About
Us
The Horse and Archery Association of Nigeria (HAAN) is registered as a non-profit association for horse and archery based sports in Nigeria. Our Mission includes the promotion of:
- Horse sports like polo and horse racing.
- Archery and other bow sports.
Members of HAAN believe that for these horse and archery sports to flourish it is important to promote the development of horses in Nigeria and the promotion of the manufacture of archery tackle.
Why A Horse and Archery Association?
With significance deep in our history, archers, historians and equestrian enthusiasts got together in 2007 and committed themselves to ensuring young Nigerians get acquainted with their historical heritage in archery and horsemanship. We were also inspired by developments worldwide. Americans, Europeans and Asians were also beginning to explore their own horse and archery heritages. In America, mounted archery associations were emerging. Europeans, especially the English were committed to exploring the technical and social histories of the famous English Longbow.
Apart from the promotion of horsemanship through racing associations and competitions, the emergence of the International Archery Federation (FITA) meant archery has now received recognition as an Olympic sport. The Japanese have turned their version of mounted archery “Yabusame” into an annual event. The Mongolians, whose archery and horsemanship helped build an empire that spread from Vienna in Austria through Delhi in India and down to Korea in Southwest Asia, have made Mongolia a major world archery spot.
We in HAAN are convinced Nigeria, and indeed Africa should not be left behind. We are also convinced that horsemanship and archery, with their characteristic beauty could become avenues for the promotion of tourism in Nigeria. This way, something that has a long history in Nigeria, could become a means for creating economic empowerment for young Nigerians. Apart from preserving our history, the preservation of horsemanship would generate tourism, provide tax revenues for government. As we consolidate our activities, we hope to sensitize stakeholders on how horsemanship and archery could help reposition Nigeria as a player in world’s sports and tourism.