A year ago, Pham Van Phuc, 34, established an equestrian and archery club at the foot of Nhat Tan Bridge in Tay Ho District. He previously worked in information technology and then registered to join the horse riding club in Hoai Duc District. After many years of pursuing his passion, he switched to teaching horseback riding and archery.
After two months of opening a professional training course, his Vietnam Archery Club now has 10 students of various ages, with women accounting for about 70 percent of the learners, aged from six to 20 years old.
The cost of each course ranges from VND6 to 7 million, depending on the basic to advanced level.
Because horseback archery requires reinless riding, coordination between the rider and horses needs to be tight.
In addition, students also have to learn archery skills and how to nock arrows and aim on horseback in just one to two seconds.
"Participants must know how to control their body, maintain balance when releasing the reins, choose the correct time to bend the bow and aim at the target quickly and accurately," Phuc said.
Unlike other horse-riding clubs, Phuc wants his riders to wear Ly, Tran and Le dynasty outfits and learn how to use traditional bows.
Do Thi My Hanh, 20, in Bac Tu Liem District, found out about the club through an acquaintance. Having studied horseback riding and archery for two months, Hanh said she was excited because it looks "cool.”
She admitted that the most difficult thing was to move her hips and shoulders to the rhythm of the horse’s steps. After falling off a horse once, Hanh didn’t give up and continued to learn.
"I learned how to minimise any potential injury, so when I fell there was no problem," Hanh recalled
Phuc and his associates train four imported horses every day so that they get used to the exercises and obey orders.
The basic course consists of 12 sessions, each lasting one hour.
To perfect their skills, learners need to register to study at higher levels to understand horse psychology and ride horses in many different environments.
To master horseriding, the learner needs an advanced course.
Many young people are interested in taking pictures with horses in traditional costumes. On average, Phuc's club welcomes nearly 20 groups of visitors coming to take photos with horses each month.
In the near future, Phuc wishes to create a professional archery and equestrian community. He also hopes to try his hand at international competitions and have an opportunity to introduce Vietnamese traditions and national identity.
