History

• From about 500 AD to 900 AD, Byzantine mounted archers, as well as archers on foot, created a strong military force. Mongols used composite bows with draw weights of 70 to 160 lbs., releasing bowstrings with thumb rings, which increased their shooting range considerably. The Mohammadean army used mainly mounted archers armed with composite bows against English knights and crossbow men during the Crusades.
  
  

Mounted Archery

• When combined, horses and archery have created, preserved and destroyed entire civilizations. This lethal combination helped Attila the Hun bring Rome to its knees, Genghis Khan and the Mongols conquer the largest empire in history, and Native Americans like Crazy Horse, Sitting Bull and Geronimo fight for their land. Time has passed and technology has outrun the horse and its mounted archer. Over the past decade, however, mounted archery has made a strong comeback of warrior tradition without the war. Mounted archery has evolved from a war defense to a reenactment to a sport that now unites horse and rider, both striving to be the best.
  
  

Equipment

• Proper equipment contributes to a mounted archer’s competitive edge. Today’s sport utilizes traditional recurved composite bows rather than compound or mechanical trigger bows. Aluminum or carbon fiber arrows with feather fletching are essential. Mounted archers typically use thumb draws, which allow for incredibly fast shooting, though some prefer a three-finger draw. Some competitions require shooting from a quiver, while others require shooting from the hand.
  
  

Competition

• Mounted archery competitions are held nationwide annually, including the International Mounted Archery Festival in Iowa. The thrill of difficult archery and high-speed riding gathers enthusiastic competitors and spectators from all lifestyles. The mounted archery competition tests both horse riding skills and archery accuracy.
  
  No longer are mounted archers battling against bloodthirsty enemies in hit and run style attacks. Today’s equestrians instead enter a course at a controlled gallop, shooting at targets using various shots. The entire course, divided into three sections, must be completed in 16 seconds or less. To truly understand the skill involved, keep in mind that archery requires the use of two hands, meaning the rider has no rein control over the horse. This sport obviously commands great skill, dedication and courage.
  
  

Horses

• Mounted archery exemplifies the romantic perception of how the horse and rider work together. Riders do not focus on the physical beauty or bloodline of their horses, rather that their horses are dependable. To be a viable competitor, both the horse and rider must be comfortable galloping without use of reins. Spectacular riding skills help archers approach targets and make accurate shots in 90 yards and 16 seconds.