Asiatic Composite Bow
The composite bow of the mounted archer
The horse bow—also called the Asiatic composite bow—is one of the most sophisticated bow designs in history. Short, powerful, and highly reflexed, these bows were engineered for mounted warfare. From the Scythians to the Mongols, mounted archers wielding composite bows conquered vast empires.
At Academie Duello, the horse bow represents the bridge between ground archery and our mounted archery program. You'll learn the distinctive thumb draw technique used by horse archers across Asia.
Key Features
- Compact Design: Short enough for mounted use
- Highly Reflexed: Curves dramatically when unstrung
- Thumb Draw: Traditional Eastern release technique
- Speed Oriented: Built for rapid shooting
Anatomy of the Weapon
Engineering for mounted warfare
Traditional composite bows were made from layers of horn, wood, and sinew—each material optimized for its position. The horn belly resists compression, the wood core provides structure, and the sinew back resists tension. Modern horse bows often use fiberglass and wood laminations that replicate these properties.
The bow's extreme reflex—the way it curves forward when unstrung—stores tremendous energy in a compact package. This made it ideal for mounted warriors who needed power without the length of a longbow.
Horse bows typically range from 48 to 56 inches in length, significantly shorter than longbows. This allows the archer to shoot from either side of the horse without interference.
Traditional Construction
- Horn Belly: Water buffalo or sheep horn for compression
- Wood Core: Bamboo or hardwood for structure
- Sinew Back: Animal tendons for tension strength
- Rigid Siyahs: Stiff tips that increase leverage
- String Bridges: Keep string from contacting limbs
The Thumb Draw
The release technique of Eastern archers
Unlike the Mediterranean three-finger draw used with longbows, horse archers use the thumb draw. The string is hooked with the thumb, which is then locked in place by wrapping the index (and sometimes middle) finger over it. This technique offers several advantages for mounted archery.
Speed
The thumb draw allows for extremely fast nocking and release—essential for shooting from a moving horse.
Clean Release
The arrow passes on the thumb side of the bow, providing a cleaner launch and more consistent flight.
Thumb Ring
A protective ring protects the thumb and provides a smooth release surface. An essential piece of equipment.
Learning the Thumb Draw
The thumb draw requires dedicated practice to master, but the skills transfer directly to mounted archery. We teach this technique progressively, starting with light-weight bows and building strength and muscle memory over time. Students learn proper thumb ring fitting and maintenance as part of their training.
History
The bow that conquered continents
Composite horse bows have been used by steppe warriors for over 3,000 years. The Scythians, Parthians, Huns, Turks, and Mongols all relied on mounted archers as the core of their military power. The Parthian Shot—shooting backward while retreating—became legendary for its tactical effectiveness.
The Mongol Empire, the largest contiguous land empire in history, was built on the backs of horse archers. Each Mongol warrior carried multiple bows and dozens of arrows, capable of sustained rapid fire from horseback. Their composite bows could pierce armor at considerable distances.
Different cultures developed their own variations: the short, heavily-reflexed Magyar bow, the elegant Korean gakgung, the powerful Manchu bow with its long siyahs, and many others. Each design was optimized for its cultural context and warfare style.
Regional Variations
Mongolian
Moderate length, strong reflex, string bridges. Optimized for mounted warfare on the steppes.
Turkish
Short, extremely powerful, optimized for flight shooting. Holds distance records.
Korean
Elegant gakgung design with distinctive curves. Used in traditional competitions.
Begin Your Asiatic Composite Bow Journey
The horse bow and thumb draw are the gateway to mounted archery. Start with our beginner archery course to build your foundation.