Riding, Horsemanship, and Mounted Combat Fundamentals: Which Course is Right for You?

Students in our mounted combat courses come to us with a wide variety of pre-existing skills. Some are expert riders, some have been practising swordplay for years, and some are complete beginners at both. Whatever your skill-set, we have courses for you! Here's a handy guide to navigating the course offerings in the Mounted Combat Program.

The Experienced Rider

If you know your way around all sides of a horse, your best place to start is with Mounted Combat Fundamentals. This course will teach you the basics of one- and two-handed longsword, focusing on the skills needed to safely wield a weapon from horseback. Once you have this course under your belt you can challenge the Level 1 or 2 Riding in your own time to earn your Green Spur, the first rank of the program, which gains you access to our Mounted Combat Mastery classes.

Strongly Recommended: Mounted Combat Fundamentals and/or Longsword Fundamentals
Also Suggested: Riding & Horsemanship Level 2, Beginner & Intermediate Horseback Archery
Want more?: Intro to Mounted Combat

The Beginning Rider

Obviously, Beginner Riding & Horsemanship is a vital step in getting you comfortable on the back of a horse. Most students take this six-week course more than once to gain their Riding Level 1. You can also take Mounted Combat Fundamentals concurrently since the courses run back-to-back on Sundays. However, if you have the time or budget constraints, consider taking the riding classes first as riding tends to present a bigger learning curve at first.

Strongly Recommended: Beginner Riding & Horsemanship, Intro to Mounted Combat
Also Suggested: Mounted Combat or Longsword Fundamentals, Beginner Horseback Archery
Want more?: Longsword Fundamentals, Horsemanship 3

The Returning Rider

If you used to ride but have been out of the saddle for some time you might want to consider brushing up your riding skills. If you are comfortable at walk and trot you can go straight to Riding & Horsemanship Level 2. If you've never done more than nose-to-tail trail rides, you may want to take the Beginner course instead. And of course, there's nothing stopping you picking up Longsword as well.

Strongly Recommended: Riding & Horsemanship Level 2
Also Suggested: Mounted Combat or Longsword Fundamentals, Beginner Horseback Archery
Want more?: higher level Horsemanship classes (Level 3 and up)

The Experienced Swordfighter

If you have a Green Cord of any kind from Academie Duello you are eligible to participate in the ground portion of Mounted Combat Mastery classes. Once you have your Riding Level 1 you can mount up and participate from the saddle as well. If you have some riding experience you might be eligible to start at Level 2. If it has been a while since you picked up a longsword you may want to take Mounted Combat Fundamentals as well.

Strongly Recommended: Beginner or Level 2 Riding & Horsemanship, Mounted Combat Mastery
Also Suggested: Mounted Combat Fundamentals, Beginner Horseback Archery
Want more?: ongoing Mastery classes (longsword or rapier).

The Horse-shy

If you love being around horses, and want to learn more about them, but are nervous or physically unable to ride, you can still learn more about equestrian combat arts. Beginner & Level 2 classes can be taken as Horsemanship only for a reduced price, and all the swordplay courses take place firmly on the ground.

Strongly Recommended: Horsemanship Level 1 or up, Mounted Combat Fundamentals
Also Suggested: Beginner Horseback Archery from the ground
Want more?: Longsword Fundamentals or ongoing Mastery classes

The Sword-shy

Let's face it, sparring with a sword, be it steel or nylon, does not appeal to everyone. Rest assured that's not all we do in Mounted Combat. Horseback Archery, Mounted Games, and more usual equestrian activities such as dressage and jumping are all part of our program, and none require physical contact or swordplay. We have many regular members of the program who take regular riding lessons with our wonderful lesson horses and friendly, qualified riding instructors.

Strongly Recommended: Riding and/or Horsemanship at your level.
Also Suggested: Beginner and Intermediate Horseback Archery, Mounted Games, Riding Clinics
Want more?: Consider a Mounted Combat Membership

Upcoming classes

Mounted Combat Fundamentals
Sundays 30 Sep – 4 Nov
1:30 – 3:00pm
cost: $165 + GST

Beginner Riding & Horsemanship
Sundays 30 Sep – 4 Nov
11 am – 1 pm
cost: $375 for 6 classes; $75 for individual classes, space permitting

Riding & Horsemanship Level 2
Sundays 30 Sep – 4 Nov
10 am – noon
cost: $375 for 6 classes; $75 for individual classes, space permitting

Riding Level 3+, Flat
Sundays 30 Sep – 4 Nov
10 am – 11 am
cost: $275 for 6 classes; $55 for individual classes, space permitting

Mounted Combat Mastery
Sunday 30 Sep, 14 & 28 Oct
noon – 3 pm
cost: 3 hours tuition credits

Mounted Combat Practice
Mondays, 7pm - 9pm
cost: free for members; $20 non-members + $20 haul-in/horse use

Longsword Fundamentals in Langley
Thursdays 4 Oct - 22 Nov
7pm - 8pm
cost: $135 + GST

Horseback Archery – Beginner
Monday 8 Oct (Thanksgiving)
10am – 1pm
cost: $199 + GST

Horseback Archery – Intermediate
Monday 8 Oct (Thanksgiving)
2pm – 5pm
cost: $125 + GST

Horseback Archery Practice
2nd Sunday of each month
3pm - 5pm
cost: $20 members, $40 non-members

All prices include the use of a school horse or OR haul-in fees (regularly $20). Register on the workshop calendar today!

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.