Horsemanship

Looking for some time on the track to focus in on riding for horse archery without the bow? When we pick up our bow it can be so easy for the sole focus to become target points, but in order to bring forward your full potential you must train on the horse without the bow in your hand! Many horse archers can become so busy chasing points they neglect to build their foundations. You must train on the ground without the horse, and you MUST train on the horse without your bow.

Training on the Horse Without the Bow Is Essential for Your Progress

In mounted archery. Before adding the complexity of shooting, we need to make sure the foundational skills are solid. Training without the bow isn’t a step backward; it’s the key to unlocking your full potential on the track.

Mastering Balance and Body Control:
Without a bow in your hands, you can fully focus on developing an independent seat, quiet legs, and a stable upper body. These are critical for accurate shooting later. If your body is tense or compensating for poor balance, it will affect your shot—and your horse’s comfort.

Building Confidence For You and Your Horse:
Your horse needs to trust you and you need to trust your horse. If you have recently been asigned a new horse to train on or you are feeling a desire to build a stronger connection with your equine training partner... time pent with the horse without the bow is what you need.  Working without the bow allows both of you to get comfortable with each other without the added pressure of shooting. 

Reducing Physical and Mental Overload:
Mounted archery is a multi-layered skill. Riding fast, staying balanced, adjusting for distance, drawing the bow, connecting to the target, and shooting all at once can overwhelm even experienced riders. Removing the bow allows you to master each layer individually, building competence before complexity.

Better Accuracy in the Long Run:
Archers who skip this foundational work often plateau quickly, struggle with accuracy, or develop compensating habits that limit long-term skill. Riders who commit to training the “no bow” phase develop cleaner body mechanics, smoother timing, and ultimately much more precise shooting.

Bottom line: Training without the bow isn’t optional—it’s the foundation of everything you’ll achieve in mounted archery. The stronger your riding base, the more powerful and confident your shooting becomes.

To book a track training session e-mail Sarah here