Gearing up for archery

Some disciplines stop you in your tracks the first time you see them. Mounted archery is clearly one of them. It's not just a spectacle — it's a discipline recognised by the French Equestrian Federation, growing fast in France, and accessible to far more people than you might think.

At OHLALA, we're riders first. So when we come across a discipline that so perfectly blends riding and archery — two arts of precision, two worlds of passion — we can't help but get excited. Here's your complete guide to gear up and get started 🧡

What exactly is mounted archery?

A direct heir to the warrior traditions of nomadic peoples, mounted archery combines riding and archery into a single physical and mental discipline. It is practised across three main events: the track shot on a classic target, the track shot on a tiger target, and the hunting course, where the rider must hit several targets placed along a set route. Whatever the event, the goal is to combine speed, precision, and perfect control of your horse.

What makes the discipline so demanding? The horse's movement naturally disrupts the shot. You must simultaneously master balance, coordination, shooting speed, and precision — not to mention the bond with your horse, who must be thoroughly desensitised to the bow, the arrows, and the archer's movements.

The good news: in France, competitions are open to all riders with no age limit, from Galop 1 onwards 🇫🇷

Equipment specific to mounted archery

Equipment used in mounted archery differs from that of traditional archery disciplines. The historic traditional bow reigns supreme: light, manoeuvrable, and built for shooting in motion. Combined with arrows and a quiver designed for use on horseback, it allows the rider to shoot in quick succession while maintaining balance, speed, and precision.

The equestrian bow 🏹

The cornerstone of mounted archery, the equestrian bow stands out for its compact form and exceptional manoeuvrability.

• Short, typically between 44 and 58 inches, so as not to restrict the rider's movements and to make shooting on horseback easier.
• Without an arrow shelf, the arrow rests directly on the bow hand, allowing shots to be taken in different directions — including backwards in certain events.
• Often ambidextrous, it offers greater freedom in the choice of techniques and shooting angles.

These bows draw inspiration from different equestrian traditions around the world: Mongolian, Korean, Hungarian, Turkish, and Scythian, among others. Each has its own characteristics in terms of shape, grip, and shooting technique.

For beginners, fibreglass or laminated wood models are the most common. They offer a great balance of durability, accessibility, and performance, while remaining well suited to the demands of shooting in motion.

Attire: between tradition and regulation 🎽

One of the unique aspects of mounted archery is the freedom riders have when it comes to their attire. While some choose costumes inspired by Mongolian, Korean, Hungarian, or Turkish traditions, classic riding wear is perfectly acceptable in competition.

The key is to wear close-fitting clothing that won't restrict movement or catch on the bowstring when shooting. Riding breeches with or without grip can work well, depending on the rider's preference. It is also recommended to avoid dangling cords and, ideally, hoods, which can interfere with shooting or riding.

As with all equestrian disciplines, an approved helmet is mandatory. Riders who wish to wear traditional attire can adapt it around this essential piece of safety equipment.

And what about the horse?

The archer's equipment is only half the work. The other half is preparing the horse. All breeds and sizes are suitable, provided the horse is at least 4 years old and, above all, well prepared.

Desensitisation is a non-negotiable first step: the horse must be comfortable with the bow in its field of vision, with the sound of arrows, with the sometimes abrupt movements of the archer, and capable of running the track with good autonomy. This is often where the greatest challenge of the discipline lies — and the most beautiful reward: building that unique bond between a rider-archer and their horse.

Where to begin?

Are you a rider who has never touched a bow? Start with a few introductory archery sessions on foot at a club. The basics — stance, nocking, and releasing — must be mastered before getting in the saddle. 

Do you already have an archery background? Adapting to the horse's movement will be your main challenge. Early training sessions often begin at walk and trot before progressing to canter. Be patient — and soon you'll understand why so many archers never let go of this discipline.

In summary 🎯

Mounted archery is one of those disciplines that changes you. It demands everything: balance, focus, a deep connection with your horse, precision under pressure — and gives back an incomparable feeling in return. An arrow hitting its target at full gallop might just be the most unique thrill the equestrian world has to offer 🏹🐴