So, you’ve got a horse, or an inkling towards the horses and you’d like to know if there’s a niche for you?

Most definitely!!

The following information is taken from the Kingdom of An Tir’s Equestrian Handbook and outlines some of the basic information needed to take part in horse activities in the SCA.

Horses have been a part of the SCA for more than 25 years. Equestrian activities occur in every kingdom of the Known World. Although their numbers are small in comparison to other martial activities, SCA equestrians are dedicated to their sport and most willing to assist an individual in getting started.

Equestrian activities take place in a variety of forms and venues: Martial Games and contests, Non-martial games and contests, and non-competitive events to include, training sessions, quests, trails rides and camping events. A martial competitive event is an event where one or more of the competitive games involves skill-at-arms in conjunction with horsemanship. A non-martial competition event is an event where none of the games involves skills-at-arms.

Equestrian activities within the SCA endeavor to recreate the equestrian pursuits of the Middle Ages.

The Equestrian Handbook outlines information on the following recognized activities:

• Ring Tilt - A classic display of accuracy with lance or spear. Rings of various sizes are suspended from an metal or wooden arm and riders attempt to spear them on the tip of their weapon.
• Quintain - A display of lance work against a simulated opponent. A shield is attached to a horizontal arm that rotates about an upright post. A padded, weighted bag may be attached opposite the shield. The rider approaches, with lance couched and strikes the quintain as would have been done to an approaching opponent.Beheading the enemy - Simulate heads are set on poles at predetermined intervals. Riders weave between the poles, striking the heads from the poles with simulated sword. This is a timed event.
• Pig Sticking - Spearing objects on the ground. Targets or simulated heads are placed on the ground and the rider attempts to spear the object with his lance.
• Cup Carry - Carry a cup of water from the starting line around a set point and back to the starting line. This is a timed event, the amount of water left in the cup figures into the final score.
• Ribbon Race - Two riders are given a piece of ribbon to hold between them as they ride a set course. This is a timed event, if the ribbon is broken or dropped the score is altered accordingly.
• Flag Race - A flag is picked up from a holder in the ground, carried to another holder and placed there. Another flag is picked up and carried back to be placed in the holder at the starting line. This is a timed event.
• Keyhole Race - from a starting line a rider races into and out of a keyhole shaped figure laid out on the ground. They then return to the starting line. This is a timed event.
• Javelin Toss - Throwing a javelin through a ring as the rider goes by.
• Flat work - The horse is ridden at various gaits over a predetermined course. The course may include cavaletti, water hazard, slalom etc.
• Quest - A test of skill or intelligence. A trail ride with points to locate, puzzles to be solved and/or skills to be demonstrated.
• Archery - from horseback

The Kingdom Equestrian Marshal is responsible for seeing that an Equestrian Marshal (EM) is present wherever a horse is at an event, and that the special SCA equestrian liability insurance has been activated for that event. Without these two things equestrian activities can not take place. The Equestrian Marshals are a kingdom wide group responsible to and reporting to the Kingdom Equestrian Officer of An Tir. The primary considerations for appointment to the post of equestrian marshal are the demonstration of skill in the equestrian arts, common sense and the ability to exercise self-control and diplomacy in dealing with others. An Equestrian Marshal must maintain such visibility in the SCA equestrian activities that he/she is accepted as an authority in the filed by members of the marshallate of the kingdom of An Tir.

• An EM must be at least 18 years old.
• An EM must be an authorized ridre.
• An EM must have competed as an authorized rider in a minimum of three equestrian events within the past two years (waived if no events were conducted).
• An EM must pass a written test administered by the Kingdom Equestrian Officer.
• An individual may be selected as an marshal by the Kingdom Equestrian Officer only after having been recommended by two authorized equestrian marshals.

• Each rider, recognizing the possibility of physical injury to himself or his mount in competition shall assume unto himself all risks and liability for harm suffered by means of such competition.
• Riders shall behave in a courteous and chivalrous manner and with due consideration for the safety of others at all times.
• Use of edged steel for demonstration on objects and actual live mounted combat, and jousting in particular, is expressly prohibited.

• Minors must have a parent or legal guardian present and be authorized.
• The parents or legal guardian must have spoken with an EM who will explain to them the hazards and risks involved.
• The minor, and minor’s parents or legal guardian must sign a waiver allowing the minor to participate.
• The minor is required to wear an approved Snell riding helmet at all times while mounted.The minor must ride their own horse.

In order for a rider to participate in any manner they must first perform a demonstration ride at the fastest gait in which they intend to compete. Equestrian activities are performed at three levels - beginner (walk only), intermediate (walk-trot/jog/intermediate gait), advanced (walk, trot, canter or gallop). Individual riders shall be responsible for demonstrating their own skill level and that of their horse. If the judgment proves to be incorrect, they will be asked to ride at a lower level. Once having completed a demonstration ride satisfactorily to the EMIC a specific rider on a specific horse may thereafter perform at future events at that level unless the EMIC of such event deems performance at that level to be unsafe.

It is possible for a rider to be authorized at different levels on different horses depending on the horses suitability/experience level with SCA events.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do you joust?

No, SCA insurance and liability prohibits jousting. The quintain event is a re-creation of the exercises used to prepare a knight for this activity.

Many active equestrians in the SCA do not own horses. Most often these individuals seek out others within the Society, in their kingdom or local branch who do own horses and private arrangements are made. On occasion an event takes place where rental horses are available or can be brought to the site. All of the usual rules for authorizations apply.

Absolutely, children must be at least five years old and able to stay in the saddle unassisted and control their mount unassisted to be eligible for a minors “permit to ride”. All minors must wear, while mounted, ASTM or Snell Equestrian Riding Helmets.

As you begin you venture into SCA equestrian activities you’ll want to take some time to determine what time period you’ll want to model after. In order to participate in an SCA activity you’ll need to wear clothing appropriate to the time period 400-1650, dressing your horse is a little different. There are many ways you can hide or disguise your everyday tack to blend in. Many riders compete in covered English or Western saddles. Some have done great amounts of research to come as close to authentic as possible, including building saddles and tack for their persona.

Anytime equestrians gather in an official SCA practice, an EM must be present and the Equestrian insurance binder must be obtain from the Society corporate offices, through your kingdom officer. Such practices can be unofficial outside the sanction of the SCA.

For minors while mounted at all times and for anyone participating in any jumping/leaping activity. Helmets are always encouraged.

While formal activities have not yet been written for cart horses they are being worked on in an experimental basis. Many of the games can be modified to be done with a cart. Check with the Equestrian Marshal In Charge (EMIC) of your local event for more information.

Mounted contact (including boffer and heavy weapon contact) are prohibited.

Many of the events are much the same as might be performed at a Gymkana or Playday. Getting your horse used to the lance and spear in the comfort of familiar surroundings is always helpful. Getting your horse accustomed to the barding it will wear and banners blowing in the breeze, will also make your first event more enjoyable.

How can I get more information?

---

Please visit the page created just for SCA horse activity. especially in An Tir

return to the

Spencer~Longfellow Trading Company