From a Walmart Bow to the World Stage: Hazel Carter and Jewel Set Sights on Tennessee

In the niche, high-adrenaline world of competitive horseback archery, precision is everything. For Alberta’s Hazel Carter and her horse, Jewel, that precision is about to be tested on a global scale at the World Championships of Horseback Archery.

Carter is preparing to represent Canada at the international tournament hosted by the International Horseback Archery Alliance in Tennessee. For the Albertan athlete, the trip to the United States is more than just a competition; it is the culmination of a rapid ascent from a curious teenager to a full-time professional athlete.

An Unlikely Beginning

Most elite athletes spend years in developmental academies or structured youth programs. Carter’s entry into the sport was far more impulsive. The spark occurred on her 18th birthday, when she decided to try something entirely new.

Equipped with a basic bow purchased from Walmart, Carter took her first shot from the back of her horse. That single moment of experimentation triggered an immediate obsession. What began as a spontaneous exercise in novelty quickly evolved into a disciplined pursuit of athletic excellence.

For a reader unfamiliar with the discipline, horseback archery requires a seamless synchronization between rider and horse. The archer must maintain stability and aim with pinpoint accuracy while the horse is in motion, often at high speeds. This requires not only technical skill with the bow but a profound level of trust and communication with the animal.

The Path to Professionalism

The transition from a hobbyist to a world-class contender happened quickly. Carter has now been training full-time for four years, dedicating her life to mastering the complexities of the sport. This commitment has transformed her passion into a legitimate sporting career.

Central to this success is Jewel. The relationship between Carter and her horse is described as a cornerstone of her competitive edge. In a sport where the horse is not merely a mount but a teammate, the bond between the two is critical for the stability and timing required to hit targets during a gallop.

Beyond the Podium: Promoting the Sport

While the World Championships represent a significant personal milestone, Carter views her role as more than just a competitor. She has turn into a fervent promoter of horseback archery, working to elevate the sport’s profile both within Canada and globally.

Carter and Jewel spend nearly every weekend traveling across Western Canada. Their itinerary includes:

• Regional parades and community fairs.
• Competitive contests.
• Specialized training workshops and stages.

This grassroots approach serves a dual purpose. First, it provides the high-volume training necessary to stay sharp for international events. Second, it acts as a recruitment and awareness tool, aiming to develop the sport’s infrastructure in Alberta and introduce the discipline to a wider audience.

The Road to Tennessee

The upcoming event in Tennessee represents a “huge” moment for the pair. By competing under the banner of the International Horseback Archery Alliance, Carter is stepping into the highest tier of the sport.

Her journey—from a budget bow to representing her country—underscores the accessibility and growth potential of horseback archery. For Carter, the goal remains clear: compete at the highest level while ensuring that the sport continues to grow in the Canadian West.

The event is scheduled for September, following a period of intensive preparation throughout the summer of 2025.

For more updates on Canadian representatives in international equestrian sports, follow the official reports from Radio-Canada.

Next Checkpoint: Hazel Carter and Jewel will compete in the International Horseback Archery Alliance World Championships this September in Tennessee.

Do you think horseback archery should receive more mainstream athletic recognition in North America? Share your thoughts in the comments below.