With Carosella 2014 less than two weeks away, it's time to answer some of those frequently asked questions.
Q: How can I sign up for Carosella?
A: You can register online here for full and one-day passes. To register for individual workshops contact the front desk at 604 568 9907. Regular entries close Monday September 8th. Post-entries will only be accepted if space is available and are subject to a $10 surcharge.
Q: Who can register for Carosella?
A: Anyone aged 8 and up! There are workshops and tournament events for all levels of ability and experience. Kids under 14 need to have a parent or guardian on site. Children 7 and under are welcome as spectators, and there will be family-friendly demos and activities during the tournament on Sunday.
Q: I have never ridden a horse before. What workshops and competitions can I take part in?
A: The following workshops are suitable for beginning riders
- Beginner Horseback Archery
- Rider Conditioning
- Horsemanship 1
- Hungarian Archery from the Ground
- Beginner Riding
- Intro to Mounted Combat
- Single-handed Longsword
- Grappling & Pommel Plays
- Swordplay & Grappling from the Falsemount
- Horsemanship 2
- Spear & Lance
Non-riders will also be able to take part in the on-foot section of the tournament, and those who have taken Horsemanship 1 or 2 during the weekend will be able to enter the Grooms' tournament.
Q: I'm an experienced rider, but have never done archery or swordplay. Which workshops should I take?
A: Beginner Horseback Archery and Intro to Mounted Combat are the best ways to get started with these skills. You can take an assessment on Friday evening to allow you to use a school horse for other mounted workshops and the tournament.
Q: I'm an experienced ground archer and rider. Should I still take the Beginner Horseback Archery?
A: Yes. Horseback archery is significantly different from archery on foot and the Beginner workshop will introduce you to the draw, the methods of holding arrows, and exercises for improving your shot from the back of a moving animal.
Q: Can I bring my own horse?
A: Yes. Horses must be unloaded and trailers moved by 9am. Stalls are available for $15 per day. If you elect to share your horse with another rider you will receive a $15 discount on the tournament alone, or a $30 discount on the full three day package.
Q: Are school horses available?
A: We have a few school horses. For workshops there is no charge for use of a school horse. For the tournament there is a $15 surcharge. Priority for use of school horses goes to regular members of the Cavaliere program.
Q: Are there volunteer opportunities?
A: Yes! We always need volunteers. This is a great opportunity to get behind the scenes and help make the weekend a success before and during the event. If you are able to commit to a minimum number of hours ahead of time you can also earn a discount on passes or future Cavaliere program classes.
Cavaliere Schedule
Cavaliere Classes
Saturdays 6, 20 & 27 Sept
time: 4:00 – 7:30pm
cost: $60 or 1 flex-pack credit per class
Riding and Horsemanship assessments will be this Saturday, September 6th. Get your level 1 signed off before Carosella!
Mounted Combat Workshop
Sunday 7 September
time: 1- 4pm
location: Red Colt Equestrian Farm Co-op, 12320 No 2 Road, Richmond
cost: $60
Swordplay from the ground, the falsemount, and from horseback.
prerequisites: Intro to Mounted Combat or permission from the instructor
Carosella 2014
Friday 12 September – Sunday 14 September
location: Red Colt Equestrian Farm Co-op, 12320 No 2 Road, Richmond
cost: $199 for the full 3-day weekend
For information, schedules and registration see our Carosella pages.
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.