Horseback Archery
An epic ancient warrior experience among lush forests and towering mountains, based on the practices of the Hungarian horseback archery Master Lajos Kassai
What you'll be doing
Kassai based archery training has specific stages of perfection that you can practice at The Way of the Horse and Bow.
Our training weeks offer a eight-day journey where you acquire essential archery skills, including equipment familiarity, safety protocols, specific forms for horseback archery, multi-directional shooting, fast reloading, and shooting while holding multiple arrows.
You will develop riding skills focusing on the "Be With Me" Holistic Approach, balance based control of all gaits and the ability to use your upper body independently.
By the end of the training week, in accordance to your riding skills, you will be able to shoot a few arrows from a galloping horse on our horseback archery course.
In these eight days you will be learning the following archery skills:
Get familiar with archery specific equipment
Basic safety protocols for rider and horse
The specific forms for horseback archery
Shooting in three phases
Shooting in three directions: forwards, sideway and backwards
Fast reloading
Shooting while holding multiple arrows
And the following riding skills:
Riding with your own body's balance (without the use of rains)
Riding in all gaits - walk, trot and canter
Learning how to use the upper body independently when riding, with the aid of bows, drums and flags
Bareback riding for improving your balance
What's included
Homemade meals three times a day
Sleep in an authentic yurt
All needed items for training
Multiple daily training sessions
To and from Sofia Airport
What we focus on
Happy horses
Ethical horsemanship
Natural environment
Pain-free tack
Communication & bond
Rider weight limit: 95 kg / 209 lbs
“The Way of the Horse and Bow” strives to offer a natural and gentle environment to practice riding and horseback archery.
Our horses are a part of the family - their wellbeing both mentally and physically is our top priority. This is why in horseback archery we focus on human to horse connection and collaboration through the “Be With Me” Holistic approach.
Our Valley is home to a total of 19 horses - Arabians, Anglo-Arabians, East Bulgarian, Karakachan and some others.
We do not use bits, or excessive aids. Our preferred tack consists of rope halters and traditional nomadic archery saddles. We provide for guests that prefer an English saddle as well. We also conduct balance training by riding without a saddle, or testing your riding skills without using your hands.
Who you will train with
Vladimir Mustakerski
founder & trainer
Founder and main man at "The Way of the Horse and the Bow", he teaches the "Be With Me" Holistic horsemanship method as well as traditional horseback archery based on the Kassai System. Vladimir often holds clinics in Belgium, Denmark, Scotland and Holland.
Where you'll be staying
Wi-Fi
Campfire
Drinks
Garden
Shower
Kitchen
Hiking
Parking
Snacks
Pet friendly
We offer one of a kind accommodation in our fantastic Mongolian Yurts.
Yurts are heated and furnished with simple beds, tables and light, and beautifully decorated with rugs, skins and nomadic art. They fit up to 6 people, sharing space nomadic style.
Our cozy wooden lodge offers a modern kitchen, a bathroom with toilet and shower, and a spacious living room adorned with a large wooden dining table and a fireplace for chilly, cozy evenings.
We take great joy in offering delightful, freshly homecooked meals to ensure your stay is truly exceptional and satisfying.
Accomodation Alternative:
Forest Houses Complex
For those seeking an alternative to yurt accommodation, "Forest Houses" provide a modern yet nature-immersed retreat. Situated in Godech (6km from "The Way of the Horse and Bow") the complex offers three Alpine-style guest houses with multiple apartments.
