Equestrian Arts
Equestrian Activities:
for the Equestrian Activities page
There are two basic levels of rider authorizations. All riders must be appropriately authorized to participate in activities. The only exception is a person riding under the direct supervision of an equestrian marshal for the purpose of preparing to be authorized. The best place to get these authorizations is at the equestrian practices. Do not plan to come to an event to get authorized without contacting the Equestrian autocrat first to make sure that there is both an authorizing marshal attending and that there will be time to do it.
Please do not just bring a horse (any equid is a 'horse') to an event. In order for the horse to be there, the equestrian insurance must be activated. If it is not, you will have to take the horse home!
General Riding - may participate in activities which do not require the use of weapons. These activities include processions, quests, challenge courses, general riding around the event site, etc.
A note about Processions. Be sure you and your horse are comfortable in a parade type activity and do not be hesitant to leave the procession if things are not going well! A unauthorized rider may participate in a procession IF the rider is being lead by an authorized individual.
Games Riding - may participate in all activities that do not require special authorizations. These activities include:
Heads - weave in and out of 4 poles and knock the heads off the top with a foam or wooden sword ('waster').
Reeds - run between 2 rows of staggered poles and knock progressively smaller 'reeds' off the top with a foam or wooden sword ('waster').
Rings - using a ring lance, spear progressively smaller rings off the pole arm
Quintain - Using a quintain lance, hit the quintain board and make it spin.
Shock Quintain - Using a quintain lance, knock the shock quintain over.
There are many other games that can occur at events limited only by the imagination of the organizer and remaining 'safe'!! If you do not feel something is safe for you and/or your horse, don't participate. if you feel something is not safe for most everyone, then speak directly with the Eq. Marshal in Charge. If that does not work, speak with the Marshal in Charge of the event or the event organizer.
Special Authorizations:
These all require special equipment and specific authorizations.
Crest Combat - Wearing appropriate equipment, knock a crest off the helm of your opponent using a foam sword
Mounted Combat - Wearing appropriate equipment for you and your horse, hit your opponent with a padded rattan sword
Driving - Does not require special equipment for the human but does require a special authorization. Please contact the Kingdom Eq. Officer before bringing a driving horse to an event or practice to authorize as there are a limited number of authorizing marshals for driving.
Horseback Archery - Using a lightweight bow, shoot at targets while moving down a lane (walk/trot/canter)
Foam Lance Jousting - using appropriate equipment, charge your opponent and hit them with the foam tip, causing it to shatter.
Balsa Jousting (experimental at this time <Jan 2010>) NO one may attempt this at practice or events if they have not been given special permission to do so by the Society Balsa Deputy AND the Kingdom Eq. Officer.
