Nice and Steady

While most people, both whites and Indians, preferred to shoot a gun dismounted, it was not uncommon for shots to be fired while mounted.  Muzzleloaders were more cumbersome to fire while mounted, but having a well-trained horse would make the task easier.  In this painting, a Southern Cheyenne warrior aims his gun at a potential enemy.  He will wait until his target gets closer so he can better identify him and

get a more accurate shot if required.

This warrior wears a bison bonnet and an elaborate, multi-colored buckskin shirt with a long fringe.  His bonnet, leggings, and moccasins have beadwork.  He is armed with a Northwest Trade Gun decorated with brass tacks.  He also carries a shield and bow and has a quirt made with an antelope horn.  The martingale on his horse is decorated with shell casings and red and black fluffs.