes, sing along, Toby Keith's American Soldier) well, what a heart rendering opening ceremony as Smokin' Guns at Rabbit Ridge is known for. The presentation of the Color Guard is the highlight to this match which usually falls on Memorial Day weekend. Thank you to all those who have served and are serving, be it here or across the world.

Sweetwater Sage riding Quervo trotted down the range with the Christian flag and Tumbleweed riding Sunny with the American flag ready to hand to Col. Benjamin Grierson and Sgt. Hampton for raising. This is all whilst they have Toby Keith's, American Soldier playing in the background. Man, just brings tears to your eyes. Just truly sensational! Go to Facebook to see the video.

 

After the Color Guard, National Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance, was a very moving tribute to Easy Lee who passed away just a short time ago. Fellow cowboy's from the Mississippi Rangers led a procession with the painted pony bearing a set of cowboy boots back to front in the stirrups, his rig, pistols and hat astride the saddle. May he rest in peace.

 

With the fire of multi shotgun blast, the ceremony was complete and after having the usual group photo beside the paddle steamer facade everyone departed to their assigned Posse and we are ready to throw some lead down range!

 

Five spectacular stages completed under light cloud cover with intense humidity….,yeah that's probably a good way to describe it, although I think the humidity hit its peak earlier this evening when the sun came out and we were all hanging around waiting for dinner and the band.

A visit with vendors, chatting with folks, drinking beer. Yep, sounds like a whole lot of fun!! When the band, Drivin' Sideways, got on to play with our resident star guitar player Fast Fingers Green from Oklahoma, we were rockin' out to the good Ol' tunes. (He played with the likes of Jerry Lee Lewis and Conway Twitter when teenagers! Just imagine! I was so born in the wrong era, love this music!)

 

We called it a night, been a long day, got another long one tomorrow (yes it was only 7.45pm when we left the range 🙂 ) and just too sticky to stay out longer.

 

Night y'all!

Kat xo

 

Mississippi Bound

Posted on by kathousekelli70

We head out today for a trip to Byhalia, Mississippi. Home to the Mississippi Rangers and the 20th Anniversary of Smokin' Guns at Rabbit Ridge.

Will be a good catch up with lots of friends on a beautiful green grassy range, great facades and a well put together match.

Yee Haa!

Kat xo

 

Surprise! Go to their website and there is us from the last time!

www.mississippiriverrangers.com

 

The Great Spaghetti Western

Posted on by kathousekelli70

By definition 'a western film made cheaply in Europe by an Italian director'.

 

The GREAT Spaghetti Western however, was not in Europe but the great state of Texas (Leonard, TX) directed by the Texas Ten Horns.

A neat little range that is slowly growing. Great facades and buildings that allow for shooting under cover should the weather be inclement and a couple of open ranges. Plans are in place for expansion so we look forward to attending this range again!

 

Only a few hours drive, we arrived Friday finding the motel and the range without any hassle. We checked in and caught up with some cowboy's and cowgirl's, watching some already commence with side matches.

Stages were set simply with a great mix of target shapes and sizes. This was going to be fun!

 

Jack and I also got to meet these little treasures! We had met their Dad 'Texas Jack Diamondback' and eldest daughter 15yr old 'Darlin Diamondback' up in Thurmont, MD last year. Adding to the Diamondback family is 7yr old twins 'Dixie Diamondback' and 'Dazzlin Diamondback' along with 10yr old 'Daisy Diamondback' they are all just so sweet and I'm looking forward to making the little ones their dresses for End Of Trail. Now if we can just get Mom to shoot!! 😉

 

Saturday morning with safety briefing, pledge of allegiance and a spectacular rendition of the Star Spangled Banner by Chiquita Bandita! Outstanding!

Five stages done by lunch time, everyone is fed, watered and released back into the field for side matches or just catching up. Of course where would we be without 'spaghetti and meatballs' for dinner!! Side match awards were given out also.

 

Then we caught up with Hawkshaw Fred and Annie D Vine and got to see the riding habit (previous blog post) in all its glory! It's perfect, fits her, length is spot on, I couldn't be happier – best of all was the smile on her face!

Sunday, last chance for another spectacular day with the Ten Horns. Five stages done and dusted! Thank you to our Posse Marshal, Billy Boots who headed up Posse 3 – Big Iron Patnode, C R Hicock, Colorado Jackson, Creek County Kid, Forty Dawg Kid, Highland Scottie, Jackaroo, K D Steel, Kathouse Kelli, Krazy Legs Kay, Lefty Wheeler, Longhandle Slim, Marshal Kidd, Red Knee, Roy's Creek Dan, Sassy Boots, Sharp Shootin' Leroy, Silver Sam and Snake Oil George.

