Our new Mounted Combat memberships are live starting today, which means members are now able to sign up for practice rides and our new Mounted Combat Practice nights. But, you ask, what exactly happens at a Mounted Combat Practice?
Mounted Combat Practice
Basically, these Monday evenings are the MC Program equivalent of Open Floor: an opportunity to practice combat skills from the ground and horseback, as well as riding and horsemanship skills.
There is no 'typical session' -- the evening consists of what you want to practice, within the limits of available partners, horses, and equipment. Equipment and horses are limited, so their use is on a first come, first served basis. However, participants are asked to ride for a maximum of 45 minutes out of the two hours and spend the rest of the time working from the ground. This allows the horses rest and ensures other people have the opportunity to ride. Some of the things I personally plan to practice in the next month are:
- Garrocha (Spanish spear work)
- Prix Fiore / Drill teamwork
- Lateral movement for closing and breaking
- Longsword slow work and flow drills
Safety and Common Sense
As at every stable, you ride at your own risk. These are not lessons, and are not formally supervised, so we rely on you to exercise your utmost care, caution, and common sense. We are making our horses, equipment, and facilities available to you, and we expect you to treat them as well as or better than you would your own. Here are some common sense rules:
- Care for the horse before yourself. Ensure the horse is groomed, properly tacked up, and sound before you ride. Give your horse a minimum 10 minute warm-up at a walk then trot before beginning work. If the horse is showing any lameness or discomfort discontinue your ride; after your ride make sure the horse is cooled down, dry, and groomed before you put her away. Report any strange behaviour, lameness, or suspect ill health. Never ride angry. Abuse of any kind will not be tolerated.
- Care for the tack. Use the tack and brush boxes belonging to the horse you are riding only; wipe down tack after your ride, cleaning with saddle-soap if necessary. Put up your tack neatly in the place you found it. Report any wear or damage you notice.
- Care for equipment. Only use weapons and equipment you have been trained to use and at the level you have been trained to. Be sure all swords, games equipment, etc are returned to the places you found them when you are done. If it has been raining, wipe metal swords and masks dry before putting them away (or better yet, stick to nylon swords in the rain).
- Care for the facilities. Barn rules apply: be sure to sweep out crossties, pick up manure, roll-up hoses (except in freezing weather), close gates, and leave the place as tidy as or tidier than you found it.
- Care for each other and yourself. Only ride horses you are comfortable with and capable of handling safely. Only use weapons and equipment you have been trained to use and at the level you have been trained to. Respect the levels of your sparring opponents and the other riders in the ring (eg, galloping past a nervous rider may unnerve him and spook his horse). Only Green Spurs may spar from Horseback. Only those with Level 1 riding may ride. Familiarize yourself with the locations of the human and equine first aid kits, and know the barn address (12320 No 2 Road) in case you need to call 911 for any reason.
Mounted Combat Practice
Mondays 6pm - 8pm
Red Colt Equestrian Farm Co-op
12320 No 2 Road, Richmond
cost: free to Mounted Combat Members
Practices are free to members of the program. The first session is this coming Monday, November 7th. See you there!
Memberships
Memberships are still available. The cost is $300 per year or $200 for six months. Benefits include
- 10% discount on classes and workshops within the Mounted Combat program
- $5 discount on private riding lessons at Red Colt
- Two free practice rides per month
- Free mounted combat practices
Call the front desk at 604 568 9907 to get your membership and start reaping the benefits as soon as possible.
Upcoming Classes
These are the last classes of 2016. Be sure to sign up by Thursday, or classes may be cancelled.
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 10am 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 10am – noon
6 November – 11 December 2016
cost: $300 + gst for 6 classes
instructor: Stephanie Laversin
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 10am – noon
6 November – 11 December 2016
cost: $300 + gst for 6 classes
instructor: Stephanie Laversin
Horsemanship Level 3-4
If you have your Level 2 Horsemanship and wish to delve deeper into horse care including topics such as trailering, vet & first aid, bandaging, foot & shoeing and conditioning this class is for you.
Sundays 10:30am – 11:30am
6 November – 11 December 2016
cost: $130 + gst for 6 classes
instructor: Kate Landels
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 noon – 1pm
6 November – 11 December 2016
cost: $200 + gst for 6 classes
instructor: Stephanie Laversin
Intro to Mounted Combat
Experience your dreams of being a knight as you take the first step in Academie Duello’s mounted combat program. This unique workshop brings together swordplay, riding, and horsemanship into an exciting session geared toward beginners.
Beginning riders are provided one on one attention during the riding portion. Those with previous experience will have the opportunity to ride independently and practise more advanced drills. This course is an ideal way to introduce yourself to both equestrian and swordplay skills and get started on a deep and exciting track of learning. Upon completion of the workshop, you will qualify to join us for further in-depth classes in Riding, Horsemanship, and Swordplay.
Sunday 13 November, 1-4pm
cost: $149 + gst
instructors: Devon Boorman & Jennifer Landels
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.