Archery

Introduction to Mounted Archery
Lady Elena Alexander & m’Lord Norbert Dolittle of Stierbach
Thursday, 7:00pm-8:00pm
Equestrian Classroom

After completing this class, you will be able to explain the role of mounted archery in military history, locate and understand relevant mounted archery safety procedures, select equipment that is appropriate for mounted archery, and prepare your horse for mounted archery. You’ll also be able to identify (1) ground archery skills to practice that will improve your mounted archery and (2) equestrian skills you can practice that will improve your mounted archery.

Target Archery for Mounted Archers
Lord Rónán mac Ímair
Friday, 9:00am-10:00am
Saturday, 9:00am-10:00am
Mounted Archery Arena

In this class, you will learn the basics of target archery with a focus on techniques that translate to mounted archery, such as speed nocking, instinctive aiming, and drawing efficiently. This class is open to all skill levels. You should bring this equipment: Bow, arrows (loaner equipment will be available). The class size is limited to 8 people.

Horse Desensitization for Mounted Archery
Doña Zarra de la Vega
Friday, 10:15am-11:15am
Mounted Archery Arena

Learn the steps you and your horse need to take to get your horse used to mounted archery. This class will briefly review the foundational knowledge from my basic desensitization class and gearing that knowledge specifically to Mounted Archery. Please note, this class will not transform your horse overnight into a bomb proof horse, but give you the tools and knowledge to guide your journey. If you have an equine present you will get a chance to work through the steps to get your horse ready for mounted archery. This class is open to horses of any training level. The individual step(s) you work on will be geared towards you and your horse’s level. Size Limit: 15 horses, no limit on auditors

Wooden Horse Archery Practice
Lord Yarden d’Animaux
Friday, 11:30am-12:30pm
Mounted Archery Arena

In this class, you will practice proper body mechanics for mounted archery while stationary. This includes balance, nocking speed, and shooting angles from a full size wooden horse. It is important to have these skills already: Basic archery experience and the ability to mount a (wooden) horse. You should bring this equipment: Bow, arrows (loaner equipment will be available). Class size is limited to 6 people.

Practice on a Wooden Horse Being Towed
Lord Yarden d’Animaux
Friday, 2:00pm-3:00pm
Mounted Archery Arena

In this class, you will simulate the movement of a real horse while practicing archery. You will ride a wooden horse that is towed at a steady pace, allowing you to work on balance and shot timing.
It is important to have these skills already: Basic archery proficiency. Ability to balance on a moving saddle. You should bring this equipment: Bow, arrows (loaner equipment will be available). Class size is limited to 4 people.

All About the Thumb Ring
Naran Numuchi, Bagshi
Saturday, 10:15am-11:15am
Mounted Archery Arena

How to select and use a thumb ring, how to use the thumb to draw the bow. Class size is limited to 8 people.

Mounted Archery Skills Test and Practice
Lord Yarden d’Animaux
Saturday, 2:00pm-3:00pm
Mounted Archery Arena

In this session, you will have the opportunity to practice mounted archery skills on your own. Marshals will be present to oversee safety. Targets will be provided and a standard course will be scored if you wish. It is important to have these skills already: Prior experience in mounted archery or completion of a beginner session. You should bring this equipment: Bow, arrows (loaner equipment will be available), and appropriate riding attire. A short bow that does not hit the mount is essential. A suitable mount must be arranged ahead of time.

The Cantabrian: Shooting in a Continuous Circle
Lord Yarden d’Animaux & m’Lord Norbert Dolittle
Saturday, 3:15pm-4:15pm
Mounted Archery Arena

In this class, you will learn to ride in a continuous loop while nocking and loosing arrows at a tangent to the firing line. This exercise builds control, rhythm, and confidence in shooting from a moving horse.
It is important to have these skills already: Ability to ride at a trot or canter, prior archery experience.
You should bring this equipment: Bow, arrows (loaner equipment will be available), and appropriate riding attire. A short bow that does not hit the mount is essential. A suitable mount must be arranged ahead of time. A steady controllable horse is necessary for this exercise

Atlantian Mounted Archery Authorization
Saturday, 4:30pm-5:30pm
Mounted Archery Arena

This is the opportunity for Atlantians to complete their mounted archery authorization. Be sure to be up to date on Mounted Archery policy in the most up to date version of the Atlantian Book of the Horse. You will be evaluated on your ability to safely perform mounted archery in accordance with Atlantian kingdom requirements. This includes shooting from horseback at a walk and trot, demonstrating safe handling of equipment, and proper control over the horse. It is important to have these skills already: Prior mounted archery experience, comfort handling a horse while shooting. Knowledge of the Atlantian Mounted Archery Rules. You should bring this equipment: Bow, arrows (loaner equipment will be available), and appropriate riding attire. A short bow that does not hit the mount is essential. A suitable mount must be arranged ahead of time. If you want to pursue this authorization/ take the class, it will help Epy to know that you are interested! Please complete the Equestrian Information Form found on the Equestrian page of the LEAFS website.

Asiatic Arrows
Naran Numuchi, Bagshi
Saturday, 4:30pm-5:30pm
Equestrian Classroom

Naran Bagsh discusses different kinds of Asiatic arrows. Characteristics, construction, and usage.

An Introduction to Arrow-Making for the SCA
Lord Rónán mac Ímair
Saturday, 7:00pm to 8:00pm
Equestrian Classroom

This will be an introduction to constructing wooden arrows for use in SCA target shoots. Topics covered will include relevance of arrow spine, determining arrow length, types of nocks, equipment and supplies needed, and methods of arrow construction, including sealing and cresting shafts, cutting arrows to size, and applying nocks, tips, and fletching. The class will include some hands-on components, with arrows in various stages of construction available for students to crest, fletch, and attach tips.

A Controversial Notion: Why the Uruk-Hai Bow is Actually Superior to the Elvish Bow
Naran Numuchi, Bagshi
Saturday, 7:00pm-8:00pm
Forestry Classroom

Naran shows selected bows from his collection and discusses how bow design relates to performance. What is the difference between static ear and normal recurve bows? Why is the distinction important? For students selecting a bow for mounted archery (or for period shooting) what are the important elements to look for? Assuming that the student has some experience with a self bow, why would the switch, what should they be aware of?