By coming to HAUK you have made a move in to right direction, HAUK is here to help and support all who is interested in this wonderful sport.  Below is a short guide to help you on your way.  If you have questions that is not on here and you cannot find anyone to help please Contact Us and we will do all that we can to guide you in the correct manor.

Firstly to embark within the sport you must make sure that you are safe at all times, learning any new sport can be dangerous and horseback archery is not for the faint hearted, for this reason we do advise that you get in contact with a horseback archery club or a horse archer.

We strongly advise that if you are completely new to archery that you seek an Archery Coach/ Trainer or club, that can help you learn how to shoot a bow and to get you on your way.

For archers wishing to take part, you must go to a BHS approved riding school and learn to ride correctly; if you have never done so before. It also helps to get involved with a horse in the stable and on the yard so some Stable management courses would be ideal.

Before you open your wallets and spend hard earned cash on buying all the equipment that you will need for Horseback Archery, it's wise to go to an Archery shop/ club that have a range of equipment that you can try and discuss. Buying online is fine once you know what you are getting.

Training for Horseback Archery must always start on the ground, training daily or weekly is best to get efficient and used to handling the bow.  There are many exercises that horse archers use to get themselves fit and flexible before getting on the horse.  Ground archery I also important even when you are an experienced horse archer as I help to keep focus and doesn't bore your horse.  The use of Field archery I very helpful for the eye to adjust to distance and undulated ground, as a horse archer can shoot up to 45mtrs in full gallop, a good eye helps for your accuracy.

Before

After

Any breed of horse can be used from  shetland to shire, from a dope on a rope to a competition horse.  But before you just on board your horse need to learn how to become a archery horse!!  Slowly showing them the bow, most horses except this within a couple of minutes other may take a bit longer.  You horse also need to get used to the riders weight changing in the saddle, exercises without the bow in an arena , where you can practise turning in the saddle, arms stretches ect.  You do not need any special form of tack or equipment for you horse , just a safe way of tying your reins for when you hold the bow.  For more info please CLICK HERE