Ranch Jack Riders Secure Five Podiums at Bourgogne-Franche-Comté Horseback Archery Open
MOUTOUX, France — Five riders from Ranch Jack in Moutoux claimed podium finishes at the Open Bourgogne-Franche-Comté de tir à l’arc à cheval held in Cluny on April 17, 2026, continuing the equestrian center’s strong tradition in the emerging sport of horseback archery.
Competing under the guidance of coach Corinne Guinchard, the Ranch Jack team brought home five medals — including three first-place finishes — showcasing their depth and preparation ahead of the national competition circuit.
The event, hosted in the historic town of Cluny in Saône-et-Loire, drew participants from across eastern France for a discipline that blends precision archery with horsemanship, requiring athletes to shoot targets while maintaining control of their mounts at varying gaits.
Ranch Jack’s Medal Haul Highlights Team Depth
According to verified results shared by Le Progrès, Bastien, Steven, and Zoé each secured gold medals in their respective categories, while Zélie and Mélina earned additional podium placements to round out the team’s five-medal performance.
The achievement underscores Ranch Jack’s growing reputation as a hub for equestrian excellence in the Jura region, where the center has operated for several decades offering trail rides, lessons, and specialized training programs.
Located between Saint-Claude, Champagnole, and Les Rousses, Ranch Jack provides access to diverse Jura landscapes that support both recreational riding and competitive preparation in disciplines like horseback archery, which demands exceptional coordination between rider and horse.
Coach Corinne Guinchard’s Role in Athlete Development
Corinne Guinchard, identified as the team’s coach and a certified instructor at Ranch Jack, has been credited with fostering a training environment that emphasizes patience, technical precision, and mutual respect between horse and rider — qualities essential for success in mounted archery.
Her approach aligns with Ranch Jack’s broader philosophy of combining expertise in ethology with traditional horsemanship to create customized development paths for riders of all levels, from beginners to advanced competitors.
Guinchard’s involvement extends beyond technical instruction to include guidance on horse welfare, equipment selection, and competition strategy, all of which contribute to the team’s consistent performance in regional events.
Understanding Horseback Archery as a Competitive Discipline
Horseback archery, known in French as tir à l’arc à cheval, involves shooting arrows at targets while riding a horse, typically at the canter or gallop. Competitions are judged on accuracy, form, and the ability to maintain control of the horse throughout the course.
The sport has roots in traditional mounted warfare and hunting practices across cultures but has evolved into a modern competitive discipline governed by organizations such as the International Horseback Archery Alliance (IHAA), which oversees rules, rankings, and international events.
In France, regional opens like the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté event serve as qualifying opportunities for national championships, where riders accumulate points based on placement and score consistency across multiple legs of the circuit.
Events typically feature multiple divisions based on age, experience level, and equipment type, allowing newcomers and seasoned athletes to compete fairly within their peer groups.
Ranch Jack’s Broader Equestrian Offerings
Beyond competitive training, Ranch Jack offers guided trail rides through the Jura Mountains, horse boarding services, clinics and camps focused on specific skills, and horse truck rental for transport needs.
The center too partners with local experts in equine ethology, saddle fitting, and outdoor recreation to provide a comprehensive experience for visitors seeking trail adventures, skill development, or simply time with horses in a natural setting.
These offerings reflect Ranch Jack’s mission to serve as a year-round destination for equestrian enthusiasts while maintaining its core values of animal welfare, environmental stewardship, and community engagement.
Looking Ahead: Next Steps for the Ranch Jack Team
With the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté Open concluded, the Ranch Jack riders will now turn their focus toward upcoming events in the French horseback archery calendar, including regional qualifiers and preparation for the national championships later in 2026.
Continued training will emphasize refining shot timing, improving horse responsiveness to verbal and leg cues, and building endurance for multi-round competition days — all under the supervision of Guinchard and support staff.
For fans and followers of the team, updates on competition schedules, rider progress, and event results are typically shared through Ranch Jack’s official social media channels and website, where the center posts photos, training insights, and announcements about public clinics or open house events.
As horseback archery gains visibility in France and across Europe, teams like Ranch Jack represent the growing grassroots movement dedicated to preserving and advancing the sport through disciplined training, ethical horsemanship, and competitive participation.
The five-medal performance in Cluny not only marks a successful weekend for the Moutoux-based team but also signals their readiness to contend for higher honors as the season progresses.
To learn more about Ranch Jack’s programs, training opportunities, or upcoming events, visitors are encouraged to consult the center’s official communications platforms for the most current and verified information.
