Life at the Range by Gary Chillingworth

Horsham tests shooters in brutal conditions

With the 2025/26 Southern Series drawing to its near completion, it was time to head to Horsham. For 2026, Horsham appeared to have been twinned with the Somme. Our intrepid shooters battled wind, relentless rain and mud — so much mud. One of our shooters, Mr Mike Burgess, became so thoroughly stuck that it was jokingly agreed the best option was to leave him there until spring and hope he didn’t take root.

A tale of two layouts

For those who have never shot at Horsham, it is very much a club of two halves. Pegs 1 to 10 sit out in a field, though this is no ordinary layout. The firing line is often set at an angle, which can play tricks on the mind. Stand at peg 1 and a target may sit at 30 yards. By peg 10, a target can appear to be on the same line, yet you are actually five yards farther back. Then there is the wind. With nothing to slow it down, it sweeps across the field like a beast that takes no prisoners.

The wood section offers a completely different challenge. Deep, dark and deceptive, targets often remain hidden until you are down at the peg, making rangefinding particularly unforgiving.

.

Winners rise above the conditions

Despite the conditions, several shooters mastered the mighty Horsham. In Open, Simon Vant took the win. Recoil was claimed by Ihad Alfred. Daisy Dibbens secured Ladies, Oli Usher triumphed in Junior, Paul Charman led .22, Neil Robinson topped Veterans and Richard Douglas took Sticks honours. Next round is Maldon.