Snow may have fallen this week, but that didn't keep us from riding and practising mounted combat. And with spring just around the corner, we have many more course offerings to get you out of the salle and into the saddle.

Spring Courses at Red Colt

Mounted Combat Mastery

February is sword & shield month, and we'll be doing more work with the rotella this week. March is Spear month for Green Spurs and Spear vs Sword for Blue Spurs, as well as Mounted Games month. Don’t know how to ride? No problem. Classes can be taken from the ground as well as from horseback!

Mounted Combat Mastery
Sundays noon – 2 pm
Instructor: Jennifer Landels
cost: 2-hour tuition or punch card credit

Intro to Mounted Combat

Experience the childhood fantasy 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.During this intensive workshop you will:

Get an introduction to fundamental riding techniques
Practise horseback sword fighting techniques

The workshop takes place at Red Colt Equestrian Farm Co-op in Steveston, BC, just 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver. In the first hour, you will learn the fundamentals of horse handling and will learn how to groom and tack-up (saddle and bridle) your horse. In the remainder of the workshop, you will get an introduction to basic riding, and build the fundamentals of swordplay from the ground, including movement, core attacks, and defenses.

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.

Upon completion of the workshop, you will qualify to join us for further in-depth classes in Riding, Horsemanship, and Swordplay.

This program is an ideal way to introduce yourself to both equestrian and swordplay skills and get started on a deep and exciting track of learning.

Sunday 25 February: 3:00 – 5:30 pm
Cost: $149 + GST
Instructor: Jennifer Landels
Prerequisites: none

Horsemanship Level 5

This 10-week course will cover everything you need to know for Horsemanship level 5. Topics include: Stabling, Feed, Grooming, Trailering, Saddlery, Conditioning, Vet & First Aid, Bandaging, Foot & Shoeing

Saturdays 3 Mar – 5 May, 3:00 – 4:00 pm
Instructor: Kate Landels
Cost: $180 + GST
Single classes: $25 space permitting
Prerequisite: Horsemanship Level 4

Riding Level 3 – Jumping

A six-class series for riders working on Level 3 with a focus on jumping and galloping position, poles, cross rails, and low fences. Riders may have the opportunity to ride out in the fields, weather permitting.

Saturdays 3 Mar – 7 Apr, 3:00 – 4:00 pm
Cost: $200 +gst
Instructor: Kate Landels
Prerequisite: Riding Level 2. Riding Level 3 – Flat also recommended.

Horsemanship Level 3

This 6-week course will cover everything you need to know for Horsemanship level 3. There are 3 lecture classes (indoors), two practical classes, and a session for written tests and practical review.

Stabling: good and bad features
Feed: schedules
Grooming: full grooming kit
Trailering safety
Saddlery: bits and martingales
Conditioning: cooling out
Vet & First Aid: signs of health; when to call vet
Foot & shoeing: external parts of hoof, scheduling

Saturdays 3 Mar – 7 Apr, 4:00 – 5:00pm
Cost: $100 +gst
Instructor: Kate Landels
Prerequisite: none. Horsemanship Level 2 recommended

Riding Level 4+, jumping

A six-class series for riders working on Level 4 and up with a focus on jumping gymnastics and stadium courses. Cross-country jumping included as weather permits.

Saturdays 3 Mar – 7 Apr, 4:00 – 5:00pm
Cost: $200 +gst
Instructor: Kate Landels
Prerequisite: Riding Level 3

Mounted Combat Fundamentals

Before you get on a horse with a sword in your hand, it is essential to have good fundamental swordplay skills from the ground. This six-week course covers the basic Mounted Combat skills needed for your Green Spur. Students who have achieved these skills along with Riding and Horsemanship Level 1 will be eligible to participate in Mounted Combat classes on horseback.

Sundays 5 Mar – 8 Apr, 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Cost: $135 + gst, or bundle with Riding & Horsemanship for $99
Instructor: Ben Davis
Prerequisites: none

Beginner Riding & Horsemanship

This six-class course is designed to help the beginning rider achieve Horsemanship and Riding Level 1. In addition to your weekly riding lesson, you will learn safe horse-handling techniques, how to groom and tack up a horse, basic horse identification terminology, and basic feeding and stabling. The cost of the course includes one free riding or horsemanship assessment. Students can expect to be ready to assess Horsemanship Level 1 at the end of the six classes. Readiness for Riding Level 1 typically takes two iterations of the course.

Sundays 5 Mar – 8 Apr, 11:00am – 1:00pm
Cost: $300 + gst
Instructor: Stephanie Laversin
Prerequisites: none

Riding & Horsemanship Level 2

This six-class course is designed to help the riders achieve Horsemanship and Riding Level 2. The cost of the course includes one free riding or horsemanship assessment. Students can expect to be ready to assess Horsemanship Level 2 at the end of the six classes. Readiness for Riding Level 2 typically takes two iterations of the course.

Sundays 5 Mar – 8 Apr, 10:00am – noon
Cost: $300 + gst
Instructor: Stephanie Laversin
Prerequisites: Beginner Riding & Horsemanship

Riding Level 3+, Flat

A six-class series for riders working on Level 3 or higher with an emphasis on flat-work and lower level dressage. Some ground poles and cavaletti may be included. (Note: Riding Level 3, Jumping will begin in March).

Sundays 5 Mar – 8 Apr, 10:00am – 11:00am
Cost: $200 + gst
single classes: $45 each if space available
Instructor: Stephanie Laversin
Prerequisites: Riding Level 2

Youth Riding & Horsemanship

This course for kids aged 6-13 will introduce your child to ponies and horses in safe, fun, and friendly series of six classes taught by Pony Club qualified instructors. Each class contains a riding lesson as well as a horsemanship lesson where students will learn to handle, groom, and care for ponies and horses. The curriculum follows the Canadian Pony Club D level lessons and will prepare students for testing Academie Duello Mounted Combat Riding 1 or Pony Club D Level.

Thursdays 1 February – 8 March, 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Cost: $300 + GST
Instructor: Kate Landels
Prerequisites: none

To register see the Workshops Calendar or call the front desk at 604 568 9907.

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.