Rifle Contest to Help Disabled, Museum

For 20 years, Pete Peters and his wife Opal have helped disabled youths become independent and self-confident through their Handicapped Equestrian Learning Program in Moorpark.

On Sunday, the community can show its support during Pete Peters’ Wild West BB Shoot-out, a daylong fund-raiser at the Peters ranch at 7155 Walnut Canyon Road.

Sponsored by Trail Riders of the West, the event also will benefit the Saturday matinee western museum planned for the now-closed Corriganville Regional Park in Simi Valley.

The BB rifle tournament is an elimination event. Shooters try to hit a target at 12 feet. Those who succeed move on to subsequent rounds. With each round, the marksmen take a step back until they get to about 20 feet. This is the distance where the winner usually emerges, tournament organizer Jack R. Harding said.

“Mom and dad never let you have a BB gun ‘cause you’d put somebody’s eyes out. But the BB gun is still very much with us,” Harding said.

BB rifles will be provided by the organizers, and participants will shoot for prizes. Musician Rick Tucker will provide country and pop music, and there will be a stunt-riding demonstration by students of the equestrian learning program.

A western saddle and blanket will be given away in a drawing. Raffle tickets are $1 each.

Gates open at 10 a.m., and registration for the BB rifle tournament begins at 11 a.m. The tournament kicks off at 12:30 p.m. Admission is free, parking costs $2 and the fee for entering the BB contest is $10.

For entry information, call 529-1888 or 522-8472.