Equestrian

The priority deadline for class submissions has passed, HOWEVER we are still accepting class and activity proposals which we will schedule around existing classes and activities.

Horse Desensitization
Doña Zarra de la Vega
Thursday, 4:30pm-5:30pm
General Riding Arena

Learn the steps you and your horse need to take to get your horse used to all the fun activities we do. Please note, this class will not transform your horse overnight into a bomb proof horse, but give you the tools and knowledge to guide your journey. If you have an equine present you will be given an opportunity to start practicing with your new knowledge. Size Limit: 15 horses, no limit on auditors

Warhorse Training: From Steed to Champion
THL Gesa van Wellenstein
Friday, 9:00am-11:15am
Equestrian Classroom

Embark on a captivating journey into the world of equine training with our
comprehensive course on how to train a Warhorse. This course will provide the
specialized skills required to prepare a horse for the unique demands of combat and
competitive riding in the SCA.

This course will explore the history and characteristics of warhorses, establishing a solid
foundation in horse handling. Focus on building trust, respect, and effective
communication between horse and handler. The second part will concentrate on
conditioning programs to enhance strength, endurance, and agility, drawing on the
techniques of the old masters from the 14th and 15th Centuries. Desensitization
techniques are used to teach horses to remain calm, and various methods are
employed to acclimate them to multiple stimuli, such as loud noises, crowds, and
simulated combat environments. This also includes Skills Development and Equipment
Familiarization to introduce horses to various types of tack and protective gear.

During this course, you will learn about equine behavior to effectively address
challenges and promote positive responses, enhancing the bond between horse and
rider. Join us for an enriching experience that will deepen your understanding of equine
training and the noble art of riding.

Power Generation & Grappling – Elementary Level [Theory]
(Realistic and Safe Horse and Rider Biomechanics for Historic Combat Studies)
Landsgrafin Else Hunrvogt
Friday, 9:00am-10:00am
Agricultural Classroom

This class will cover:

• an explanation of the line between art and combat in SCA administration
• a brief introduction to horse and rider structure
• some best practices for grappling safely with your friends
• an overview period plays and how to explore the manuscripts in more detail

Ideal Students:
Are you a fighter that wants to learn a little about how mounted combat worked in period? This class is for you
Are you intrigued with the idea of integrating things like wrestling and justifying it as an Arts Project? This class is for you
Are you a games, rossfecten or mounted combat rider interested application of period combat and hunting practices? This class is for you
Are you fascinated by the intersection of biology and physics through the application of muscles, bone and tendons to equipment? This class is for you
Have you always wondered how to talk your friends into letting you throw them to the ground while justifying it as ART? This class is really, really for you

Power Generation – Elementary Level [Practical]
(Realistic and Safe Horse and Rider Biomechanics for Historic Combat Studies)
Landsgrafin Else Hunrvogt
Friday, 10:15am-11:15am
General Riding Arena

This class will cover:

• application of some period plays with a consenting partner
• how your equitation impacts your horse’s movement
• how lateral work provides leverage

Equipment and Gaits:

• walk and halt required
• some lateral work – basic leg yield – helpful
• squishy knee pads
• bareback, bareback pads, or pulling stirrups off of saddles
• your favorite fectbuch

Grappling – Elementary Level [Practical]
(Realistic and Safe Horse and Rider Biomechanics for Historic Combat Studies)
Landsgrafin Else Hunrvogt
Friday, 11:30am-12:30pm
Armored Riding Arena

This class will cover:

• impulsion and why it’s important
• impulsion and how to get more of it
• natural waves in horses motion
• how to use those waves to do the work of unaliving others
• how to make those waves bigger

Equipment and Gaits:

• walk and halt required
• trot and canter useful
• your favorite fectbuch
• your favorite period riding pattern or manual
• your favorite sword or sword simulator
• your favorite lance or lance simulator
• your favorite javelin or javelin simulator

Archeological Horse Remains and What They Tell Us
THL Azenari Basandere
Friday, 11:30am-12:30pm
Equestrian Classroom

Come bring your lunch and learn about fossilized horse remains throughout the SCA period and how they can give us information about age, size, coat color and so much more. Doñations for the printed handout appreciated but not required.

Sidesaddle Have-A-Go
Lady Katharine Ravenshill
Friday, 2:00pm-3:00pm
General Riding Arena

Have you ever wanted to ride sidesaddle? Here’s your chance!! Katharine will have a number of safe, modern sidesaddles available and will see if one is suitable for you and your horse. The time block will cover saddling, safety, and at least walk/trot. Expect about 15 minutes of riding. Well-fitting ASTM helmet required. To protect the saddles, no footgear with zips on the outside, no jeans or silicone full-seat britches. Please sign up at Katharine’s trailer (gooseneck with truck VA tags “SIDSDDL”) so we can attempt to settle saddle fit prior to class. Katharine is a certified “B” instructor with the Side Saddle Association, an affiliate of the British Horse Society.

