A HORSEBACK archer from Dursley who was left with restricted mobility following abdominal surgery has been awarded a coaching qualification.

Aided by a specialist off-road mobility scooter, Nicola West, 41, has achieved a British Horseback Archery Association club coach award – enabling her to start teaching the sport.

Nicola was left with restricted use of her left side and in pain when walking, after nerves were damaged during abdominal surgery.

Despite this, her ability to take part in horseback archery has not been impacted as she is able to use a lighter bow.

Due to her disabilities, Nicola makes use of a TGA Supersport mobility scooter – nicknamed ‘the Harley Davidson of scooters’ for its motorbike styling – in archery training and in daily life.

“Being newly qualified as a horseback archery coach proves that despite disability, you can still achieve goals and ambitions,” she said.

“My TGA Supersport has helped me in this quest. Without its dependable performance I would not have been able to participate in horseback archery, both from a fatigue and accessibility point of view.

“It is quiet so I can lead the horses without them getting spooked and even if it is a bit muddy my Supersport won’t get stuck.

“I also shoot from a sitting position on my scooter at target archery club, as it gives me stability for a more accurate aim.”

A member of the Disabled Ramblers Association, Nicola also uses the scooter to tackle challenging treks with the group.

Nicola has ridden horses from an early age and is part of a growing number of people taking part in the relatively new sport of horseback archery.

It combines the skill of trotting or cantering without rein control whilst shooting at targets as you pass.

A special horsebow is used, which is shorter and lighter than recurve bows used in most competitive archery.

Training and competitions are regularly held at Tumpy Green Equestrian Centre in Cam by Cotteswold Mounted Archers.

For more information about the group visit mountedarchery.org.uk

To find out more about the British Horseback Archery Association visit www.bhaa.org.uk