At just 20 years old, Raphaël Malet has emerged as a dominant force in international equestrian sport, combining speed, precision, and horsemanship to claim multiple world and European titles in mounted archery.
Global Dominance at the World Nomad Games
Most recently, the French competitor secured the gold medal in the Magyar Style event at the World Nomad Games in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The global competition draws roughly 3,000 participants from around a hundred countries, serving as a premier showcase for traditional sports rooted in nomadic culture.
Malet navigated the 100-meter track at a full gallop in under 20 seconds during the event, engaging three 90-centimeter circular targets positioned around a central tower with rapid-fire arrows delivered from varying angles. Following his victory in Central Asia, Malet traveled directly to Centelles, near Barcelona in Spain, to defend his continental crown at the European Championships.
From Traditional Riding to Rapid-Fire Freedom
Reflecting on his progression in the sport, Malet notes the unique appeal that drew him in after years of traditional riding.
“It combines two disciplines that I really love, and there is the sensation of speed and freedom,” Malet said. “Of all the equestrian disciplines I’ve practiced since I was four years old, this is the one that attracted me the most.”
Hailing from Saint-Avit-Sénieur in the Dordogne region of France, Malet entered the sport in 2014 when mounted archery was first introduced to the country. Despite his equestrian background, he emphasizes that technical proficiency with a bow takes precedence over sheer riding skill.
Mastering Stability Over the Saddle
“It is essential to be a good archer first, more than an excellent rider, because the horse moves in a straight line,” Malet explained. “The important thing is to have your upper body very stable to aim well, and for your legs and hips to act as a shock absorber.”
His competitive résumé reflects rapid ascension. Malet holds individual world championship gold from 2023 and European gold from 2024, alongside team European titles in 2022 and 2024, and team world titles in 2023 and 2025.
Building a French Powerhouse and Managing Academics
France’s success in the discipline is closely tied to Alan Le Gall, the national team coach and selector. Operating out of the Domaine de Gauchoux in Peyrat-de-Bellac, Le Gall introduced mounted archery to France and quickly built the program into a global powerhouse.
Balancing his athletic commitments with academics, Malet is currently a third-year student pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Sport and Organisation Management (MOST) within the STAPS department on the La Borie campus in Limoges. Recognized as a high-level student-athlete by the university, he plans to continue his studies at the master’s level. Because mounted archery remains an amateur discipline awaiting potential Olympic recognition, athletes must carefully manage their education alongside international competition.
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