Horse, bow and human attention in a single movement.
On the Vasfúvó hill at Csiba, children and adults learn the discipline of riding, archery and care for one another. Equestrian archery lives here as sport, martial practice and cultural tradition.
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Csiszér Ivett, three-time world champion
Ivett won her first women’s world title at fourteen. She returned to the Kassai Valley in 2025 and won both the women’s and open competitions on Stefi.
In the summer of 2026 she stood second in Romania and first in the WFEA U18 category. Her best official score of the season, 319.78, came at home in Miercurea Ciuc.
A whole community stands behind the results
Somebody holding a bow for the first time and a world champion train on the same ground. Kerecsen has dozens of members, children and adults.
Some go to competitions. Others come for the horses and the time spent outdoors. The ground was built by their shared work in 2021, and three of the athletes who train here stood at the top of their WFEA age categories in the summer of 2026.
Character stays in training
Equestrian archery gives clear feedback. The horse senses uncertainty, the bow reveals haste, and the track records the result. Progress asks for full attention.
The Kerecsen community carries four values into every session. They guide the work around the horses, conduct on the track and the way members treat one another.
- Honour
- We look honestly at where we stand and accept the work needed for the next step.
- Work
- A dependable movement grows through repetition, patience and daily care for the horses.
- Fairness
- We respect one another’s time, safety and contribution.
- Elegance
- A good movement is calm, clear and free of wasted force.
Every run rests on patient preparation, a cared-for horse and the work of many people.
Nine runs measured by one standard
0:002:52
The Original Kassai System uses a straight ninety-nine metre track. The rider travels at a canter and shoots forward, sideways and backwards at a target that turns alongside the track.
A valid run is completed within twenty seconds. The time remaining is added to the shot score, so pace and accuracy shape the result together.
You can begin without owning a horse
Riding and archery are learned separately. They come together when the rider has a secure seat and controlled bow handling.
Beginners can start without their own horse or bow. An instructor assesses each child individually, and adults are welcome to enquire without previous experience.
A hill became a track and meeting ground
An official equestrian archery track has operated on the Vasfúvó hill since 2019. The neighbouring practice ground was completed in 2021 through major earthworks and a shared local effort.
Training, camps, competitions and public programs take place here. The hill, the track and the surrounding Csík landscape form Kerecsen’s home.
The Masters Cup comes to eastern Transylvania
From 21 to 27 September, experienced equestrian archers meet in Miercurea Ciuc and Mădăraș for a full week of training and competition.
Rómeó Lőrincz and Levente Gáll organise the event, while Konkoly Merse leads the international camp. Two semi-finals select ten competitors for Sunday’s final.
Life on the track
