Since late 2023, Riding With Sticks has been touring the country instructing people in the traditional ways of horseback archery. Photos: Supplied.
The medieval period is a fascinating time in history.
When reflecting on this era, it is not uncommon to be drawn to the near-fantastical world of swords, armour, archery and jousting.
While it may seem that the only way to recreate this period is on the big screen, a trio of skilled riders, archers and medieval tragics is giving you the opportunity to live out your fantasy.
Riding With Sticks travels the eastern side of the county, giving people the chance to learn how to shoot arrows off horseback, joust and re-enact what it was like to participate in a medieval fair. And this month, they’re coming to Wagga.
“We’re coming to Wagga once again to give a complete introduction to people who are interested in getting into horse archery,” instructor Liberty Deaman said.
“Horse archery is currently one of the largest-growing equestrian sports in the world.
“Since the change in everything settling back down after COVID, we’re seeing quite a nice growth in the sport, which is excellent.
“This is actually the second time we’ll be hosting this clinic in Wagga. We’re more than happy for people to come along as fence-sitters. If people want, they can see a little bit more about the sport and learn a bit more about it before participating.”
Riding With Sticks’ Wagga Wagga clinic will be one of its biggest so far, making it an easy choice to return in 2025.
Liberty has taken part in more than 50 combat and jousting demonstration events, including the annual Tarago and Nowra shows.
At the 2023 International Horseback Archery Alliance World Championships in Mongolia, Liberty became the highest-ranked Australian rider and the 25th best in the world.
Despite all the incredible aspects of horseback archery and jousting, Liberty said it was the performance side that kept nurturing her passion for it.
Liberty has been jousting and shooting arrows from horseback for more than two decades.
“The performance aspect, especially when it comes to things like the jousting and the skill at arms, and really having that ability to engage with people in that audience, creates this atmosphere that is really unlike anything else,” she said.
“Being able to inspire people to actually pursue those different things that may not necessarily be the medieval sports to become a lifelong passion or something that can be a bigger part of their life is just the best feeling and why we do it.”
Liberty and her fellow instructors Jay and Rodney all share a passion for showing people the fun of being a part of the medieval experience.
Liberty and her partners Jay and Rodney will be making their way to the Charles Sturt University Equine Centre on 25-26 January for a clinic suitable for all skill levels and children aged six and up. They are encouraging people to book early.
“Last time we were here, we had about 16 riders and it was one of our biggest clinics, which was fantastic,” Liberty said.
“It’s a very inclusive clinic and a great opportunity for people of all skills. The way we structure the clinic format is so that we can start to instruct people individually as they develop.
”Over the two days, people can often take to it quicker than others, so we do our best to give everyone quality instruction.
“We’d love to see people come down to the CSU Equine Centre and check it out, whether they are riding or just sitting on the fence. It is a wonderful time.”
To join in the fun, you can book your spot at the horseback archery clinic here.
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