So you want to be a horse archer?!

First of all you must realise that Horseback Archery is a very skilful sport. It is NOT a case of picking up a bow and arrow and gallop on a horse shooting at targets!

You must learn the individual skills of Horse riding and Archery before combining the two.

 

Both Horse riding and Archery are not easy sports and for archers wishing to get involved you have to learn to ride, for Riders you must learn to shoot a bow correctly.

If you want to be a horse archer we have a few tips to get you started:

 *  How to get started?

 *  Do I need my/a horse to start training?

 *  Is Horseback Archery different from Archery on the ground?

How to get started?

It is best that you go to a Horse Archer and be taught the way of Horseback Archery; but before getting in touch with a Horse Archer its best that you follow the suggestions below: -

We strongly advise that if you are completely new to archery that you seek an Archery Coach/ Trainer or club, that can help you learn how to shoot a bow and to get you on your way.

For archers wishing to take part, you must go to a BHS approved riding school and learn to ride correctly if you have never done so before. It also helps to get involved with a horse in the stable and on the yard so some Stable management courses would be ideal.

Before you embark on buying all the equipment that you will need for Horseback Archery it's wise to go to an Archery shop/ club that have a range of equipment that you can try and discuss. Buying online is fine once you know what you are getting.

Most of all do your homework into the area that you are not familiar with, once you have done this and deciding that the sport is for you, you will need at some point to contact a Horse Archer for advice, training and even joining a club.

Do I need my/a horse to start training?

NO, NO, NO! We advise not using your horse at ALL to start with, your horse needs his training separately and both you and your horse must be confident before working together at the sport.

Is Horseback Archery different from Archery on the ground?

Yes, there is a difference other than the horse beneath you.

Ground Archery, whether it is target or field archery it is a very different style to Horseback Archery.

Shooting a bow is usually done from a set point on the face or for the string of the bow to be positioned beneath the chin vertically in line with the eye and close to the face. This is very dangerous for a horse archer; a horse archer must have NO contact from the string or string hand with his or her face, as this could cause serious injury to ones face once aboard a horse. 

Although it is a good idea to learn this way as a beginner, eventually when training for Horseback Archery it would be advised not the have any contact with your face while shooting your bow

Because of the nature of the sport, Archery is practiced in different ways; with the 3 positions the Horse Archer must take for his/her shot.  One must train to accustom one's self with the positions required - Forward Shot, Side Shot & Backward Shot.

Also Speed Loading and Blind Nocking is a vital part of the sport.

Your Archery skills must be just as good as your riding skills and vice versa