SEMSA rider levels are independent from UMS and any other mounted shooting sanctioning body and are used solely for the SEMSA Points/Buckle Series. UMS levels, points, move-ups etc. will remain consistent with that organization.
Novice/Rookie
The Novice class is the entry level class designed for riders who are new to mounted shooting competition. Any rider who has not previously competed or is a Level 1 rider in any other mounted shooting organization shall ride in the SEMSA Novice Class
Amateur/Non-Pro
The Amateur class is designed for experienced riders who have been competing in mounted shooting at a higher competition level. Any rider who is a Level 2 rider in any other mounted shooting organization shall ride in the SEMSA Amateur Class
Limited/Semi-Pro
The Limited class is designed for experienced riders who have been competing in mounted shooting at a higher competition level. Any rider who is a Level 3 rider (or above) in any other mounted shooting organization shall ride in the SEMSA Limited Class
Riders must intially enter the class that corresponds with any existing level from any other mounted shooting organization. If the rider has not yet established a level from another mounted shooting organization, the rider must start in Novice Class.
A minimum of two (2) riders must compete in a given level in order for that match to qualify for a Buckle in that level. (Points will still be awarded) (This rule may be waived at the discretion of the Competition Director)
If during any previous SEMSA competition season a rider wins the SEMSA high points buckle in his/her class, this rider must move up to the next higher level at the beginning of the next SEMSA competition season.
The SEMSA Fall Shootout will be the last points competition of the season. Double SEMSA points will be awarded for this event. Riders must be a SEMSA member in good standing and competed in at least four (4) matches in the shooting season prior to the Fall Shootout.
Safety & Competition Requirements
In order to provided a safe and fair competition, we must ask that all competitors comply with the rules and requirements established BY SEMSA.
Competitors are urged to contact SEMSA with any questions regarding these rules.
SEMSA Buckle Series Rules
- A minimum of two (2) riders must compete in a given level in order for that match to qualify for a Buckle in that level. (Points will still be awarded)
- Each competitor must personally sign in at registration, produce a valid UMS card and sign the event waiver. If you pre-registered, you must still sign the waiver at registration.
- Each rider that enters an event must attend the safety meeting prior to the the first run.
- All Jackpot entries must be paid in cash at event registration.
- The Novice Level Jackpot will consist of all four main stages.
- All money collected for Novice Level jackpot will be paid out to the Novice Level winner.
- All money collected for the open jackpot for classes Intermediate and higher will be paid to the winner of the selected stage.
- The Clean Match Jackpot will be paid to the clean shooters regardless of level.
- All competitors must be current members in good standing with United Mounted Shooters Association (UMS)
- All Competitors MUST present current UMS card at event registration
- If running for SEMSA Buckle Series points, a current SEMSA membership card must be provided
- UMS Rules and guidelines will be in effect
- New riders must complete a New Rider Qualification Ride prior to competing
- All rider/competitors must attend the pre-match safety meeting at each event.
- Riders must wear traditional cowboy/western style hats. (Helmets are optional)
- Riders under the age of 18 must wear a helmet
- All riders must wear eye protection
- Riders must wear period or traditional cowboy/western style long sleeve shirts
- Riders must wear boots/footwear designed for use in equine activities
- Riders must wear period or cowboy/western style attire (Period English attire excepted)
- Chaps, chinks or period attire and style knee high boots are optional
- All tack must be in safe operating condition
- Hearing protection for the horse must be used
- Guns may not be discharged so close to the horses head that injury may result from said discharge.
- Guns shall not be discharged except while engaging the course
- Any tack, equipment or actions by the rider that may be deemed abusive to the horse by the Safety Officer or Match Director must be immediately corrected after the first wanrning. Competitors who violate this rule again after the first warning will be disqualified from the match
- The Competition Director or the SEMSA President reserves the right to waive or modify requirements and disqualify or remove competitors or any attendees for rule violations, disruptive, unsafe or unsportsmanlike conduct or for any animal abuse!