Mounted Archery

mount*ed ar*cher*y 

What Is The Definition Of Mounted Archery?

Mounted archery is a type of archery in which the archer is mounted on a horse, camel, or another animal.

The goal is to score points by hitting the target while riding. It is an extremely challenging sport because it requires someone proficient at riding while being adept at accurately and efficiently being able to aim and release an arrow. It also requires the athlete to be well-balanced and have a high level of coordination. This sport is unique because it requires the rider to bond closely with the horse.

What Is The History Of Mounted Archery?

Mounted archery is considered an ancient sport with roots deeply connected to cultures where horse riding,  marksmanship, and combat are tied together, such as the Ottomans and Mongol empires.

What Course Do Mounted Archers Use?

Courses vary around the world and often are interchangeable depending on the host or host country. Some courses are tethered together in straight lines, while others use a zig-zag pattern, and still, others leverage a barrel-racing array. Targets, like other archery disciplines, take the form of animals, foam targets, and even 3-D arrays.

What Equipment Is Necessary For Mounted Archery?

The sport of mounted archery employs different types of bows, many similar to a recurve. The arrows must also contain a special tip to protect the horse from harm. Typically, the rider will draw arrows out of a hip quiver using their preferred shooting side and hand. For example, a right-handed shooter would draw from the right hip using the right hand while simultaneously guiding the horse through the course.

How Is Mounted Archery Scored?

Like many horseback riding events, mounted archers are given a time limit of 14 seconds. Points are earned just as they are in archery, dependent on where in the ring the archer hits the target. They also earn bonus points if they can finish with time left.

What Countries Is Mounted Archery Popular In?

Today, the sport is very popular in Hungary, Korea, and, most recently, Indonesia, but not so much in the United States. American riders who wish to participate in events must travel, often at their own expense.

Examples Of How Mounted Archery Is Used In Commentary

1. As the horse broke into a full canter, Miller turned her back in full stride and aimed at the target, letting the arrow release before heading for the next target; she had successfully blended together her love of horses and archery into the discipline of mounted archery.

Sports The Term Is Used

1. Archery