The young archer makes a practice run before sending arrows downrange.
RETIRED civil engineer Shaidin Salim is one of Malaysia’s most seasoned horseback archers.
Upon retiring, he decided to pursue horsemanship, seeing it as a meaningful and fulfilling way to spend his time.
“I have always loved horses, and horsemanship is a valued practice in Islamic merit-making,” said the 67-year-old.
Naturally, archery followed, leading Shaidin to combine the two into a practice that became a profound journey of self-discovery.
Horseback archery, he found, helped him conquer his temper.
“The discipline required in both horsemanship and archery has made me calmer,” he reflected.
Encouraged by peers, Shaidin grew passionate about perfecting his accuracy and consistency. He emphasises the importance of quality equipment, stating, “If you’re poorly equipped, you won’t progress in horseback archery.”
Shaidin carrying gear for his son’s horse.
A turning point in his training came when he hosted a top international archer, from whom he learned the intricacies of proper form and effective techniques.
This exchange deepened his commitment to the sport, culminating in a 2019 trip to Turkiye, where he attended an expert-led course to refine his skills. However, the Covid-19 pandemic interrupted his practice.
As restrictions eased, Shaidin introduced his son Umar to the world of horseback archery. After two years of dedicated training, the 24-year-old has become a rising star in the equine sports community.
“I passed my knowledge to Umar and trained him to become a champion,” Shaidin said proudly.
Umar’s efforts paid off when he recently won the Indonesian Horseback Archers League tournament, earning widespread respect in the local archery scene.
While Shaidin no longer competes, he remains deeply involved as a horseman, focusing on training Umar.
His background in engineering has proven invaluable in designing practical solutions, such as a custom quiver, which played a significant role in Umar securing a top-10 finish in his first competition.
Umar (left) and Shaidin fastening a saddle on Aura, the stable’s nine-year-old standardbred Mare.
Umar now trains regularly, dedicating about an hour each day to riding and ensuring his horse is well-prepared and cared for.
“We start by making sure the horse isn’t overworked,” Shaidin explained.
Reflecting on his decision to introduce Umar to the sport, Shaidin said, “I wanted to keep him from being glued to his smartphone.”
The rigorous training has provided Umar with a much-needed digital detox, transforming him into a disciplined horseman.
Despite initial hesitation due to a fear of heights, Umar has fully embraced the sport, benefiting from having his own stable and horse for training.
“With proper handling, you can get the best performance from your horse,” Umar advised.
Ladam Merah stable in Umbai, Melaka.
Together, Umar and Shaidin manage Ladam Merah stable in Umbai, Melaka, where they offer horseback archery lessons for beginners.
“Our package includes six lessons, starting with the basics. By the fourth lesson, most learners can ride and shoot simultaneously,” Shaidin added.
He firmly believes that no one is too old to take up horseback archery – a sport that, in his view, is accessible to all.
