They Call Him Captain America
Nestled amidst the majestic White Mountains, a winding dirt trail meandered, so discreetly marked that one could easily pass it by, oblivious to the hidden treasure it led to—Linden Valley Arena. This rustic rodeo arena primarily hosts team ropings, where the dust dances in the golden rays of the Arizona sun. Yet, on one scorching August weekend, a new spectacle unfolded in this dusty arena, one that had never graced the White Mountains before – Cowboy Mounted Shooting. At the center of it all stood a man who, though devoid of superhuman powers, earned the affectionate moniker of "Captain America" for his unwavering commitment to the red, white, and blue, right down to his faithful horse's attire. This man was Chris Dye.
Chris, graying and rugged, moved with a grace that defied his age. His weathered face spoke of countless hours under the sun, his eyes twinkling with the wisdom of a life spent in pursuit of a singular passion. As he approached the arena, his steps seemed measured, but there was an undeniable spring in his stride. He was a man who had lived, laughed, and ridden through life, and today was a special day in his journey.
The competitors gathered here hailed from diverse backgrounds, reflecting the essence of everyday salt-of-the-earth people. Among them were retired military veterans, a tenacious policewoman, members of the sheriff's posse, a skilled farrier, a jovial real estate agent, and a rugged welder. Each brought their unique experiences and skills to the arena, uniting under the banner of Cowboy Mounted Shooting.
Among this gathering of rugged individuals were two world champions. Chris Dye himself held the esteemed title of "Senior Men's 4 World Champion," a testament to his unparalleled prowess with a gun on horseback. But he wasn't alone in his excellence. A fellow World Champion from New River graced the event. In this arena, champions mingled with beginners at level 1, a handful of elite level 6 riders, and several dedicated souls who found themselves somewhere in between.
As the competitors mounted their horses, a sense of anticipation hung heavy in the air. The horses, too, seemed to sense the impending excitement, their muscles tensed and ready to explode into action. Chris's loyal steed, a magnificent creature draped in the same patriotic colors as his rider, stood tall and proud, a reflection of the unity between man and beast.
It's no surprise that this remarkable event found its roots in Arizona, the very birthplace of Cowboy Mounted Shooting. This adrenaline-pumping sport, a fusion of horsemanship and marksmanship, had grown to become the fastest-growing equine sport globally. And as the sun cast its warm embrace over the arena, it was clear that its roots ran deep in this rugged, pine covered landscape.
The high mountain sun shone relentlessly, but it couldn't dim the unwavering spirit of the competitors. As they took their positions, their faces glistened with sweat, and their eyes remained locked on the course ahead. Each rider was a study in determination, their fingers poised over their holstered guns, ready to blaze through the targets with unerring precision.
As the dust settled, I had the opportunity to chat with Chris about what this event meant to him, and his eyes sparkled with pride as he spoke. "I can share my passion with the folks here," he said, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. "I think this sport is the best family-friendly horse sport that anyone can be a part of and should be."
The event exuded a strong sense of family and unity, with even the youngest members of the community present. Among the crowd were children too young to handle the guns, yet they eagerly rode alongside the competitors through the course, their faces beaming with excitement.
This sense of togetherness was evident in the camaraderie among the competitors, the shared cheers from the audience, and the genuine smiles that lit up the arena. But there was one more source of pride for Chris – his daughter competing beside him on this very stage. "I cannot be prouder to have her enjoying my passion with me," he shared, his voice filled with pride and affection. "My only regret is it took me too long to discover and get involved."
As our discussion unfolded, Chris couldn't help but share his hopes and dreams for the future. "Cowboy Mounted Shooting is a family-friendly sport that allows the whole family to get involved and enjoy together," he emphasized. "My goal for the White Mountains is to give more folks a reason to get in the saddle and enjoy more family time doing so. This is also a way to give our kids something away from the computer and get outside."
And so, as the sun dipped below the rugged Arizona horizon, casting long shadows over Linden Valley Arena, the legacy of Cowboy Mounted Shooting took root in the White Mountains. It was a weekend filled with camaraderie, competition, and a deep love for horses, guns, and family. Thanks to the unwavering passion of "Captain America" who spent the last 4 years working to make this happen and the generosity of Kay Perkins who owns Linden Valley Arena, the stage had been set for future Cowboy Mounted Shooting events in this rugged, dusty corner of Arizona, where dreams rode on the hooves of horses and laughter echoed through the canyons. Chris Dye, with his graying hair and rugged spirit, stood as a living testament to the enduring power of passion and the unbreakable bonds of family.
