BEGINNER TO ADVANCED HORSE ARCHERY WITH RIDING WITH STICKS

About the training
This clinic is aimed at horse archers of all differing experience levels, with a focus on those aiming to progress their existing skills and work towards competition. Beginner horse archers are welcome, as well as riders who have already learned the basics at a previous clinic. All riders will be provided additional tuition in more advanced techniques as well as an introduction or revision of the basic skill set.

Riders will be instructed in the archery techniques from the ground, including safe carrying of equipment while on horseback, loading of arrows, shooting, targeting and safe retrieval of arrows, introduction of archery equipment to their horses, and basic shooting from the saddle, as well as tackling more complex skills including different target types and track types, use of quivers and competition preparations. Most riders spend the duration of their attendance at walk, and there is no obligation to ride faster than you are comfortable. There will also be discussions regarding competitions, technique equipment selection, further training, and clubs within Australia.  

New riders are strongly encouraged to attend both days for the best results. Beginner/new horse archers MUST attend Day 1 for foundation work. Riders with past Horse Archery Experience can choose to only attend Day 2 if they wish - this is subject to approval of the RWS team. 

Tickets are also available for participants in the ground archery session only, and fence sitters however it is important to understand that this is a more specialised clinic than our standard horse archery clinics and may not be suitable for basic ground archers. 

Full attendance details will be provided via email prior to the event (this is usually emailed out on the Monday-Wednesday prior to the event). 

Proposed Clinic Schedule - subject to change
Day 1
Horse Archery Foundations - this will include a focus on shooting from the quiver and multiple arrows from the hand, shooting posture and timing. Attendees will have two ridden sessions and a ground archery session - beginner archers (with limited or no prior experience) will work through the basic skills including desensitisation of their horse if applicable, and standard horse archery shooting techniques
Dinner Discussion - competition format and preparation, training tools and exercises, focused skills required for specific track types, plus Q&A time. 
Attendees can join in on a shared pizza order (individuals to cover their own costs) or bring their own food
Day 2 
Morning session will focus on the long shot tracks - Tower, Turret and Arena Long Shot 
Afternoon session will focus on the foundations for the hunt tracks - Skirmish 

About Liberty, Rodney and Jay
Liberty Deaman is currently one of the highest ranked Australian horse archers and was the highest scoring Australian rider at the 2023 World Championships, held in Mongolia. She is currently the Australian Representative on the International Horse Archery Alliance and has been active in the Australian Horse Archery Association (as a general member and committee member) for the past 5 years. Liberty was the Captain of the 2025 Australian World Championships Horse Archery Team which competed at Tennessee in September 2025. 

Rodney was the team Captain of the Australian Team at the 2023 World Championships in Mongolia as well as the 2021 World Grand Prix Team. He is also one of the highest ranked horse archer in Australia behind Liberty and also the President of the Australian Horse Archery Association. He is the official Coach of the 2025 Australian World Championships Team and also attended the event as an individual competitor, representing Australia. He also captained the Australian team for the Asian Nations Cup in Indonesia in November of 2025.

Jay is currently the 5th highest ranked horse archer in Australia and the official reserve for the 2025 World Championships Team, as well as representing Australia as part of Team Australia at the Asian Nations Cup later this year.  Jay has a Degree in Equine Science and is an accomplished horse trainer as well, specialising in teaching horses’ self-management and regulation which are incredibly helpful skills for horse archery horses. 

Equipment requirements
All archery equipment is provided including bow, arrows, targets and arm protection. Riders can ride in their regular tack but must have a monkey strap or similar for the front of the saddle. Bareback riding is not permitted at this event. All riders are required to always wear a suitable helmet to Australian / EA standards when handling horses and riding, and enclosed shoes (riding boots are always recommended, but flat soled shoes such as boots or joggers are also acceptable). 

Beginner archery kits will be available for purchase/order during the event. EFTPOS available at the event. Numbers and options may be limited.

Venue Details 
This clinic is being held at Grant's Arena, Bald Hills VIC. Ballarat is the closest central shopping option, with all the major supermarkets, shops, restaurants and fast-food outlets, and is approximately a 20-25 minute drive maximum. Onsite yards are available for horses and camping onsite is permitted - fees applicable. A small kitchenette with kettle fridge and BBQ is available onsite. 

Camping and Yards

2 fixed yards are available onsite. Participants are encouraged to BYO yards and set up to leave yards available for those who may not have the ability to do so. Camping is available at $10 per person per night. Camping is unpowered.

Camping and yards are to be booked directly with the property. Please contact Bernina Equine Centre on 0409 218 509 or via [email protected] 

Discounted Tickets 

Discounts are applicable for riders who attend more than 1 day. Please ensure that you select the correct ticketing options for the appropriate pricing.

Please call, email or message the RWS team if you have any questions prior to purchasing tickets to ensure you are selecting the correct options.

Horse Hire
Limited places will be available for horse hire for this event. Please ensure the attached horse hire form is downloaded, completed and returned no less than 5 days prior to the event so we can assess rider applications and select suitable school horses for the event. Failure to do so may result in a cancellation of attendance. No guarantee is provided on horse hire.