What is Mounted Archery

In the previous video of Blessi and mounted shooting, I use the term "take a Parthian shot," which refers to a type of shot made famous by the Parthian tribe (who battled the Romans) in which the bowman shoots over the back of the horse while retreating from the enemy. Today you will hear "take a parting shot" meaning to make one final, cutting remark right before leaving the conversation.

Mounted archery is an age old sport in which a rider shoots from the back of a horse running at full speed.  In the Iron age, warriors from tribes on the Eurasian steppes skirmished with various armies.  Later during Medieval times, Mongols, Huns, and various Turkish tribes went on paths of conquest supported by their quick moving armies of mounted archers.  Japanese, Koreans, and American Indians also had strong traditions of mounted archery.  The use of firearms in warfare brought an end to use of archery.

Usually mounted archers use a composite recurve bow which is shorter and lighter in draw than along bow or cross bow .  Each culture has its own history of how the recurve bow is made, shaped, held, and released.  Today, there is a resurgence in interest in this equestrian activity.