The weather outside is frightful, but that doesn't stop hardy Canadian mares (and girls)! 
If you have a Mounted Combat Membership and a few days off this week don't let the weather stop you -- come on down and get cuddly with one of our furry beasts. They'll be happy to see you, especially if you bring carrots! And while the footing in the arena isn't ideal for jumping or canter work, it's a perfect time to work on your walk-trot transitions, lateral work, and ground work.
And don't forget to sign up for the next series of classes that start on January 15th.
Happy Holidays from all of us, four-footed and two-, at Red Colt!
2017 Courses
Beginner Riding & Horsemanship
If you’ve never been on a horse, or if it’s been a long time, here’s the place to start. When you arrive at the barn at 11am you’ll begin with a horsemanship lesson, familiarizing yourself with the horses and their tack, as well as how to groom, handle and tack them up. Then you will have a riding lesson, working through the requirements of Riding Level 1 — the prerequisite to most of the fun stuff we do on horseback!
Sundays 11am – 1pm
15 January – 26 February 2017*
*note: no class 19 February
cost: $300 + gst for 6 classes
instructor: Stephanie Laversin
Register here, or bundle with Mounted Combat Fundamentals and save $26.
Riding & Horsemanship Level 2
This course is intended for riders who have taken classes through the program and are comfortable tacking up their own horses. Riders should arrive at 9:30am to tack up and warm up their horses before starting their riding lessons at 10am, followed by Horsemanship Level 2 or 3 lessons at 11am
Sundays 11am – 1pm
15 January – 26 February 2017*
*note: no class 19 February
cost: $300 + gst for 6 classes
instructor: Stephanie Laversin
Register here, or bundle with Mounted Combat Fundamentals and save $26.
Riding Level 3+
This class is intended for independent riders who have achieved Level 2 or higher. Riders are expected to be tacked up and warmed up prior to class. Your own helmets, boots, and half chaps are recommended, as are safety vests for the occasional cross-country class, weather permitting.
Sundays 10am – 11am
15 January – 26 February 2017*
*note: no class 19 February
cost: $200 + gst for 6 classes
instructor: Stephanie Laversin
Mounted Combat Fundamentals
This 6-week series of classes is intended to give you the basics of swordplay from the ground to prepare you for fighting from horseback. Participants at this level will practise from the ground and the falsemount to achieve the combat skills needed to attain the rank of Green Spur and participate in Mounted Sparring clinics and tournaments. Students who have their Riding and Horsemanship Level 1 and who attend all five classes can reasonably expect to attain their Green Spur by the end of the series. Once you have your Green Spur, you can sign up for Intermediate Mounted Combat, and can spar in our regular Playday event, as well as competing in our annual Carosella tournament.
Sundays 1pm – 3pm
15 January – 26 February 2017*
*note: no class 19 February
cost: $200 + gst for 6 classes
instructor: Stephanie Laversin
Register here, or bundle with Riding & Horsemanship and save $26.
Mounted Combat Membership
Our six-month and one-year membership packages are a great way to get more out of the program. With a membership, you get two free practice rides a month, a 10% discount on all Riding, Horsemanship and Mounted Combat courses, a $5 discount on private lessons at Red Colt Co-op, and free weekly Mounted Combat Practice sessions on Monday nights.
6-month membership, January – June 2017: $200 + gst
1-year membership, January 2017 – December 2017: $300 + gst
2017 memberships can be used immediately, so if you purchase yours now, you can still take advantage of practice rides and purchase discounts in December. To acquire a membership call the front desk at 604 568 9907 or email info@academieduello.com.
Jennifer Landels heads up Academie Duello's Cavaliere Program. She has been swordfighting since 2008, and riding since before she could walk. She started the program as an excuse to combine those passions. Read more from Jennifer Landels.