ABOUT HORSEBACK ARCHERY

Horseback archery is the art of shooting a traditional bow while riding a horse, blending skill, balance, and precision. This ancient practice has evolved over thousands of years, with many cultures mastering and adapting it for warfare. The Mongolians, Hungarians, Turkman tribes, Koreans, Russian Cossacks, and others each developed unique target styles and techniques tailored to their combat needs.

Today, horseback archery is celebrated as a structured modern martial art, bringing history to life while offering an engaging and challenging sport for all ages. At our facility, we focus on the Hungarian style, which is renowned for its emphasis on precision and balance. Our 130m Hungarian-style track features a rotating target, designed to train riders in full-body coordination. Participants learn to canter slowly for better balance, align their shoulders with the target, and shoot arrows from front, side, and back angles. This method builds a solid foundation, making it ideal for beginners while refining essential skills for advanced practitioners.

For those seeking a more diverse experience, we also offer a 220m track at the Rosefield Polo Club in Doornrandjies, Pretoria. This world-class facility has hosted numerous local and international competitions, including the WHAF World Cup Qualifier in January 2023, which welcomed competitors from 12 countries. The event showcased a variety of styles and disciplines, emphasizing the global appeal of this timeless sport.

Whether you’re new to horseback archery or an experienced enthusiast, we invite you to explore this captivating blend of tradition, athleticism, and skill. Join us to connect with history and embrace the art of horseback archery in a supportive and inspiring environment.

WHAT WE OFFER FOR HORSEBACK ARCHERS

BASIC ARCHERY LESSONS

We provide introductory archery lessons with ground shooting to help participants master essential techniques before transitioning to horseback. Our lessons cover fundamental drawing techniques specific to horseback archery, as well as bow setup, types of quivers, types of arrows, and methods for holding arrows while riding.

Specializing in the Hungarian style of horseback archery, we also offer competition preparation, training sessions, and clinics to enhance skills and readiness. Please note, we do not provide basic horse-riding lessons. Participants should already be capable of riding and cantering a horse confidently.

To improve riding confidence and spend more time in the saddle, we recommend long-distance riding experiences, such as endurance riding. For more information on endurance riding, visit www.premierequestrianclub.co.za.

In addition to training, we supply custom-made bows, arrows, and quivers, ensuring you have the perfect equipment to excel in this unique and historic sport.