 

Another spectacular lunch with Tiramisu cake for lunch dessert. O…M…G! Yum!

Raffle drawings and prizes were given away before and during the awards. I didn't get to see a clean match pin but the conchos given for 2nd and 3rd winners and the 1st place champion are a great idea for a change.

Congratulations to all cowboy's and cowgirl's that placed in or won their categories. Creek County Kid and Kathouse Kelli took overall honours for Men's and Ladies. Good work CCK!

 

Thanks again to the Texas Ten Horns – a great little match! If you didn't get there you missed out and should look to go next year!

 

'Once Upon A Time In The West'

Kat xo

Texas Ten Horns http://www.texas10horns.org/index.html

Molly's Custom Silver (buckles and conchos) https://www.mollyscustomsilver.com/

Spaghetti Western pic found on Pinterest.

Spaghetti western definition courtesy of Google.

 

Habit Forming

Posted on by kathousekelli70

Riding habit that is!

After Land Run (not included in the previous blog) I set to getting a surprise job done for Annie D Vine. Her 1880-1890's riding habit in a Kelly green Melton Wool. Hawkshaw Fred and I had discussed the making of this for Annie's birthday without her knowledge which made me slightly nervous as we had only briefly discussed colour and thrown a couple of pictures her way.

Got the job done though, a full on week, trim hadn't arrived from Ireland and had to order more soutache which really put the pressure on. Not one to back down from a challenge though, it was game on!

The Victorian riding habit is an interesting skirt suited for ladies to ride side saddle and still be involved in the pleasures of equine sports.

A wider right hand side allows the wearer to sit upon their trusty steed and the skirt would drape nicely over their right knee and the saddle horn without revealing any knees or ankles. Keeping decorum to the max!

Once riding exploits have been had, the lady after alighting from her horse, can hitch up the skirt and fasten it in back on a button. This allows her to walk freely without tripping over the excess skirt.

 

Riding habits (as mentioned in the Truly Victorian pattern) were 'severe' in look and usually had no trim. I did however, find some old photographs of some with the military style braid work, so this is what we went for to add a little character at least.

 

The surprise worked! It fitted perfectly! Can't wait to see Miss Annie in her riding habit with all the accoutrements.

Maybe I'll see her doing some riding like this? Or not! From what I've briefly read, it took 2 men to get a lady up on her side saddle and there were many injuries and issues with restraining your horse BUT these are true pictures of women jumping their horses side saddle! Incredible.

 

Kat xo

 

2nd Amendment Theme Park

Posted on by kathousekelli70

I saw a picture on Facebook that said, “it's not a shooting range, it's a 2nd amendment theme park!” or words to that affect.

When you are involved in a shooting sport and especially one like Cowboy Action, that's what it does feel like! It's always amusing, we are always having fun, you gotta line up, there's rules and safety requirements and probably the only thing missing is height limitations!

Last weekend we headed to Red Castle and played up there, weather was sensational, with hints that summer is on its way.

Whilst neither of us shot particularly well that day, it's still a chance to test yourself, hone your skills and workout any issues – so it's not all about shooting clean all the time. 😉

 

Today we went to play with the 1911's. Not a full Wild Bunch practice but the pistol is what I need work with anyway and that's the point. Practice on where your weakness is to improve your overall match. (Hope you're paying attention!?) 😉

It was a little on the cool side after the cold front came through the night before but that's okay, hand warmers, gloves, extra layers – it's all good! Any day shooting is a good day – rain, snow or shine! Especially with the Territorial Marshal's as they are lucky enough to have facades that you can close up to the weather and run heaters should we require it! Feel pretty damn lucky to have the opportunity to call this a 'home' club when we are over here.

 

So from our theme park, to yours, whatever keeps you amused or wherever you may be, go get 'em pilgrim. (that last part was in my best John Wayne voice……in my head anyway lol!)

Kat xo

 

Land Run 2017

Posted on by kathousekelli70

The last few weeks a posse of Territorial Marshal's spent time sprucing up the range, getting targets straightened and new ones made, new buildings and decking done, trees trimmed and so much more.

Land Run was coming and everything has to be right for the 300 odd shooters that would come to the Indian territory for one of the country's best SASS shoots.

