The Australian Horse Archery Association (AHAA) championships were set to take place in Tarago last weekend. However, border closures meant only NSW and ACT participants could take part at the showgrounds.
The AHAA Canberra Region Branch has been running in Tarago since 2019. They regularly host rallies and training days at the showground, which include a variety of competition and training tracks. Branch members recently represented Australia in the International Horse Archery Association’s World Grand Prix, placing 13th overall.
The branch has up to 12 members currently, with seven riders in last weekend’s event. Competitions often consist of a variety of different tracks, including the straight ‘raid and tower’ tracks, and the cross-country styled ‘hunt’ tracks.
The sport of horse archery has been in existence for many hundreds of years globally. While it has only been a competition sport in Australia for some 10 years, it has been traditionally enjoyed in many countries including Mongolia, Poland, Korea, the US and Hungary.
International postal competitions are held throughout the year which allow riders from all over the world to test their skills against one another, without having to travel abroad.
The branch meets monthly on the third weekend of each month. There are 12 rallies per year. Certification is gained by attending Horse Archery clinics and schools around Australia.
New members can contact the branch for details on 0407 390 678 or find information online via the Australia Horse Archery Association.
