Get to Know the Gear Bows – While there are many styles of horsebows, vanes to provide the most accuracy, because plastic each with its own historical origins, the bows used in vanes will misdirect an arrow if the arrow is not mounted archery are recurve bows with no shelf or lined up correctly. Since time is of the essence for arrow rest to shoot off of and generally have a range mounted archers when shooting, arrows with feather of 30 to 45 pounds. Bows cannot be compound or fletchings give riders more accuracy. have a mechanical trigger. Quiver – The quiver is used to store arrows. “Most “Horsebows are shorter in size to allow you to shoot horseback archers use a hip quiver that tilts the from any direction on your horse, behind your back, arrows at an angle for easy access. You’re grabbing to the left or right, over the horse’s head, etc.,” and nocking your next arrow while keeping your eye Shelby says. “You are literally shooting off your on the upcoming target,” Shelby says. hand instead of a shelf like you would with a normal recurve bow. There are no tools to help you aim, it’s Protection – There are various forms of protection all pure instinct.” archers can use to safeguard themselves while shooting. This includes everything from various Arrows – Aluminum, wood or carbon fiber arrows styles of thumb rings, finger guards and arm guards. with blunted tips are commonly used. It’s necessary “The bow’s string can do some damage to skin if that arrows use feather fletchings rather than plastic you’re not used to it,” Shelby says. No Worries Journal | SUMMER 2018 63.