OLD WEST EPIDEMIC SPREADS TO EASTERN STATES
Cowboy Mounted Shooting hit the eastern tri-state area like a raging brushfire out of control. When the smoke cleared and the dust settled, the I.O.K. Rough Riders emerged with guns a blazing!
Don Burress, an Indiana Dearborn County cowboy took up Cowboy Mounted Shooting for relaxation. For Don, it all began as recreation, Wild West Show and playing cowboy on horseback. He admits his heroes have always been cowboys riding to the rescue. Excitement and interest spread fast as the first I.O.K. Rough Rider event took place on Sunday, October 18, 1998 at Blair Arena in Madison, Indiana, co-sponsored and promoted by Don Burress of Cowboy General Store in Lawrenceburg, IN and Denny Shewell of Tonto Rim Trading Co. in Seymour, IN. There were 3 horses and 7 riders in attendance for the competition.
I.O.K. held its first CMSA World Point Qualifier shoot on June 5th and 6th, 1999.
What started out as one cowboy's dream, turned into an official CMSA club, known as the I.O.K. Rough Riders. I.O.K. Rough Riders became an officially organized group in January 1999, under the direction of Don Burress, President, and Darius Ward, Vice President. I.O.K. Rough Riders are a non-profit organization promoting Cowboy Mounted Shooting with memberships in Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky. Membership is open to any individual who loves to ride, enjoys the Old West, and has a desire to aid in furthering the goals of CMSA. I.O.K. Rough Riders are also affiliated with The Single Action Shooting Society.
I.O.K. Rough Riders place a special emphasis on our youth by encouraging participation in Pee Wee and Junior events. We strive to offer a safe conductive atmosphere for learning fair play, building good character, along with the opportunity to experience horsemanship, camping, and family oriented activities.
Article written for "THE RUNDOWN"
Scottsdale, Arizona
April 24, 2000