Flick International Vintage revolvers on a leather saddle in a serene western landscape at sunset

Miranda Lambert Embraces Mounted Shooting as Her New Wild West Passion

Miranda Lambert is fully embracing her cowboy roots and diving into a new hobby that has captured her heart.

During a recent appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast, the celebrated country music star opened up about her growing passion for mounted shooting, a sport that combines equestrian skills with target practice.

Lambert shared with Rogan that she began her journey into this unique sport last year. Admitting her novice status, she expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “I just started last year. I’m not good at all, but I love it.” Her initiation into the world of mounted shooting came thanks to her friend, Ken Shane, a ten-time world champion in the sport.

“I just never had the guts to go do it, you know?” Lambert reflected. She explained that it took encouragement from her husband, Brendan McLoughlin, to finally take the plunge. “He said, ‘Stop talking about it and go out there and do it. Go out there and shoot with her. You’re gonna love it.’ Wow. And I got addicted immediately. It’s just like something different.”

Understanding Mounted Shooting

Donning a cowboy hat and boots, Lambert is learning the ropes of a sport that the Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association describes as a thrilling, fast-paced competition. Contestants use two .45 caliber single action revolvers, each loaded with five rounds of specially prepared blank ammunition. Scoring involves both time and accuracy, with penalties for dropping the gun or missing targets.

Rogan, intrigued by Lambert’s new pursuit, noted that it sounds quite adventurous. He described the sport as “very Wild West,” humorously suggesting that training for this activity parallels learning how to engage in combat while on horseback.

A Fresh Start at 40

“It’s super fun,” Lambert asserted, highlighting the novelty of starting a new hobby at 40. She articulated how this diversion is beneficial, stating, “It inspires me to take a break from thinking about what I think about every single day, which is the music industry… Just trying new things and saying, ‘What the hell, let’s go for it.'”

In a candid moment, Lambert also discussed her husband, McLoughlin, a retired NYPD officer whom she married in 2019. She affectionately recounted how his relocation from New York City to their current life in Tennessee and Texas has transformed him. “He says y’all now,” she joked, demonstrating how they have blended their lives together.

Shared Backgrounds and Family Traditions

Raised in Lindale, Texas, Lambert draws comparisons between her upbringing and McLoughlin’s life in Staten Island, New York. Both have familial ties to law enforcement, reinforcing a shared understanding between them. Lambert said, “I mean his whole family is police officers. My whole family is firemen and police officers too, so I can’t help but think that was kind of our bond. We grew up exactly the same, just in different parts of the country.”

The couple has established a lifestyle that allows them to split their time between Nashville and Texas, nurturing their love for country living.

Reflections on Family

Lambert also reflected on family ties, sharing that her father is a retired police officer. She highlighted common challenges faced by both her father and her husband regarding hearing issues, stating, “So many of my friends who shoot guns too, share the same experience.”

In a light-hearted manner, she described how her father’s hearing impairment could be seen as a blessing in disguise for her parents’ long-lasting marriage. “My dad was a police officer, and I swear that’s why my parents are still married. He can’t hear it all,” she chuckled, adding an anecdote about her dad’s hearing aid being consumed by their dog.

Humorous Moments in Communication

Lambert’s playful take on communication with her husband revealed the quirks of their relationship. “My husband will like, I’ll say it and I’ll be like, say it back to me. And I found that when I do that, it’s worse because I’m like, say what I said back to you. Get bananas at the store. So he comes home, I’m like, ‘Where’s bananas?’ ‘I didn’t get any.’ So don’t repeat it. Just hold it in there,” she quipped, showcasing the couple’s sense of humor amidst everyday challenges.

A New Chapter of Life

As Lambert ventures deeper into her newfound hobby, she continues to inspire fans with her vibrant personality and enthusiasm for life. By embracing mounted shooting, she not only explores her athletic side but also cultivates a sense of adventure that resonates with many.

More than just a pastime, Lambert’s journey into the world of mounted shooting signifies an important lesson about the value of stepping out of one’s comfort zone. Her story encourages everyone to find passion in new experiences, particularly as they navigate through different stages of life.

Ultimately, Miranda Lambert’s journey into the Wild West of mounted shooting reveals a woman unafraid to embrace change, humor, and the joy of learning something new, all while staying grounded in her roots.