The Tuba Horseback Archery Club
The Tuba Horseback Archery Club is run by Neil Payne and Kerry Osborne. The training ground, based in South Petherton (Somerset), was first used by Neil to learn the sport himself and is now used as a track and for regular courses for beginners. Neil learnt (and still learns!) horseback archery from Christian Schraude of the Steppenreiter in Germany.
Neil is a GNAS qualified archery instructor and works in tandem with Kerry who is a fully-qualified BHS riding coach. Together they are able to cater for all levels from beginners upwards.
Training takes place once a month at the ground, usually the last Saturday each month. During the summer weekend courses are also run. If you are interested in learning at The Tuba Horseback Archery Club then please contact Neil on 01460 240 411 or 07973 764666. He can then walk you through the upcoming dates, procedures and associated costs.
FAQs
> Who can learn?
Horseback archery is not easy. You need to be able to ride a horse well, use a bow and arrow, knock arrows and of course hit the target. It takes time and effort to reach any decent level. People need to be prepared for this. Anyone can essentially learn and at the club all levels are catered for including complete novices.
> How does it work?
If you decide to learn at The Tuba Club then you simply join the monthly lessons held. At these lessons you are coached on all aspects of archery and horse riding.
> Do I need equipment?
The simple answer is 'yes'. For initial lessons archery and equestrian equipment is provided. Once a student decides to take the sport seriously they must buy their own bows, arrows, quiver, and any other equipment needed. The club can advise on issues such as good quality bows, poundage, draw length (for arrows), etc. Generally horse riding equipment is not needed.
> What does the logo mean?
Neil explains:
When researching archery I read a lot about the archers of the Ottoman Empire. While looking through some pictures I came across the gravestone of a Janissary. At the top of the gravestone was this; it translates as "Only He is Life, the Everlasting". I found this quite profound in that archery was so intertwined with their way of life, religion and death. I believe the same level of love, passion, commitment and hard-work is needed to be a successfull horseback archer. These are the guiding principles of our club.
