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An ancient martial discipline has arrived in Nova Scotia as the Atlantic provinces welcome their first mounted archery club in the Annapolis Valley, bringing the precision of traditional bowwork into full gallop.
Launching Atlantic Canada’s First Horse Archery Club in Canning
The practice of horse archery combines the steady focus of traditional marksmanship with the dynamic movement of horseback riding. Last spring, Lance Bishop established the Seawinds Horse Archers in Canning, Nova Scotia, marking the first facility of its kind in Atlantic Canada.
While stationary archery requires a high degree of technical expertise, executing the motion on a galloping horse introduces significant mechanical challenges. “It’s strange,” Bishop said, describing the transition from solid ground to the saddle. “You can easily place the arrow in the bow when you’re standing on the ground, but on horseback, it’s different.”
Bishop’s interest in the discipline began during his youth. At nine years old, he envisioned the concept of shooting arrows from a horse, eventually discovering the work of Hungarian archer Lajos Kassai, who served as a central figure in the modern revival of the sport.
Mastering the Mechanics of Mounted Archery
The core objective of the discipline requires riders to loose as many arrows as possible at a rotating target while riding the track at speed. Competitors must maintain proper control of both their equipment and their mounts.
“You have to hold your bow and arrow well while adapting to the movement of the horse,” Bishop explained regarding the physical demands of the training.
Despite the steep learning curve, the club has attracted roughly a dozen regular members. Among them is Amy Morrison, an experienced equestrian who recently took up the bow specifically to join the Canning training sessions.
“People are astonished,” Morrison said of the public reaction to the local club. “They say, ‘I didn’t even know this sport existed!'”
Although the pairing of sharp arrows and fast horses appears hazardous to observers, participants emphasize safety protocols within the curriculum. “People think it’s dangerous, but it really isn’t,” Morrison said.
Seawinds Horse Archers Schedules First Public Training Camp
To accommodate growing curiosity surrounding the modern iteration of the historical practice, Seawinds Horse Archers scheduled its first public training and competition camp. The four-day event runs from August 9 to August 12, offering spectators and prospective riders an introduction to the sport, as reported by ici.radio-canada.ca.
