From first draw to competition ready.
A progressive pathway designed to build safe, capable and confident horse archers — from foundational archery to mounted competition.
Grading pathway
Ground Archer
Build safe handling and sound shooting habits before progressing to horses.
- Range commands, equipment checks and safe retrieval
- Stance, nocking, draw, release and follow-through
- Controlled grouping at an introductory distance
- Basic horse awareness and stable safety
Mounted Foundations
Develop independent balance and calm, responsible handling around horses.
- Mounting, dismounting and tack checks
- Walk and trot control with instructor oversight
- Independent seat, rein management and emergency stops
- Dry-draw technique while stationary or led, where appropriate
Novice Horse Archer
Bring archery and horsemanship together on a controlled course.
- Safe arrow handling and shooting position while mounted
- Consistent course entry, line discipline and exit
- Accurate shooting at a suitable supervised pace
- Horse welfare and readiness checks
Intermediate Horse Archer
Demonstrate repeatable technique across more demanding courses.
- Controlled riding and shooting at progressively higher pace
- Multiple targets and direction changes where suitable
- Consistent timing, accuracy and equipment management
- Sportsmanship and independent course preparation
Advanced Horse Archer
Show competition-level consistency, judgment and responsibility.
- Performance across recognised course formats
- Consistent safe execution under competition conditions
- Horse welfare, rules knowledge and incident response
- Mentoring and exemplary sporting conduct
Competition qualification pathway
Club Practice Eligible
Complete foundational safety checks and obtain instructor clearance for the relevant activity. Riding and shooting permissions are assessed separately.
Novice Event Eligible
Pass the mounted safety assessment, demonstrate a controlled full course, and satisfy the organiser's novice-event rules and horse suitability requirements.
Open Competition Eligible
Demonstrate consistent scored runs, course-rule knowledge and instructor/assessor endorsement. Entry remains subject to event-specific eligibility rules.
Representative Selection
Consider recent verified results, consistency, conduct, fitness, horse welfare and selection criteria set by HAA(S) for each event.
How assessment could work
Each grade should include a mandatory safety pass, a practical skills checklist and a recorded assessment signed by an authorised assessor. A serious safety breach would stop an assessment regardless of shooting score. Scoring thresholds, distances, gaits, reassessment intervals and assessor accreditation should be formally approved before the system is launched.