This is a common response when someone says they have taken up mounted archery. And really “How cool IS that?”
There is something in us that just loves the immediate picture that pops into our mind of a galloping horse, reins flying freely and the rider poised and balanced, sideways with their beautiful bow as they draw the arrow back and let it fly.
So, maybe YOU want to take up mounted archery. There’s great news. If you already have a generally, somewhat normally trained horse and are a decent rider, it’s not very expensive to get the basic equipment and begin your mounted archery journey. Of course, like every sport and endeavor, there are different levels of ability and skill and the equipment.
Even better news, the exercises and practice, if approached appropriately, will make you a much better rider and you’ll have a much better trained horse.
Certainly there are those out there, as there are in any sport, who don’t really aspire to get better and think they can do as little as possible and still get good results, but of course, they’re mistaken. All the parts have to come together to really be successful. And those parts are horsemanship skills along with shooting skills. No matter how skilled you may get with your bow and arrows, if your horse is bolting out of control and running off track, it’s unlikely you’re going to be hitting your targets.
People did this thousands of years ago, surely you can do it. Mounted archery groups are popping up all over as the sport is in a big growth spurt and there are competitions all over the globe.
Mounted Archery Association of the Americas, MA3 for short, is the governing body for the sport here in the US. Members can be ranked, compete and train on various courses throughout the country. The costumes at the events are a huge part of the fun and pageantry. Riders from all over the world come to the events. Yearly dues are only $55 for an individual and $75 for family with access to what’s happening in the mounted archery world and also help from training posts on the site, in the quarterly newsletter, as well as certified trainers that you can connect with. The gallery tab on the MA3 site has some fabulous pictures to jumpstart you. Just pop over to mountedarchery.org for some guidance.
Mounted Archery Association of the Americas, MA3 for short, is the governing body for the sport here in the US. Members can be ranked, compete and train on various courses throughout the country. The costumes at the events are a huge part of the fun and pageantry. Riders from all over the world come to the events. Yearly dues are only $55 for an individual and $75 for family with access to what’s happening in the mounted archery world and also help from training posts on the site, in the quarterly newsletter, as well as certified trainers that you can connect with. The gallery tab on the MA3 site has some fabulous pictures to jumpstart you. Just pop over to mountedarchery.org for some guidance.
Right now, to help you figure out how to go about your own practice, let’s look at reverse engineering it.
The Goal
Canter, lope or gallop – whatever you want to call it – down a 90-meter track, trail, line, shooting at 1-5 targets depending on the specific challenge. You only start at the top if you’re digging a hole, so we’re going to the beginning, not starting at the goal. Right?
You can acquire a bow, some arrows, a couple of minor items like quivers, hand protection and a couple of targets for a few hundred dollars. Mounted archery uses the simplest of recurve bows. No compound anything, no arrow rests, sights or such. Just the bow and the string, arrows, target.
It’s a good idea to contact one of the MA3 folks so you can get their input on the best bow and arrows for you. There are some specifics related to your body type and size such as bow length
By Lauren Woodard
www.ravenswoodleather.com
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