Bridger Gaul reigns in his horse of eight years. He is completely in control of this animal, just as he is in control of himself. Gaul lives a life of near perfect discipline — discipline of the mind, of the body and of the spirit.
On his weekends he doesn’t partake in the usual college activities. He doesn’t drink, go to movies or hang out at coffee houses. No, Bridger Gaul travels back in time a little. He competes in Cowboy Mounted Shooting events. He rides his quarter horse Whisperer at nearly 40 mph while trying to shoot balloons. His sport takes strength, skill and tenacity. It’s not for the weak of heart nor the weak of spirit.
Gaul, a freshman studying business, will readily admit that his sport of choice isn’t the most common sport, especially among college freshmen.
However, Gaul is anything but ordinary.
Born in Polson, Mont., he was raised by his parents, both of whom are fervently religious. His father was raised a Christian but wasn’t happy with mainstream Christianity, Gaul said. His mother was raised from an early age as a member of the non-denominational Church of God, the church they attend.”
“We live a pretty strict lifestyle,” Gaul said. This extends to all aspects of life, including clothing.
“We feel like the Bible says a woman should not wear a man’s attire,” he said. While mainstream culture lives by a much different creed, Gaul has found a community with like-minded ideals. The Church of God in Athol, has a congregation of about 75, he said. The church is part of a loose international network of churches.
Gaul said that the biggest difference between his church and other churches is the belief that Jesus wants humans to strive to never sin.
“We believe that Jesus lived a perfect life as an example for us to follow,” he said.
Although CMS exemplifies some of the ideals of Gaul’s faith, it isn’t a religiously based sport. He said that no one else from his congregation is involved in CMS.
Like his sport of choice, he said his faith demands discipline and control over many aspects of life. Lust and sex is one of these areas that requires strict control, he said. Gaul has grown up with, and now adheres to, strict rules regarding dating and male-female interaction.
“We view dating as more of what you do for marriage,” Gaul said. He explained how a man shouldn’t date until he is financially independent and ready to start a family.
“Personally, I think it helps prevent heartache,” Gaul said.
His religion and moral code also have rules regarding males and females hanging out, he said. Gaul explained how he won’t swim with girls. The rational behind this is that it’s better to avoid any potentially lustful situations, he said.
Gaul has one brother and one sister. He said that his pastor encourages families to have children, however, as far as Gaul knows there are no rules regarding contraceptives.
“It’s (sex) not really an open subject,” he said. Like many teenage boys, Gaul said he and his friends talk about girls “a little bit, but not a whole lot.” Politically Gaul is conservative, however, he is quick to distinguish his beliefs from other more radical groups.
“We definitely need a government,” Gaul said. “I wish it could be more like it was when the country was founded. But I’m not going to say we shouldn’t have one.” He said he supports the Republican Party because of the “standards” that it traditionally abides by.
Ultimately, all of the discipline and rules come down to a simple desire to honor his faith.
“I try to be as much as the way the Lord wants me to be,” he said. For Gaul, this means adhering to the Bible as much as possible.
His beliefs and views have set him apart from most people nearly all his life, however, this hasn’t bothered him much, he said.
“Most people just have an attitude of whatever,” Gaul said. “If I’m around people for very long, they get to know me.”
He admits that it’s easier for boys than girls. He said that his sister has had a harder time because she had to wear a dress. She was unable to do certain activities, he said.
“I don’t think that because I do this I’m better,” he said. “I would hope that I would be different in what I say or do to show them how I would think Jesus or God would want them to live for him.”
Although it is, in some ways, very strict, Gaul said he has never wanted to live any other way. He mentioned friends who had left home and begun drinking or gotten their girlfriends pregnant. Gaul said that seeing that convinced him he wants to stick with the life he has.
As for CMS, Gaul said that it just kind of made sense to get involved.
“We’ve had horses since I was a little kid,” he said. “I practice it at my house because I live in Mullan Trail.”
Despite being fairly obscure in popular culture, CMS has a devoted following of enthusiasts. Two weekends ago Gaul competed in a shoot at Farragut State Park. Although he was not picked to do particularly well, he finished the weekend second in his division.
A shoot is much like a track meet. The riders steer their horses through a course of helium-filled balloons. The objective is to complete the course in as little time possible while shooting and popping each balloon. The riders shoot pistols, which are loaded with blanks full of black powder. Upon ignition, half the powder combusts while the other half shoots out about 10-15 feet. This powder is what pops the balloons.
Gaul lives a life different than most. Some might call it misguided, ignorant or repressive. However, Gaul is secure in who he is. He has found whom he wants to be. In his soft spoken and polite manner, he sums it all up with one phrase:
“I’ve never really wanted to live any other way.”
