Saddles and Smoke in Steel Town

Pennsylvania horsewoman Mollie Himes social media handle “cowgirlwithgoals” is an accurate description of how she goes through daily life and strives to keep dreams from only being dreams. The name arose out of her wish as a young child to one day win a belt buckle. As she got older, she realized the only way this would become a reality was if she made it a goal and put in the work. She has done just that, accomplishing the childhood dream and much more.

Her discipline in pursuing her passion with horses has been apparent through her quick rise in the ranks of mounted shooters. Now a sport that she and her husband compete in together, she discovered the world of mounted shooting when she saw a flyer advertising a local clinic. Attending the clinic wound up being a 30th birthday present, and she quickly fell in love with the action.

Her horse Remmy, a 17-year-old Quarter Horse, was a little slower to warm up to the idea. He had trouble completing a run and showed signs that he was not enjoying or comfortable with the new pursuit. His reaction wound up being around the same time as the start of the pandemic, and many shoots were cancelled, leaving Himes with the opportunity to give Remmy a break and play in some other realms. The team went to breakaway clinics, worked cows, went on trail rides, and rode in fun shows. This mental break from the shooting seemed to be just what Remmy needed, and the pair competed in their first shoot in July, taking home first place.

Their initial success has only continued, with Himes going on to achieve four qualified wins and move up to a Ladies 2 shooter. She took home her first belt buckle, and yet did not let the next level keep her from working harder to climb higher. Three months later, she became a Ladies 3 shooter. Since then, she was also selected to be sponsored by the hugely popular HayChix brand, as well as several other well known companies.

Her advice to other folks following their passion is to “start where you are, use what you have, and do what you can!” A motto she has lived out herself, funding college and other pursuits by using her creative abilities in avenues ranging from being a face painter, haunted house makeup painter and set scene painter, to a floral shop attendant.

With her husband President of the Steel Town Gunslingers and Mollie serving as Secretary, her commitment to the sport is obvious. Himes also serves as an alternate board member for the North Allegheny Horseman’s Association and enjoys participating in their fun shows.

Like most folks who truly love spending time with horses, her favorite moment was not in the competition arena but rather at her family’s camp in Tidioute, PA. The horses got to enjoy a new natural setting and help her and her husband explore the woods. In addition to the peaceful surroundings and time with family, Mollie also remembers how her father ran an extension cord to the site so the horses could have some light overnight. This is a tradition they continue to this day, and when her father unexpectedly passed away in 2018, it took on a new meaning. Now, Mollie adds, it seems as though he is watching over them with the light.