What is horseback archery?

Horseback archery is a historical sport that combines horseback riding and archery in a beautiful and challenging way. This tradition traces its roots to the skill of ancient warriors and has grown in popularity today as a hobby that combines two highly demanding disciplines.

History and Culture

Historically, horseback archery was widely practiced in various cultures. Ancient soldiers from China to Europe knew how to use bows effectively from horseback, which gave them a significant advantage in battle. The Mongols’ fascinating tradition of horseback archery has left its mark on history, as they utilized their skill during their conquests.

What is horseback archery today?

Although horseback archery has lost its military significance, it has been revived as a recreational activity. Horseback archery requires skill in both riding and archery. The rider must control the horse while aiming and shooting the bow. This requires balance, coordination, and the ability to divide one’s attention between two skill-intensive activities. Experienced horseback archers make this spectacular and fluid skill look effortless, even though it requires a great deal of practice and dedication.

Archery on horseback is a very diverse sport, and there are numerous types of courses. Here at Ranch Kuulas, we currently offer:

• Short, 60-meter training track
• 110-meter track

In the summer of 2024, Northern Europe’s most spectacular new racetrack also opened.

In competitions, events are generally held on a straight, fenced track, such as,

• Tower Track
• Raid on the track

Or an off-road track called a “Hunt track,” which may or may not be fenced in; it can range in length from hundreds of meters to several kilometers and may also include small obstacles.

How do you get started with this sport?

The best way to get started in horseback archery is through a beginner’s course, which we hold regularly throughout the year at the Ranch in Rovaniemi. Training begins with the ground-based archery technique. In horseback archery, a shorter reflex bow is used. Once you’ve got the hang of shooting from the ground, you’ll move on to practicing with the horse at different gaits.

Here at Ranch Kuulas, we have a total of 15 warrior ponies, Fjord horses, and Finnish horses trained in horseback archery. Our trainer is Valtteri Männikkö, one of Finland’s best horseback archers.

If you’re interested in taking up this hobby, feel free to contact us by email at sales@ranchkuulas.com.

What opportunities does Ranch Kuulas offer to those already involved in the sport?

At Ranch Kuulaa, we hold weekly horseback archery training sessions once a week. You’re welcome to join if you’ve completed at least a beginner’s course or possess equivalent skills. In addition, during the winter season, we hold indoor training sessions in Rovaniemi at the Lapin Jousi facilities, where we can practice shooting in a warm hall, including with 3D animal targets.

We also regularly organize various training courses and competitions, to which you are warmly invited. If you’re coming from out of town, we also offer accommodations.

We mainly post updates about horseback archery on our Facebook page, and sign-ups for weekly practice sessions are handled through our WhatsApp group. If you’d like to join this group, please send us a message on WhatsApp at 0445130720 (link).