Vassilis, thank you for the information and the videos; I've seen paradox in books, and at times, when I've shot at fifteen yards or less, but never like that. Thanks! Interesting about the firearms as well.

Glennan and Randal, thank you for the information on spine and aiming. I take it then, that medieval archers shot in the same stance, with the same muscle group being utilized, or at least they practiced that way? The videos above show archers shooting from horseback, did hobelars do this frequently? I haven't read this anywhere, and I see from the search engine here and at other forums, most people seem to think it wasn't posible; although, I guess it is possible because Mr. Loads did it in a video above, was it something that was utilized very often?

Sorry to bother you with the questions, but it's beyond the scope of my library.

Clyde,

Glad I could help some. There is a difference between mounted archers and hobelars, though certain academics have recently put forth the idea that hob's were being listed as mounted archers during certain periods. I am not convinced but it is possible I suppose. Usually you can assume them two different troop types.

In the deeds of Henry V there is an account of archers loosing arrows from horseback. There are a few others but these are all fairly rare. It seems that they would almost always dismount to fight excepting special situations. Hobelars are hard ones though. People have argued that they were mounted infantry. Clearly in some cases they do this but I have seen some accounts that make me think they were used in both ways as light cavalry and infantry. Some accounts of Andrew Harclay, the Earl of Carlisle (executed by the ungrateful Edward II), where these hobelars seem to be fighting mounted. IN a 1330s array order for hobelars they were required to have bascinets, plate iron gauntlets, pair of plates, a horse and a lance. It may be they were just to carry these spears around to act as mounted infantry but there is enough evidence to me to indicate that they did both and fairly often, much more often I suppose than mounted archers. In the end excepting in places like Wales, Scotland and Ireland Hobelars by the 1340s are being replaced by mounted archers.

Be very careful of online sources and video games.... some of the worst definitions I have ever seen over the years for Hobelars. Most people are guessing even in educated circles as the period accounts are not overt and little more than hints regarding how they were employed.

RPM

I have a limited knowlege of archers did the English archers have smaller bows for shootig on horse back
just by looking at pictures of modern replicas and artwork from the period I'd imagine that a long bow would
be really hard to use while stradeling a horse

A shorter bow isn't necessary...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKxMq-THdO0

BTW: All the (English) bows in this video are well over 100lb

OK, so there may have been some beer involved in the making of this video. And, yes, it is irresponsible. And no, don't try this at home. Be aware though, these guys are some of the best warbow archers in the world.

Thanks for the information Randall, especially about mounted archers vs. hobelars. That's all very interesting to know.

That video is crazy. The guy holding the target must have had nerves ouf steel; actually, the guy shooting at the target must have had nerves of steel as well, because if he had missed, he might have ended up killing his friend. :eek:

That was really impressive although I couldnt believe what I was seeing when the guy was holding the target up
A 50lb bow drove an arrow deep into the gym door in my university last year I'd hate to see what ould have happened if theshot strayed to the left

Caught one or two eps from this series on TV... intresting stuff. I will try and track them down on the world wide gift giver!

Peteris,

No doubt they did and why not get twice the soldier for the same price. I have no question mounted archers could be used in many of those facilities. That said my guess is that mounted archers, even if more versatile, would have a different primary role and employment.

RPM

Oops, how did I not notice how old this thread is? Holy mother of necropost..