Equestrian:Activity guidelines - Mounted archery

Activity - Mounted archery

General

Mounted archery was a defining characteristic of steppe warfare throughout Central Asia, used by peoples including the Scythians, Sarmatians, Parthians, Huns, Bulgars, Magyars, Mongols, Turks, and others. It was also adopted by other peoples and armies, notably Chinese and Romans who both suffered serious conflict with peoples practicing horse archery.

Riders shoot arrows while on horseback, at the walk, trot, or canter. Horse bows and thumb-style draw are commonly used, along with the traditional European style bows and draw. Often there is a lane or designated path to guide the horse past the targets.

Mounted archery activities can be as varied as their on-foot equivalents, and include a broad range of competition types and games to test accuracy and speed. Mounted target archery includes shooting arrows with modern target points (or in special cases, period type points). Other activities, such as Mogu and combat archery, use blunted or padded tips.

Requirements:

• Mounted archery authorization
• Mounted archery equipment
• Mounted archery range (target)

Conventions - Range procedures and commands

General

1. In the case of a serious safety problem on the range such as someone entering, or about to enter, the target or safety zone, anyone can call "hold!".
2. Upon hearing "hold!", riders are to stop and remove the arrow from their bow, and listen to the Marshal's instructions.
3. Arrows must only be shot when in the lane/path.
4. Riders must not have an arrow nocked on the string when outside the designated lane/path.

If you are a rider:

1. Wait for the marshal to say the range is open.
2. After you enter the lane (or path), you may nock an arrow.
3. If you leave the lane (or path), you must immediately remove the arrow from your bow.
4. At the start of the lane, check that the lane, down-range and the end of the lane/path is clear.
5. Once you have completed shooting, move away from the lane/path and wait until the marshal instructs you to retrieve arrows.

If you are the mounted archery marshal

1. We recommend using consistent commands.
2. Call the riders to the lane/path.
3. Look to see that the range is clear and safe.
4. Call out, "Range clear" or the equivalent, and wait momentarily for any responses.
5. If all is clear, give the order, "Range is open. Shoot when ready" or equivalent.
6. When finished, call "Range closed!" and wait for compliance.
7. When clear, give the command "Retrieve arrows" or the equivalent.