LOOK - Horseback archery: Malaysians take a shot at ancient pastime

Horseback archery was common for thousands of years in hunting and warfare

Published: November 29, 2021 15:39 Matthew Smith, Sport Editor

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Riding a galloping horse under the blazing sun, Malaysian archer Zaharudin Rastam Yeop Mahidin fires an arrow at a target as a crowd cheers. Image Credit: AFP

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This is horseback archery, which was common for thousands of years in hunting and warfare but declined with the introduction of firearms and other modern combat gear. Image Credit: AFP

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Now it is getting a revival as a niche sport, gaining a growing following in Malaysia and among a small number of enthusiasts worldwide. Wearing a traditional outfit associated with the country’s ethnic Malay Muslim majority, Zaharudin was one of 28 riders competing at a tournament in central Rembau district. The 59-year-old veteran archer said it was the most challenging but rewarding sport he had ever tried. Image Credit: AFP

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“It’s a blending of mind, body and spirit at its best,” he said. “The mind has to be focused on the task at hand. The body must conform to what’s needed handling the bow and arrows on a moving horse." Image Credit: AFP

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"And the spirit - you have to trust the horse,” he adds. Image Credit: AFP

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Riders at the tournament had to try to hit nine targets within 30 seconds as they galloped along a 200-metre track, and were judged on their accuracy and speed. Image Credit: AFP

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The tournament was established in 2018 and has been held several times since, but the recent edition was the first in nearly two years due to coronavirus curbs in Malaysia. Image Credit: AFP

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Horseback archery requires intensive training before riders can shoot targets while moving at speed. It is also a relatively expensive sport to get into, given the cost of keeping horses and the fact there are only a few places in the country to learn it. Image Credit: AFP

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But it is becoming more popular in Malaysia, with about 100 people taking part, and the sport’s tight-knit community hopes to entice sponsors and government support, and make it more accessible to the wider public. Its following has also grown worldwide, with tournaments held in countries from Europe to Asia in recent years. Image Credit: AFP

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LOOK - Horseback archery: Malaysians take a shot at ancient pastime

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LOOK - Horseback archery: Malaysians take a shot at ancient pastime

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