The pre-shooting posse – our match directors and dedicated helpers shot the weekend before with glorious weather one day and a thick fog the next. Thankfully they didn't have to shoot in rain.

As the wind came sweeping 'cross the plains and with it the horsepower (of a different variety) carrying shooters from afar, so did the spectacular weather for the match.

 

Thursday, side match day and the ranges are a buzz with people catching up, chatting, hugging, laughing and that ever sweet sound of lead on steel.

 

Friday after opening ceremonies, 12 posses headed to their designated start stage. At the end of 6 stages I was clean and Jack had had 1 miss. There was a one in, all in shootout with new shooter Gabby Gertie shooting clean to take the title!!! Yay Gabby! A brisket dinner ensued and the. It was home for rest and an even earlier start on Saturday.

 

Our posse this time was fabulous, although we did miss Wild Horse John not being able to be here with us. We had Angus Red, Asa Smith, Bronco Lumpy, Cal Cogburn, Captain Lee, Copperhead Carson, G Rowdy Hook, Gin Dee, Insanity Jane, Jackaroo, K.C. Ranger, Kathouse Kelli, Kylie Coyote, Loco Vaquero, Moonshine, Prairie Drifter, Rusty Dove, Sally Ranger, Silver, Stonewall, Trent, and Vallian.

 

Saturday and it's the final chance to make or break! 6 stages complete, clean for me with a rifle reload and round the world on pistol. Happy days! Jack had a mishap 'P' and a miss to add insult to injury. He did have a great match otherwise.

 

Saturday night would be the tell tale of all. The foyer of my most favourite museum, the National Cowboy and Hall of Fame Museum has a bar set up and the costume judging was underway in a far corner. Once the doors opened at 6 we all headed in to sit down for dinner and the final hour of costume judging.

I must add that we had many spectacular costumes and accompanying stories this year, you were all amazing but I couldn't give everyone a plaque! Thank you for all those who did enter. There were plenty of fine dressed gentleman and ladies that did not and I hope you partake in the future.

With guns and other prizes given away, raffles from guns donated back for auction to raise money for Just L and awards done and dusted. There were many happy Cowboys and Cowgirls at the end of the evening and I congratulate you all!!! 57 clean shooters!!

 

Jack was very happily surprised to place 1st in Silver Senior! Awesome job man! Congratulations to the other Silver Senior's – Creek 2nd, Greasy Creek Slim 3rd, Matt Valentine 4th, Snake Oil George 5th, Half Fast Len 6th.

 

I placed first in my category Lady Wrangler alongside my good friend Belle Vaquera in 2nd, my lovely costume judge and friend Cheeka Bow Wow in 3rd and the one and only Misty Moonshine in 4th! Congratulations ladies.

 

I also placed 15th and 1st lady overall, with Creek County Kid taking the men's.

 

Another fabulous shoot in the Sooners and Boomers state!

Kat xo

 

Cold, Shoot, Wet, Shoot, More Cold

Posted on by kathousekelli70

Why…..on a shot weekend…..does it need to be 30-48F/sub zero to around 6C.

Holy moly! Yesterday started off cool but pleasant, hmm not too bad we think, take jackets, hand warmers etc, all good.

A short time later, a slight breeze picks up – create wind chill.

The northern cold front moves in – temperature plummets again.

Add a little of that moisture stuff – yay drizzle as well.

Anyway, still had fun, 36 shooters, 6 stages shot, just meant a bit more cleaning of guns after and despite the fumbles had a respectable finish. Happy days! Thanks again Territorial Marshal's for a fabulous club match.

 

This morning we get up earlier – need to travel 2 hours to get to Sand Springs.

Again, cool but pleasant with hopes of it clearing. Scarf included in the mix of items today. Legs were warm yesterday so it's pants and chinks again – hmm toasty.

Have high hopes of cloud clearing and sun breaking through on the way. Just after Macca's picking up breaky, the sun is rising and I'm excited.

We get onto Zinc Ranch and we see 5 deer, (pic of 2 from the pack) and it's a great day to be here.

 

We end up with 30 shooters, 6 stages, a better day than yesterday shooting wise, really happy days. Great posse, weather consistently cool, everyone's rugged up and making sure all shooters are soon deposited back into their warm coats and gloves. Thanks to Indian Territory SASS for a great day.

 

Worn out, warmed up, nice and cosy. Hoping for some warmer days for Land Run! Less than two weeks to get your entries in, then another two weeks on til we have approx 300 shooters take part in this awesome event.

See you down the trail soon

Kat xo