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MOUNTED SHOOTERS OF AMERICA Dapper Division What is the new Dapper Division? MSA is proud to announce the addition of a costume division for those who wish to dress in Old West Styles. All riders will now register to compete in one of two categories - “Modern Cowboy/Cowgirl,” and “Old West.” The Modern division riders will still dress as they always have. Both groups will still compete side by side. All rules and regulations remain the same. The only difference for the competitors in the Old West division is what they wear. The reason for this change is to allow those who want to dress in the Old West styles to do so freely. We believe by adding some Old West clothing to the game, it will enhance the look of the sport as well as be more appealing to the general public. What is the difference in the two divisions? The Modern division will still compete in boots, chinks, jeans, and cowboy hats. The gun rigs will be the same and so will the ammo. You can embellish your shirts in any modern western style and also have as fancy a pair of chinks as you wish. Basically, the Modern division is exactly what you have become used to. The changes will occur in the Old West division. In this group you can dress in your favorite Old West styles. Some of you might want to dress as your favorite character from a western movie or television show; others may want to create a character of your own based on clothing of the Old West. For example, you can wear buckskin pants, split riding skirts, fancy fringed buckskin shirts, or fancy Old West style chaps. Instead of blue jeans, in this division we encourage the men to wear old-time pants, with a button fly and no belt loops. Consider wearing old style chaps instead of the chinks. If you wish, you don’t have to wear chaps at all. Another great way the guys can dress would be as a character such as a gambler or sheriff, maybe an outlaw or scout. You can even be an Indian or a banker. Have fun getting creative. Ladies, this is a division in which you can go wild. Picture women in flowing Mexican dresses and beautiful blouses racing through the course. How about an Indian woman in a fine buckskin dress with fringe flowing as she rides. Create a character from the early Wild West shows or turn-of-the-century rodeo. You can be a rancher’s wife or ranch owner. Let your imagination guide you. A costume contest will be held for both divisions. There will be prizes for the best dressed man and woman in the Modern category and best dressed man and woman in the Old West category. You don’t have to worry about entering or making any kind of presentation, as the judges will simply take note of your outfits as you compete and present the prizes at the banquet. Having two divisions will not in any way change scoring; it will simply add a little more color, excitement, and interest for both the competitors and the viewers. If this sounds fanciful, put yourself in the spectators’ place and imagine how it will look to them. We want this sport to flourish and grow to be as popular as the sports from which it spawned. Our goal is to someday get on the national stage where not only are we competing for prize money, but we’ll have enough interest from the public to make that prize money substantial. MSA’s desire is that you embrace this new concept, and understand the benefits it will bring to our growing sport. As always, we welcome any questions, comments, and suggestions from our members.
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