Summerhill College Grade 9 learner Anushka Sharma is making a name for herself in horseback archery after delivering an impressive performance in the South African National Equestrian Schools Association (Sanesa) Qualifier 3 competition.

Anushka’s journey into the sport began in 2023 when she and a friend were still in Grade 6, with what started as regular visits to accompany her friend to horse-riding lessons, which sparked a passion for horseback archery, inspiring her to take up the sport herself.

Since then, she has steadily developed her skills and recently achieved encouraging results at the Sanesa Qualifier 3 competition.

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Sharma expressed that horseback archery was one of those unique sports for her, which is what caught her eye.

Over the past three months, Anushka has been training under coach Deirdré Janse van Rensburg, who has guided her progression from competing at Level 0 with a lead rein, where she had competed for the previous two years, to confidently competing at Level 1 without assistance.

Van Rensburg said Anushka’s determination and willingness to learn have played a significant role in her rapid improvement.

“To help improve her performance, several technical adjustments were made to her shooting style. I changed her shooting technique from the Mediterranean style to the Slavic style, changed her nocking technique and changed her quiver from a back quiver to a side quiver.

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“She’s knocking and shooting much faster as a result of these changes,” added Van Rensburg.

The changes proved successful at the competition.

Competing in the Tower90 league, Anushka claimed second place in her class before going on to secure first place in her class in the Raid233 event, which she completed entirely at a trot for the first time in competition.

Van Rensburg said Anushka’s achievements are a reflection of the dedication and hard work she has invested in the sport. “I’m very proud of her and very pleased with her progress.”

As she continues to gain confidence and refine her technique, Anushka hopes to build on her recent success and continue growing in horseback archery.

“I’m very excited to represent Summerhill in the upcoming competitions because I know I won’t be giving up on the sport anytime soon and hopefully I will do well.”

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