Mounted Archery Back Quiver: How to Choose and Fit One for Horseback Shooting

A mounted archery back quiver holds your arrows securely along your spine so you can reach, nock and draw without fumbling while your horse is moving. In this guide you will learn how to pick a quiver that suits horseback shooting, how to set it up so arrows stay put at a canter, and how to avoid the common problems that cause dropped shafts or snagged fletching. The goal is a quiver that you forget about until you need an arrow, then reach for without looking.

Why a Back Quiver Works Differently on Horseback

A back quiver that suits a target range may feel fine standing still, but once you add a trotting or cantering horse, every movement is amplified. Arrows bounce, the quiver shifts against your back, and fletching can catch on clothing or your bow arm. Mounted archers, including those practicing traditional horseback disciplines, usually want a quiver that sits close to the body, keeps arrows at a consistent angle and releases them with a single, predictable motion.

Traditional back quivers, the open-top or hood-style designs common in traditional archery, are the most widely used starting point. Some archers prefer a quiver with a full cover to protect fletching from wet grass and brush. Others choose a lighter, more minimal design to keep weight low. Your choice depends on the type of mounted shooting you do, the arrows you use and how much you ride.

Step 1: Decide on Capacity and Arrow Length

Start by measuring your arrows. Mounted shooting usually uses arrows cut to your draw length, so measure from the throat of the nock to the tip of the arrow and compare that figure with the quiver’s stated internal depth. An arrow that sits too low will be hard to grab quickly, and one that sits too high can rub against your bow hand or shoulder.

1. Count how many arrows you carry in a typical session. Many archers carry between 12 and 24 for practice and more for competition.
2. Measure your longest arrow from nock to tip.
3. Check the quiver’s listed arrow capacity and internal depth. Leave at least 2 to 3 inches of clearance above the nock so you can grab arrows without digging.
4. Confirm the quiver fits your fletching. Feathers and vanes need room to clear the opening without crushing.

Step 2: Check the Attachment and Fit

Most mounted back quivers attach with a waist or shoulder harness, a belt loop or a combination of straps. Your quiver should sit high enough that the arrows reach your shoulder line, but not so high that it pushes into your neck. The bottom of the quiver should rest in the small of your back rather than swinging freely.

Fitting the Harness

Put on the riding clothes and footwear you normally wear. Tighten the harness until the quiver sits snug without restricting your breathing or upper-body rotation. Sit in the saddle and reach back as though you are drawing an arrow. If the quiver pulls, shifts sideways or bumps your saddle, adjust the strap length or angle before you ride.

Setting the Angle

Many archers angle the quiver slightly toward the drawing side so arrows slide out with minimal wrist movement. Start with the arrows roughly parallel to your spine and adjust in small increments. Once you find an angle that lets you grab, nock and draw in one smooth motion, mark the strap position if your harness allows it.

Step 3: Secure the Arrows

Arrow retention is where many mounted archers run into trouble. An arrow that drops from the quiver at a canter can cause a near miss or damage to the fletching. Look for a quiver with a firm internal fit, a retaining cord or a flap that can be closed over the top. Some designs use a rubber or felt collar to hold arrows at the right height.

Testing Arrow Hold

Before a full session, walk, trot and canter in an open area with the quiver full. Shake your torso gently, lean forward and turn. If arrows shift more than about half an inch, tighten the collar or add a retention method suggested by the quiver maker.

Step 4: Practice Your Draw from the Quiver

A quiver that fits well still requires practice. Mounted shooting demands a consistent path from quiver to string, so repeat the motion until it becomes automatic.

1. Stand on the ground and draw an arrow from the quiver without looking. Note where your hand lands.
2. Nock the arrow using the same hand position each time.
3. Repeat at a walk on horseback, then at a trot and canter.
4. Once the motion feels natural, add a shot on a target at each gait.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mounting the quiver too low. Arrows drop into the saddle area and become hard to reach.
• Ignoring fletching clearance. Crushed feathers lose their shape and affect arrow flight.
• Loose harness straps. A quiver that swings can bump your bow or tangle with reins.
• Skipping gait testing. A quiver that feels secure at a walk may fail at a canter.
• Mixing arrow lengths. Uneven shafts sit at different heights and make grabbing unpredictable.

Tips for Better Performance

• Keep one arrow slightly higher than the rest as a visual reference when you reach back.
• Check the quiver after each session for loose stitching, worn collars and cracked hardware.
• Store the quiver out of direct sun and away from damp tack rooms to protect leather and glue.
• If you shoot both target and mounted styles, consider a second quiver so your target setup does not need readjusting.

If you are new to arrow selection, Types of Arrows in Archery: A Beginner's Guide to Shafts and Spines explains how shaft choice affects how an arrow sits and flies. For a deeper look at component terms, see Parts of Archery Arrows: A Beginner's Guide to Every Component.

Recommended gear

Traditional-style back quivers are the most common choice for horseback archery, and reviewing a few well-known designs can help you judge capacity and fit before buying.

• Bear Archery Traditional Back Quiver is a classic open-top design that many traditional archers use for field and mounted practice, and it is a useful reference for how a standard back quiver is built. View on Amazon
• Fuse Archery 4 Arrow Quiver is a compact option suited to shorter sessions or archers who carry fewer shafts, which keeps weight and bulk down. View on Amazon

For a closer look at how these designs differ, read Bear Archery Traditional Back Quiver Review (2026) and Fuse Archery 4 Arrow Quiver Review: Key Features Explained.

FAQ

What size mounted archery back quiver do I need?

Choose a quiver whose internal depth clears your longest arrow by at least 2 to 3 inches, and whose capacity matches how many arrows you carry per session. Most archers find 12 to 24 arrows enough for practice.

Should the quiver sit high or low on my back?

Set it high enough that the arrows reach your shoulder line but low enough that it does not press into your neck. The bottom should rest near the small of the back so the quiver does not swing.

How do I keep arrows from falling out at a canter?

Use a quiver with a firm collar or retaining flap, and test it at all gaits before shooting. If arrows shift more than about half an inch, tighten the retention method.

Can I use a target back quiver for mounted shooting?

Many target back quivers work for mounted practice, but check that the harness stays secure at a canter and that the arrows do not hit the saddle or your bow arm. Some mounted archers prefer quivers built specifically for riding.

How do I protect fletching in a back quiver?

Choose a quiver with enough internal clearance so feathers or vanes are not crushed, and store arrows fletching-up in a dry place. Replace damaged fletching promptly.

Does the quiver affect my draw technique?

Yes. A poorly placed quiver can change your reach and make the draw inconsistent. Practice grabbing and nocking at each gait until the motion is automatic.

How often should I inspect my quiver?

Check it before and after each session for loose stitching, worn collars, cracked hardware and damaged straps. Repair or replace any part that no longer holds arrows securely.

Conclusion

A well-chosen mounted archery back quiver keeps your arrows secure, your draw smooth and your fletching protected at every gait. Measure your arrows, fit the harness carefully, test retention at a canter and practice the reach until it feels automatic. With those steps in place, the quiver becomes one less thing to think about and more time for your shooting.

Related reading

• What Holds Arrows in Archery: Quivers, Arrow Rests and Holders Explained

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