5 MINUTES WITH Anna Sokólska – World Horse Archery Championship medalist: "Success is always the result of partnership"

Maciej Mikołajczyk – Well.pl: How do horses teach humility?

Anna Sokólska: A horse never pretends. If you're not honest and consistent, they'll quickly sense it. It teaches patience, consistency, and humility towards nature. It also showed me that success is never mine alone; it's always the result of a partnership.

Just like in equestrian sports, women compete alongside men in horseback archery. Do women have a harder time competing in this sport than men?

No. We compete together, and the results show that women can be at the forefront. Sometimes it's physically harder for us to reach for a heavier bow, but we make up for it with technique and precision.

What does the global hierarchy in horseback archery look like?

France, Iran, Mongolia, and Hungary are strong. Poland is not far behind these countries. We're not a powerhouse yet, but we have athletes with medals from the World and European Championships, so we're becoming increasingly visible.

Can you imagine horse archery at the Olympic Games?

Yes, I can imagine it – it's a beautiful spectacle, combining tradition and modern sport. But the road to the Olympic family is very long – national associations and greater popularity are needed.

Do you take part in, for example, reenactments of various battles, shows and knight festivals?

I prefer sports competition and development as a competitor, but sometimes I perform as a showpiece to introduce people to our discipline.

Archery or horseback riding – which is easier to learn?

Archery is definitely quicker to learn than horsemanship. For me, it was easier because I could ride.

There's no denying that horseback archery is a niche sport. Do you give interviews often?

More and more often. On the one hand, I'm happy about the media attention because it helps people learn about our discipline. On the other hand, I prefer being on the track than in front of a camera.

What does a rider's outfit look like?

Riding breeches are most comfortable. And, of course, a helmet.

Is horseback archery an expensive sport?

Yes and no. Yes, because it's best to have your own horse to train on. And why not? Because compared to other equestrian sports, it doesn't have to be a horse worth millions of dollars. A horse that's not afraid of arrows and bows will suffice.

How do you maintain proper concentration on horseback? Do you use any concentration exercises?

I try to treat every ride like a training session—it relieves the pressure. I practice breathing and focusing my eyes. Of course, sometimes someone shouts or a horse spooks—it's part of the game.

How important a role does nature play? Wind, humidity, and air temperature? Are races sometimes canceled due to unpredictable weather?

A huge one. Wind can change the trajectory of an arrow, and heat can weigh down horses. Rain can make it difficult to pull arrows from the quiver, making equipment slippery and limiting visibility. Competitions are usually held unless the weather poses a real threat to the health of horses or people.

How would you encourage others to follow in your footsteps? Why is it better to become a horse archer than, say, a football player?

Because it's a sport that combines everything – a passion for horses, tradition, adrenaline, and precision. Football is everywhere, and horseback archery offers a sense of uniqueness and immense freedom.

How do your bows differ from bows designed for sport archery?

They are shorter, lighter, and without sights or stabilizers. They more closely resemble the bows of historical warriors, closer to Robin Hood than to Olympic competitors.

How fast does a horse gallop when shooting at a target?

Average speed is 25–30 km/h. There's no upper limit; only the minimum speed counts – you have to complete the track within a specified time. Speed ​​is measured during competitions, as it also determines points.

Do you feel freedom on a horse or maybe more adrenaline?

Both. A galloping horse gives you freedom, and shots fired at full speed are pure adrenaline.

I know roughly what the rider has to do at competitions. But what does the horse have to master? What's his job?

He must run at a steady gallop, unafraid of the arrows and the bow, and maintain a straight course. This requires a tremendous amount of work and trust. It's important to remember that on the track, we don't have the reins in our hands, only the bow and arrows.

You held the national record in the Tower 90 competition. What are you talking about?

It's a competition where you shoot at a target placed at a maximum distance of 45 meters. My record was set about four years ago, but for a long time, my colleagues struggled to break it. Fortunately, now I have the opportunity to break that record.

Where does the name "Polish track" come from?

This is Poland's contribution to world horseback archery. The competition is challenging because it involves shooting at targets from various directions and distances. Therefore, it is considered one of the most demanding.

What are your sports and life plans for the coming months?

Sport-wise – Polish Championships and further international competitions. Personally – developing my center, training young competitors, and promoting horseback archery in Poland and worldwide.