Overview of Modern-Medieval Driving
Landsgrafin Else Hunrvogt
Friday, 3:15pm-4:15pm
Agricultural Classroom

This class will cover:

• common modern driving practices
• how to incorporate them safely in the SCA world
• some practices we can infer from pre-1601 European art work
• an examination of why we do or do not see them more commonly in the SCA.

Ideal Students:
Do you have ANY interest in horse-drawn vehicles? This Class is for you.
Are you a rider who finds yourself marshaling hitched horses? This Class is for you.
Are you a Driver wanting to learn more about driving practices in period or wanting to share what you do with riders? This class is for you.

Useful Equipment:
Harnesses and vehicles do not fly well. The instructor would welcome any equipment locals have that they can bring so students can experience the items in three dimensions.

Challenge Course Skills Without Arms
Lady Caiterina Uaine
Friday, 3:15pm-4:15pm

General Riding Arena

We will work on skills commonly used in challenge courses outside of the traditional skills at arms, such as side passing, operating a rope gate, backing obstacles, and more! Class is limited to 5 riders, but non-riders are also welcome.

Rossfechten [Theory]
THL Gesa van Wellenstein
Friday, 2:00pm-3:00pm
Equestrian Classroom

Mounted Fencing, traditionally called Rossfechten, combines traditional horseback
riding with the art of fencing. This course is designed for riders of all skill levels who
wish to deepen their understanding of mounted fencing and the equitation required for
it.

The first part of this course will be without horses. The course will emphasize the
importance of safety when practicing fencing techniques on horseback, as well as
understanding proper gear for both rider and horse, riding etiquette, and effective
communication with your horse. We will briefly review the fundamentals of Horseback
Riding and Weapon Handling Techniques. Followed by practicing the mechanics of
wielding a sword without hitting your or your opponent’s horse.

Rossfechten [Practical]
THL Gesa van Wellenstein
Friday, 3:15pm-4:15pm
Armored Riding Arena

For the second part, we will practice weapon control from horseback, riding drills as our
skill level permits. The goal is to learn essential safety precautions and strategies for
Rossfechten.

Riders must wear body protection, including neck, hand, and elbow protection, as well
as fencing masks and neck protection, which meet the requirements outlined in the
fencing rules. All horses have to wear eye protection. We are using the Rawlings
swords for this activity.

Saddle Deconstruction
Lady Þóra Hrafnsdóttir
Friday, 4:30pm-5:30pm
Equestrian Classroom

Lady Þóra will have two stripped Western saddle trees and one disassembled English saddle. Using these, we can explore the design and construction of saddles, and how they fit on a horse.

The Art of Pig Sticking
Doña Zarra de la Vega
Friday, 4:30pm-5:30pm
General Riding Arena

Does stabbing at pigs elude you? Are you interested in learning how to successfully stab them? In this class I will teach you the steps you need to effectively do this. If you have one, please bring your own ring/ pig lance. Class is limited to 15 riders; There is no limit on auditors.

Pre-1600 Women in the Saddle
Lady Katharine Ravenshill
Friday, 7:00pm-8:00pm
Equestrian Classroom

We’ve all seen the period images of women riding, and it’s not like we’d let a period gender barrier stop women from riding in the SCA anyway. What were they wearing, why were they riding, and what tack did they use? Did Anne of Bohemia or Catherine d’Medici have anything to do with saddle design? How much of what we see was allegorical, or was it all real?

Mounted to Ground 1 [Theory]
THL Gesa van Wellenstein
Saturday, 9:00am-10:00am
Equestrian Classroom

This is a Society Experimental Program that focuses on the unique dynamics of combat scenarios involving mounted riders against ground fighters. Participants must be pre-
approved to participate in this activity. The prerequisites for all riders are mounted combat authorization, armor, and weapon validation. Horses must also be pre-approved for this activity. Before participating, each Horse/Rider team must be approved by the authorized Mounter to Ground Marshal. Ground fighters must be authorized to fight heavy weapons.

During the first part of this class, we will emphasize the importance of safety while practicing lance fencing on horseback and understanding proper gear, riding etiquette, and communication with your horse. We will be emphasizing the importance of safety for both riders and ground fighters, including equipment checks, communication, and emergency procedures. Additionally, the first part will cover effective combat techniques, tactics, and strategies that allow horseback riders to engage effectively with ground-based adversaries while maximizing their combat skills. We will analyze the techniques
and strategies used by ground fighters, including movement patterns, defensive maneuvers, and methods to counter mounted threats.

Mounted to Ground 2 [Practical]
THL Gesa van Wellenstein
Saturday, 10:15am-12:15pm
Armored Riding Arena

This is a Society Experimental Program that focuses on the unique dynamics of combat scenarios involving mounted riders against ground fighters. Participants must be pre-
approved to participate in this activity. The prerequisites for all riders are mounted combat authorization, armor, and weapon validation. Horses must also be pre-approved for this activity. Before participating, each Horse/Rider team must be approved by the authorized Mounter to Ground Marshal. Ground fighters must be authorized to fight heavy weapons.

