This is outline of a class I have started doing at SCA events to introduce those that are interested to the many varied things we do in the SCA with the equestrian activities. Obviously it is just an outline and I talk as we go over it expanding out the subjects and I kind of let it go the direction the class is interested. Additionally it is accompanied by several photos in a slide show format and a short video of some activities as well. If you would like more information or details do not hesitate to ask.

Introduction to SCA Equestrian

Raynold of Wharram, Dean of Midrealm Equestrian College

Contact: raynold at eligius dot org or (859)324-5566

• What do we do?

  • Video

  • Slide show

  • Activities include, but by all means not exclusive:

    • traditional training exercises

      • behead the enemy

      • tilting the rings

      • tilting at the quintain

      • pig sticking / tent pegging

      • mounted archery

    • gymkhana/pony club exercises

      • relays

      • follow the course/maze

      • rescue the maiden

    • arts and sciences

      • horse garb/armour

      • medieval tack/saddles

      • researching riding styles, tournaments, and more

    • marshal activities

      • crest combat

      • heavy mounted combat (*)

      • jousting

    • other

      • processions for the populace

      • parading the royal family

      • special demonstrations/competitions

• Why are we (equestrians) in the SCA?

  • Horses are a big part of Medieval life

    • basic transportation – one (and mostly only) step above walking

    • horse and cart

    • horse and plow/land

  • Militarily even larger part of the picture

    • most nobility had horses for war

    • knights by late 14^th early 13^th had several for a campaign (not always used though)

    • cavalry comes to its own with stirrups, lances, and tactics

    • period can even be described as rise and fall of the heavily armed horseman

• All about the horses

  • historical classification was by type/job – NOT breeds – no registry’s predate 1700′s

  • historical size was much smaller then we typically think

  • your modern horse

    • any really will do

    • more concern placed on ability and willingness to do activities

    • calm and easy going is better then hot and flashy

  • Availability of horses

    • sometimes rentals

    • lesson barn horses

    • buddy up with someone

    • REMEMBER – horses have owners and they can say NO

• All about the Riders

  • First a bit of history

    • EVERYONE was generally familiar with horses

    • anyone expected to ride and work them, started very young and it became 2^nd nature

    • cleared the way for biggest and most ranking

  • Modern world & SCA

    • very limited set of population knows horses

    • even fewer are accomplished riders

    • starting out

      • get some lessons

      • buddy up

      • don’t exaggerate your abilities

      • expect it to take TIME, and then remember your partner (the horse) may have a different schedule in mind on top of that

      • get experience and a good seat and THEN start the medieval stuff

  • Minors, horses, and SCA

    • minors are allowed to participate and even compete

    • they may not live steal (any steal weapons)

    • must wear an approved riding helmet

• Safety

  • It is the number one thing!

  • Attire

    • should not be to loose or extravagant

    • spurs, if used at all, should be blunt pricks

    • closed toe shoes and recommend a heel when riding

  • Helmets are the recommendation

    • required for minors

    • required for jumping by everyone

  • HOLD is the same in equestrian

    • as quickly and safely as possible stop

• First Event/Expectations

  • Equipment

    • tack – English, western, or other – all fine

    • don’t worry about things like period correct to begin with

    • barding and such can come later (work with the horse)

    • don’t expect to start in armor

  • Take it slow and work up to things

    • both you and horse may take some time

    • better to start slow and work up

  • Have FUN!

Other Resources:

Midrealm Equestrian Site: http://www.midrealm.org/equestrian/

SCA Equestrian Site: http://www.sca.org/officers/equestrian/

My Page: http://www.eligius.org/

(*) pending final approval process in Midrealm at current

Tags: equestrian, horse, horses, Midrealm, sca, Society for Creative Anachronism