Remembering Comp’s Bucket of Cash: A Rising Star Gone Too Soon
The mounted shooting world remembers Comps Bucket of Cash and the incredible partnership he shared with Dianne Lipham.
The mounted shooting community is mourning the tragic loss of a horse whose future seemed limitless. Comps Bucket of Cash, affectionately known as “Bucket,” passed away at just eight years old, leaving a profound void in the hearts of his owner, his fans, and the many competitors who watched him electrify arenas across the country.
In a sport where courage, athleticism, and partnership are everything, Bucket represented the very best of what a mounted shooting horse could be. Every time he entered the arena, spectators knew they were about to witness something special.
Foaled in 2018, Comps Bucket of Cash quickly developed a reputation as a horse with remarkable talent and heart. Despite his young age, he had already become a familiar sight in the arena. His combination of speed, agility, and willingness made him a standout competitor in the demanding sport of Cowboy Mounted Shooting.
Mounted shooting requires a horse capable of explosive acceleration, sharp turns, and complete trust in their rider while gunfire echoes throughout the arena. Bucket excelled in all of these areas. He was powerful yet responsive, competitive yet kind, a rare balance that made this stallion not only a champion but a partner riders dreamed of.
Those who saw him compete often commented on his presence. When Bucket stepped into the arena, he commanded attention. His intensity and athletic ability were impossible to ignore, yet off the pattern he was known for his gentle nature and willingness to work. The future looked incredibly bright for the young stallion, not only as a competitor but also as a breeding prospect who could influence the next generation of mounted shooting horses. Many believed his best years were still ahead.
Behind every great horse is a great horseman or horsewoman. In Bucket’s case, that partner was accomplished mounted shooter Dianne Lipham. Lipham is widely respected throughout the mounted shooting world as both a competitor and a horsewoman. A Senior Ladies Level 6 professional mounted shooter, she has spent years building a reputation for consistency, horsemanship, and success in some of the sport’s most competitive arenas.
Together with her husband Darren, Lipham has achieved numerous competitive milestones. The pair captured Senior Level 6 titles at the 2025 CMSA Extravaganza, showcasing their skill and dedication at one of the sport’s major events. Beyond competition, Lipham has contributed to the sport through training, clinics, and horse development. Her influence even extends into equipment design, she collaborated on mounted shooting saddle designs aimed at improving balance and security for riders navigating the sport’s demanding courses.
But her greatest accomplishment has always been her horses. Riders across the country recognize Lipham for producing talented mounts capable of competing at the highest level. Bucket was one of those special horses.
News of Bucket’s death sent shockwaves through the mounted shooting community. At only eight years old, he had already proven himself as a rising star with a long competitive future ahead. The Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association described him as an incredible horse who “was no stranger to the winner’s circle” and whose talent and heart left a lasting impression on everyone who saw him perform. For the Lipham family, the loss goes far beyond the loss of a competitor. Horses like Bucket become family. They are partners in the arena and trusted companions in everyday life.
The tragedy has also created additional hardships, including veterinary expenses and equipment damage resulting from the incident.
One of the defining traits of the mounted shooting world is the strength of its community. In the wake of Bucket’s loss, fellow competitors and supporters have stepped forward to help the Lipham family during this difficult time. Fundraisers have been organized to assist with veterinary care for other horses and repairs to damaged equipment.
You can support the Lipham family through this GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/93897aaf1
Although Comps Bucket of Cash’s life was tragically short, his impact on the sport will not be forgotten.
He was a horse that reminded everyone why mounted shooting is so special: the connection between horse and rider, the thrill of competition, and the dedication required to reach the top levels of the sport. For those who watched him run, Bucket represented possibility. He showed what happens when exceptional talent meets great horsemanship.
And while the arenas will feel a little quieter without him, his legacy will live on in the memories of those who saw him compete, the riders he inspired, and the horses that will follow in his hoofprints. The mounted shooting community may have lost a star, but the mark left by Comps Bucket of Cash will endure for years to come.
