destined to become Mitchy’s equine soul mate, as Joel explains, “they seem to have a connection unlike any other I have seen between horse and rider, learning, growing, and taking care of each other.”
Some of Mitchell’s achievements in Mounted Shooting, included capturing the 2010 California State Wrangler Open Championship, 2011 Southwest Regional Wrangler Open Championship, 2013 Utah State Wrangler Championship, and 2013 Southern Colt Outlaw Championship. CMSA graciously granted Mitchell indefinite Wrangler Class status. He continues to woo crowds as he rides unassisted around the patterns, aiming at targets with his Single Action Ruger 45 replicas, and racing for home on his loyal partner, full speed, smiling from ear to ear. Mitch recently mastered the ground shooting with an actual 45s and live blank ammo, following his runs, another unexpected accomplishment for this special young man. The only thing more exciting for Mitch than riding his horse, is watching his sister, Sammi, compete! It goes without saying that Mitchy’s biggest fan is his younger sister!
This amazing brother/sister duo are supported by their parents, retired Air Force Officer, and aerospace engineer for the Dept. of the Air force, Joel Ostrovsky, and Deputy Director for the Nevada Justice Association, Julie Ostrovsky. “It is heartwarming to see how Mitch and Sammi have grown together, defend and cheer for each other, and excel, each in their own way. We owe a great deal to our four-legged friends and to the sport of Mounted Shooting.”
was by riding his first barrel pattern without assistance or lead line. Wild cheers from the spectators shook the facility and there was not a dry eye in the house!
In 2008, when the Ostrovskys transitioned to the sport of Mounted Shooting, Mitchy was 10 years old, and like his sister, competed in the Wrangler class. Earlier, his father purchased a new horse, Turbo (AQHA Easy in Flight), a tall, 16-hand, lightning fast Quarter horse with an unpredictable personality. Turbo lived up to his name, and after a rocky start, took Joel to the advanced CMSA Men’s 4 class, but a subsequent hiccup at a major event landed Joel with a blown knee, and Turbo without a rider. As luck would have it, Mitch began riding Turbo, and it wasn’t long before the family realized Turbo was better suited for Mitchell than for his father. Turbo proved he was destined to become Mitchy’s equine soul mate, as Joel explains, “they seem to have a connection unlike any other I have seen between horse and rider, learning, growing, and taking care of each other.”
Turquoise Boots Photography
Mitchy. now 19, was diagnosed with autism as a toddler. Although he cannot speak, he hears, understands, and is adept in sign language.
Sammi, now 17, has been riding horses since she was 3 years old
Photo by Amber Seegmiller