The Midrealm kicked off the equestrian campaign season this past Saturday (25th of April 2009) with an event in North East modern day Ohio.  The event was held in the Barony of Brendoken.  I believe that that I can speak for all in saying that a good day of SCA equestrian activities was had by all.

First, let me say, while I am thinking of and lest I should forget, much thanks to the hosting barony for hosting the event and inviting out the Midrealm equestrians.  Also many thanks to the marshals and marshals in training who helped with running things throughout the day as well as were the ones that I saw running around at the end of the day breaking things down.  An especial thinks goes to Lady Finna (I hope I got that right) for being the Equestrian Mashal in Charge at the event and aside from wind pulled off a flawless event.

The event saw a field of eight horses show up and I believe eight riders though I may have missed a swap out somewhere.  It was lovely that each rider had a horse.  There was one authorization that went very well.

During the early hours of the event some major wind was blowing and it did topple the tent that was being used for registration and resulting in some paperwork having to be duplicated.  Early the competition a number of fun games were arranged and suited well to the riders that were present.  Later in the day a challenge course was had that looked very exciting.   It actually made me long for my won trusty horses and I even half thought of checking to borrow a mount to run through it.  Then I recalled my for heading up was to marshal.

One slight disappointment that I had with the event was the number of authorization.  I do realize we do not always get to do things on our planned schedule, but at one point I thought I was going to be authorizing ten riders, some for crest combat and jousting.  My disappointment with that was slight though and I am sure I will get the opportunity in the near future.

There were some old friends from the Kingdom of Aethelmarc.  It was nice catching up with them.  There was some smack talk going on between competitors from kingdoms.  As had already been discussed in some circles an equestrian war of sorts between the two is on for Afternoon of Fun event in early October.

In regards to my trip up and such, it was about five and half hours of driving up and again the same amount driving back.  Needless to say, as it was a day event and I had that drive and still breaking in the new truck engine I left out early in the morning without horses.  I did find about half way up though, that the Bitzer dog and somehow managed to stowaway in the car during the dark hours when I was putting stuff in the car for departure.

My one thing that I wish as I sit here now is that I had some pictures. My camera got busted and I just have not gotten around to ordering a replacement for it as of yet.   So if you are reading this and have some from the event let me know.  Perhaps by the next equestrian event at Baron Wars – stay tuned!