Under upload
2020
Grading
IHAA Grading system
The IHAA grading system provides a means of assessing the expertise of horseback archers. Its benefits are as follows:
- To provide a point of reference for mounted archers to compare their ability from season to season, individually or against friends, so that they can monitor their improvement and motivate themselves to encouragement to practise and improve.
- To provide an achievable goal for anyone in the sport, from beginners to experts.
- To provide a framework for separating competitors into groups so that people compete directly against those of similar standard, and have a real chance of winning.
- To assist competition organisers in identifying those with sufficient ability to compete at a particular event and potentially satisfy insurers of the competence of participants, though this should not be the only criteria examined. For example, level of horsemanship should also be considered.
Instructions on how to grade are available at THIS link.
Please note that IHAA grades can only be gained through awarding bodies sanctioned by the IHAA.
As a first point of contact ask your national association for more information; if they cannot help,
contact the IHAA grading officer.
No other organisations have had any input in the development of IHAA grades, nor are permitted to award the grades.
Grading badges are available from the IHAA grading officer:
Canter grading
6 Student levels: S1 to S6.
These require a demonstration of ability in the Raid or Aussie discipline only.
All points must be earned by hitting the target - there are no speed points (infact timing is not even required)
but you must stay in canter throughout.
This was designed to recognise the importance of good technique and accurate shooting as the backbone of horseback archery.
10 Horse Archer levels: HA1 to HA10.
All of these require the ability to attain a set standard in both Raid and Tower disciplines thereby testing skill in a variety of events/styles.
For all HA grades two scores must be submitted for both group A (various Raid track options) and Group B
(Tower tracks or Kassai’s track); this introduces the requirement of consistency of performance and breadth of skill
across different events.
We hope this will improve the reliability of classification and people’s confidence in it.
Walk and Trot Grading
5 Walk/Trot levels: WT1 to WT5.
The aim of the Walk/Trot grading is to provide a framework of attainment levels for those practising their
horseback archery at walk or trot.
WT1 can be gained with a single score recorded at walk.
WT2-5 require 2 returns: these may be 2 walk scores (on the same or different tracks), 2 trot scores, or one of each.
A lead rein may be used where necessary, though your governing body should be advised of this as some differentiate
those obtaining the grade while being led or riding independently.
The grades are also open to those shooting from a carriage or trap (please apply the same gait rules whether the horse
is being ridden or driven)
The IHAA was established in late 2013.
Bringing the Global community of Horseback Archers together via Postal Matches and a standardised Grading System.