About Me
Why horses:
My name is Kano Perth Gibson. I am a Horseback archer, Equestrian and Artist.
Horses came into my life at a young age, when I was struggling a lot mentally. For lots of people, they find meaning in life from horses and learn lots of important life skills from them.
That was the case for me, if not for horses, im not sure where id be right now <3.
Horseback Archery
When it came to horse riding, I took lessons for a few years and then continued to ride for fun and to continue to grow as a rider, even without having the money. I started helping the owner of the yard with giving lessons and taking people for outrides on the farm after becoming capable and reliable.
I did this for a few years before coming to a point of doubt and started to feel unsure about just doing what I did, I felt like I needed something more for myself in the equine sport. I wasn’t interested in getting into jumping and the thought of going into the depth of dressage didn’t suit myself and my horse either. I felt like this for a while before someone came by my stables who had done horseback archery, something I had no clue about. I was IMMEDIATELY obsessed with the idea. Horseback archery was exactly what I felt I was missing.
Working with Horses
Letting horses into my life saved me. They gave me peace of mind and stability like nothing else could, They taught me how to be brave, the importance of trust, allowing yourself to be vulnerable can show true strength, the repercussions of cause and effect, you NEVER stop learning and so much more.
I originally started taking lessons when I was 9-10 years old. I soon decided to do volunteer work so I could learn more about horses but I got so much more out if it. I learned to appreciate honest hard work and did it happily for no pay at a young age. I learned how to talk with people clearly and understanding my passion more deeply. Naturally I spent time with horses, taking care of them by keeping them clean, feeding them, picking up after them and exercising them and giving them a purpose to be with us.
Along my journey I met a horse that stuck out too me, not because he was the most beautiful horse or because he was super fast and athletic but because he was confident in himself, more than any other horse I had ever met. If you weren’t clear enough about what you wanted him to do he wouldn’t do it, no matter how good your technique was or what you use with him it didn’t matter. It took me almost 2 years to finally understand him. How I needed to be clear but also giving towards him. If I was to demanding or pushy without sympathy he would block me out and not listen or if I wasn’t clear enough he wouldn’t look for me for guidance. Finding the balance between the two was difficult but when I did he would listen better than any other horse would. Going to the horse that made me want to cry buckets sometimes, to the only horse I wanted to ride. His strong heart taught me to be stronger.
Over the years of being with this horse I became a guide for outride’s at my yard and started riding him in a halter and neck rope which him and I absolutely adored. I also began to teach people how to ride and became a trusted instructor at my yard and by default worked with the other horses and learned a great deal from that too.
He was the horse I started my Horse Archery journey with. Sadly he passed away. As much as horses can make you happy, they can equally make you just as sad.
My vision is still strong, and I carry him with me always. R.I.P Vonkle.