骑射 (qí shè) literally combines 骑 (to ride, especially on horseback) and 射 (to shoot, especially with a bow), meaning 'mounted archery' — the traditional martial skill of shooting arrows while riding a horse. It was historically vital for cavalry units across East Asia, particularly among nomadic groups like the Mongols and Manchus, and later became a ceremonial and competitive discipline in China.

Today, 骑射 appears mainly in historical narratives, cultural performances, and modern equestrian sports events that revive ancient techniques. Though no longer a military necessity, it symbolizes precision, coordination, and harmony between rider and horse. The term is formal and literary; it’s rarely used in casual speech but frequently encountered in documentaries, museum exhibits, and martial arts education contexts.