Horseback Archery need NOT be an expensive sport!
Once set up with your equipment other than the odd arrow or target, you will not have to keep re-buying.
A good Bow: -
Initially a inexpensive bow like a Korean Samick or similar models is a good idea (it is wise to not have a bow much longer than 55inch unstrung), these are a modern made bow and come in poundage from 25lb upwards, they are very good for beginners as they are smooth to draw and easy to handle.
A Horse bow although more expensive, are a good choice for the ascending horse archer. Please look on our Links page for our recommended retailers and Manufacturers.
The use of a Compound and or Long Bows, is not advised, as these bows are not suitable for the sport.
What does poundage of the bow mean?
This is the strength of the bow, depending on how hard it is to pull/ draw the string, depends on what poundage it is i.e 25lb or higher. Bows can range anything from 25lb up to 60lb and above; some Long bows (used for field archery) can be up to and above 150lb.
What's in an Arrow
Arrows are a must, without this vital piece of wood your bow is useless. Wooden or Aluminium can be used, wood is traditional and some would argue nicer to use, where as Aluminium is a modern arrow having no flaws and being manufactured the same. We advise against the use of carbon arrows due to the nature of the material.
Wooden arrows like with Aluminium can be either purchased readymade or made by yourself, it is not difficult to make either type of arrow but it does incur more cost initially because of the equipment which is needed to make the arrow. Many an archer will tell you how satisfying it is to make your own.
The length of the arrows depends on the individual archer's draw length (the distance from the bow to the string)
The length of arrows can vary from one archer to another but all arrows must possess the following elements:
Nock: A U-shaped, generally plastic attachment that is glued to the end of the arrow. The nock is what holds the arrow onto the string.
Fletching: These are feathers that are attached to the end of the arrow just below the Nock. Usually made from birds feathers, the three or four fletching's cause the arrow to spin, keeping it more stable and on course as it's in flight. Fletching's can come in different sizes and lengths from 3inchs up to 5inchs.
Shaft: This is the arrow its self, made of either wood or Aluminum Pile: This is the bullet-shaped tip of the arrow that penetrates the target. Also known as the tip or point, the pile is normally weighted to give the arrow the right amount of bend and speed once it's released.
We advise that the Pile be rubbed down to reduce the sharp point, especially when using around horses.
There is the option of using Rubber Blunts for the first introduction to your horse and this would be very advisable. Once again these are very inexpensive.
Protect yourself:-
For beginners and even established archers it is advisable to use the following to protect yourself against the string when shooting an arrow.
Arm Guard/ Bracer: Made from leather or plastic, this protective guard is worn on the inside of the bow arm (the hand which holds the bow to shoot) An arm guard/ bracer keeps the bowstring from coming into contact with the forearm when the bow string is released.
Finger Tabs or Glove: Placed over the 3 fingers of the string hand (the hand which draws the string to shoot the arrow)
Thumb Ring: This is placed on the thumb of the string hand; it is NOT required if using the 3finger technique. This is usually made from horn and can be purchased from some retailers
Some horse archers choose not to use these protective items. This is up to the individual but as a beginner we strongly recommend using them.
Keep it tidy: -
The Quiver: Sometime a very elaborate item, but, its true purpose is to not only keep your arrows together and organised, but also to keep everything in a safe place.
A quiver can fit either on ones back, or hang onto a belt as a side quiver; they come in leather or fabric and once again can be inexpensive.
For horseback archery, riders can choose to draw from the quiver, the belt, or the bow hand - this is entirely up to the individual but as a beginner working from the ground we recommend the use of a quiver. Even from the horse it is best to have a side quiver that attaches to the saddle.
All the above equipment can be as inexpensive or as expensive as one wishes it to be, in our Links page we have some retailers that sell all the equipment needed, they can also advise you on sizes and makes/ models.