Ridden Activities
Horse Archery
Horse archery is a modern equestrian sport that combines the skills of archery with horseback riding.
In this discipline, riders navigate a horse along a straight or curved track while using rein ties to keep the reins attached to the horse’s neck, allowing their hands to be free for archery. Riders must load arrows into a bow and shoot at targets placed along the track. The level of difficulty can vary, with riders and horses moving at a walk, trot, canter, or gallop depending on their experience.
Skills you’ll learn
Mastering horse archery involves several complex skills:
- Nocking arrows onto the bowstring while in motion.
- Maintaining focus on the target.
- Aiming and adjusting for changes in distance and the horse’s speed.
- Timing the shot with the horse’s gait.
Despite the challenges, many participants find horse archery incredibly rewarding and addictive once they achieve harmony between their riding and archery skills.
What Opportunities Do I Have?
Pony Club® members interested in horse archery can look forward to several opportunities to get involved and improve their skills. Here’s how you can start:
- Beginner Lessons: Start with lessons that teach the basics of archery and riding simultaneously. Many clubs offer introductory classes where you can learn to nock arrows and shoot at targets while riding at a walk or trot.
- Practice Sessions: Regular practice sessions can help improve your coordination and timing. These sessions might involve shooting at stationary targets before progressing to shooting while in motion.
- Advanced Training: As you gain confidence and skill, you can advance to riding at faster paces, such as canter or gallop, and shooting at multiple targets along a track.
- Competitions and Events: Many Pony Clubs host horse archery competitions and events. These provide a platform to test your skills in a fun and supportive environment. Competing can also help you set goals and track your progress.
- Clinics and Workshops: Attend clinics and workshops led by experienced horse archers. These events offer intensive training and tips from experts, which can significantly enhance your abilities.
- Join a Horse Archery Club: Becoming a member of a horse archery club can connect you with a community of like-minded enthusiasts. Clubs often organise events, provide resources, and offer support to help you develop your skills.
Horse archery is a thrilling and challenging sport that offers a unique blend of horsemanship and archery. With dedication and practice, you can master this ancient art and experience the exhilaration of hitting your target while riding at speed.
Explore More Activities
Dressage
Show Jumping
Eventing
Tetrathlon
Mounted Games
Quiz
Show Riding
Pony Racing
Campdraft
Horse Archery
Ready To Become a Member?
Start by contacting your chosen Pony Club or Accredited Riding Centre to express your interest.
Once you’ve agreed on next steps, return to the PCA website and create a profile on our JustGo membership portal. From there, select your club or centre, request to join, and once approved, select and purchase your membership.
Already found your new centre/club? Create a profile on JustGo