6 minute read
A Horseback Archer’s Journey
Nicole Vincent, a member of Kaspian Mounted Archery (Olds, AB) taking one of the Skills Clinic participant’s Gypsy Vanner for a test drive down the 100m long track in Falkland BC.
Skills Clinic in Falkland; practicing multi-directional shooting while balancing on OKMA's 'Board of Education' Intro Clinic in Kelowna; learning how to condition their horses to the sights and sounds of the bow and arrow while stationary
Some folks have never held a bow in their life, but can ride, and others have been doing archery since they can remember, but haven’t ridden. Some people have experience with neither bow nor equine.
Truth is, anyone can be successful that has the tenacity, perseverance, and will to succeed.
Okanagan Khanate Mounted Archery’s (OKMA) vision is to coach you through a process that will offer the knowledge and skills necessary to take you (and your loyal horse) from beginner ground archer to fierce mounted competitor. Let’s break that down a little bit, shall we?
Structure, systems, and the right tools are essential for direction and achievement when learning new skills. The framework looks like this:
1. Introductory Clinic. Day 1 is focused entirely on development of the fundamentals of historic, intuitive ground archery where you learn how to use the bow and arrow safely and effectively. Day 2 is where you learn to work with and condition your horse in tandem with the archers and progress towards shooting from horseback! 2. Skills Clinic. The goal is to take the foundations of the sport, hone the skills learned at the Intro stage, and begin adding new ones to the repertoire. For example, if you were walking/trotting in the Intro Clinic, now we will get you shooting at the canter in a multitude of course settings. You’ll also learn things like how to shoot faster by loading arrows from the bow hand, shooting at greater distances on the move, and how to shoot in all directions: fore shot, side shot, back shot, offside, on the ground, and up in the air at the Qabaq.
The next stage is competition. OKMA competes on courses designed by the IHAA (International Horseback Archery Alliance). The IHAA has a grading system that provides horseback archers with the means of assessing their skill level and progression from season to season so they can improve and work towards achievable goals regardless of level. It also provides a framework for grouping competitors so that people compete directly against those of similar standard and have a real chance of winning.
The different classes are Walk/Trot (levels WT1-5), Student (S1-S5), and Horse Archer (HA1-10). These scores are obtained during ‘grading competitions’ on the applicable courses designated by the IHAA and posted to their website so you can see how you rank in your own country and internationally against your peers. To keep archers consistently progressing, the IHAA also has international “postal matches,” where a different course is selected every two months. Scores are submitted to the IHAA, who posts them to their website where competitors can see how they ranked against others from around the world! Grading events and postal match competitions are held at local clubs that have proper facilities and judges to keep time and score.
There is no limit to where you can go with this sport.
You can even travel and compete internationally in numerous circuits. OKMA is aiming to attend the 2023 World Championship in Mongolia!
While all of this can seem daunting, it’s important to keep in mind that it’s small steps and consistent practice that will get you there. OKMA runs regular practices with our certified coaches, with both ground, and mounted components. However, it’s imperative that the individual take responsibility for their learning and progress. On your journey, seek to refine what you’ve learned so you’re prepared to be successful in the next stage. When you are practicing or competing, envision precisely what you want to accomplish, set small goals, strategize with your coaches and peers and stick to it. Afterwards, reflect – what worked and what didn’t, what can be improved for next time? Ask others for their second-hand perspective of your performance, draw from experience, and don’t shirk from constructive criticism or setbacks.
Nobody successfully avoids these growing pains - so don’t feel lesser for not being at a high level right away; failing your way to success is part of the journey that everyone must undertake.
Skills Progression
By Archer Peters
Everyone starts somewhere. This is true for any skill. Certainly, it’s the case for horseback archery. People entering this sport exist somewhere on a spectrum of experience.
Professional Racetrack Groom Course
The Professional Racetrack Groom Course is a “Learn and Earn” concept program that will give you the confidence and skill to become a Groom at Alberta Horse Racing Tracks! This unique program has a blended approach that will allow you to study online, learn from and practice your skill with industry professional instructors, all while allowing you to earn a wage working in the industry! You will acquire the skills you need to provide intensive professional care to elite race horses. Upon successful completion of this program you will be able to understand horse behaviors, explain the workings of the horse racing industry, develop personal career skills and much more!
Professional Racetrack Exercise Rider Program
The Professional Racetrack Exercise Rider Program is a “Learn and Earn” concept program that will give you the confidence and skill to become a professional licensed Exercise Rider at Alberta Horse Racing Tracks! This unique program has a blended approach that will allow you to study online, learn from and practice your skill with industry professional instructors. You will acquire the skills you need to exercise race horses on a track. Upon successful completion of this program you will be able to develop personal career skills and much more!
Program Overview:
Registration: Registrations are accepted as long as seats are available, however, it is recommended that you register early as this class is limited to a small number of students to ensure your safety and an optimal learning experience. With support from Horse Racing Alberta and industry professionals you will receive your hands on training at the Century Mile Racetrack in Nisku Alberta.
Earn your living Working with Horses every day!
Program Overview:
Physical Requirements: Participants need to be physically fit, mentally ready, willing and able to ride a Thoroughbred race horse. Admission Requirements: Applicants must undergo a riding test to determine suitability for admission to the program. With support from Horse Racing Alberta and industry professionals you will receive your hands on training at the Century Mile Racetrack in Nisku Alberta. You will first learn in the indoor arena, and then move to the racetrack with your instructors. To complete the graduation requirements you will log 60 rides with industry horses in training.
For more information contact Continuing Education & Corporate Training Phone: 403.556.4740 Toll Free: 800.661.6537 coned@oldscollege.ca oldscollege.ca
