The beautiful thing about Horse Archery is it is suited to all types and breeds of horses. And whilst some saddles may be more suited to the 2-point seat needed for the faster courses, any saddle is acceptable as long as it is in good condition for use. Horses that are trained bitless are welcome as well.
Competent junior riders are able to train and compete in Horse Archery. The minimum age is 7 years-old and the maximum age of a Junior is 17 years-old. 18 and over is classed as a Senior for competitions only.
There are Horse Archery Clinics and Schools held all around Australia by various instructors.
See Getting Started.
The sport of Horse Archery has some deep roots in tradition. As a result, it has been decided internationally that these bows cannot be used in competition or grading. The accepted bows for Horse Archery are of one piece (not take-down), have no shelf or centre shot, and is generally of recurve design, with the exception of the Japanese Yumi. Arrows used can be made of aluminium, bamboo, wood or carbon fibre with any type of nock or fletch and only have target tips, and not broad heads, again with the exception of Yabusame where the arrows have blunts on their end to break the targets.
In the Novice Section in Australia ONLY, small shelf single piece (beginner style) bows are allowed.
Many tracks have a turn in and turn out off the straight track. So long as the radius of the turns are safe to be done at a canter. A slight gradient is also okay. Please remember to be shooting toward your property (not a neighbour's fence).
For information on how to join, and membership forms, please see the Membership page.
Make sure you also familiarise yourself with the Rules & Policies, Grading and Competition Rules (if competing).