"I love mounted archery because there is always something to work toward and to learn. The community and kinsmanship that we feel for each other is immediate and powerful,” said fifteen year old Sophia Felix, a horseback archer from Eagle Mountain, Utah and member of the Alpine Mounted Archery club. Sopia won an amazing six awards at this competition.
Joey Ogburn, a member and instructor of DWSW, felt the contest was a success due to the unique cooperation amongst the participants, “It ran very smooth due to the buddy system in my opinion. Each competitor was assigned a buddy. It kept every competitor responsible and supportive of one another. I watched some of the more experienced share tips with their buddies to help improve their next run. It’s not like this in any other sport!,” Joey explained.
Chris Yung a stunt performer
featured in HBO’s Westworld and
Marvel’s Black Panther, won five
awards in the student division, he quoted,
“I have a deep appreciation of martial archery
and the war archers of the past and present.”
A highlight of the contest was World Class Champion Lukas Novotny and his record crushing performance. He broke an American record for the K2-3 at over 93 points!. Lukas is also the maker and founder of world renowned Saluki Bows.
But for every competitor there are several volunteers behind the scenes providing vital support for the contest. Cindy Forr, a volunteer came to observe and learn helping where she could; delivering food and water to the time keepers, announcers, arrow retrievers, & score keepers who couldn’t leave their tasks. “The contestants constantly supported, encouraged and cheered for one another and I am inspired to give horseback archery a try!”
BJ Smith, whose talented painting brought to life all the western themed and 3D animal targets said, ”Its so much
fun! The whole point for me is
having fun with all these
wonderful people!”
BJ is also a member
and instructor with
DWSW.
Erin Halloran a horseback archer all the way from MI came to watch the competition. “To witness some of the world’s best competing in the US at this incredible venue was amazing! I look forward to competing next year.!”
As the last group of riders completed their final runs silhouetted by the golden sunset, I realized how lucky I was to be a part of this event and family of horseback archers. When the sun sets and we must all return to our lives in the diverse corners of the world that each of us occupies, like all families we look forward to our next meeting in fellowship and camaraderie.
DWSW president chose Mini Angel Eyes (website) as a benefactor to donate part of the proceeds of the competition
Chris Yung
B.J. Smith