During this second part of the class, we will work on developing offensive and defensive tactics for mounted riders, including charge techniques and flanking maneuvers. We will also participate in simulated combat scenarios where mounted riders engage ground fighters, focusing on tactical decision-making, situational awareness, and real-time adjustments.

Troubleshoot Your Ride (aka Mini Lesson)
Lady Katharine Ravenshill
Saturday, 10:15am-11:15am
General Riding Arena

This will be divided into 1-on-1 interactions divided over the course of the hour. Limited to 3 Riders, signup required as described below.

We all have a “thing” we’re having a little difficulty with. Maintaining gait in the archery lane, going straight at the quintain, turning through heads one-handed…. This is about the riding, not sword or lance work. 20-minute 1-on-1 session, intended for the benefit of the rider. Well-fitting ASTM helmet required. Please sign up for slots at Katharine’s trailer (gooseneck with truck VA tags “SIDSDDL”). Katharine is a certified “B” instructor with the Side Saddle Association, an affiliate of the British Horse Society.

Throwing the Stabby Thing: Javelin Tips & Tricks
Epy Pengelly, Armiger
Saturday, 11:30am-12:30pm
Mounted Archery Arena

In this class, Epy will give you some tips and tricks for javelin throwing. If you have them, please bring your own javelins. Class is limited to 10 riders.

Atlantian Ground Crew Class
Saturday, 11:30am-12:30pm
Equestrian Classroom

In this class, you will learn the basic rules of Atlantian Equestrian policy from the Book of the Horse. This class is meant to prepare someone to safely enter the equestrian arena as a ground crew member. In it you will learn the principles of safety for being around horses, handing weapons and receiving weapons from riders, and other tasks to support riding equestrians. It is necessary to have your ground crew authorization to enter the equestrian arena on foot, and it is the first step in becoming a rider in Atlantia. For authorization, one must have read the Atlantian Book of the Horse, found on the Documents page of the Equestrian website, linked on the Earl Marshal section of the Atlantian website. This is the theory side of the class. One must complete this portion as well as the practical section, and complete the appropriate paperwork with the Minister of the Lists, to become an authorized ground crew member. If you want to pursue this authorization/ take the class, it will help Epy to know that you are interested! Please complete the Equestrian Information Form found on the Equestrian page of the LEAFS website.

Atlantian Ground Crew, Rider and Lancer Authorizations
Saturday, 2:00pm-3:00pm
General Riding Arena

This is the opportunity for Atlantians to complete their ground crew authorization via practical application. If someone is pursuing a ground crew authorization at LEAFS, they must have attended the classroom section of the Ground Crew Authorization class earlier in the day, as well as read the Atlantian Book of the Horse. Atlantians will also have the ability to pursue a rider or lancer authorization during this time frame. If you want to pursue this authorization/ take the class, it will help Epy to know that you are interested! Please complete the Equestrian Information Form found on the Equestrian page of the LEAFS website.

Italian Swordplay for Horseback
Master Llwyd Aldrydd
Saturday, 2:00pm-3:00pm
Armored Riding Arena

This class is on foot. The class will give a sampling of plays from across Fiore’s manual including a dagger play, a variety of sword plays, and then some work trying to figure out some of his horseback plays. Because Fiore’s manual describes a consistent system, many of the non-horse plays can be directly adapted for use on horseback when at appropriate range. So, understanding the system is a much better approach than just understanding the 36 horse plates from the manual. The techniques will apply to the SCA Rossfechten ruleset which is about mounted sword play. No armor needed, this will be slow reproductions of plays. A limited number of waster swords will be available; if you have one to bring that would be helpful.

How to Design a Challenge Course Part 1 [Theory]
Doña Zarra de la Vega
Saturday, 2:00pm-3:00pm
Equestrian Classroom

We will be discussing what it takes to create a successful challenge course for equestrian activities. This discussion will include set up and scoring. Then we will take some time to draw out and plan a challenge course of your own.

How to Design a Challenge Course Part 2 [Practical]
Doña Zarra de la Vega
Saturday, 3:15pm-5:15pm
General Riding Arena

Participation in Part 1 is encouraged but not required before taking Part 2. We will pick 2-3 courses people have made and a few riders to run the challenge course and we will discuss the pros and cons of each set up.

Basics of Driving, Part 1 [Theory]
THL Arielle de Pontoise & Lord Eachann de Barde
Saturday, 3:15pm-4:15pm
Equestrian Classroom

This class will cover the basics of driving, to include harness and cart parts, driving vs riding commands, and a brief overview of how to begin teaching your horse to drive. There will be a follow up hands-on class in which we will begin the desensitization process on horses. Class size limited to 20 people.

Basics of Driving, Part 2 [Practical]
THL Arielle de Pontoise & Lord Eachann de Barde
Saturday, 4:30pm-5:30pm
Armored Riding Arena

This is a follow up to the Basics of Driving Classroom session and will focus on ground driving. It is not absolutely necessary to attend the prior class, but it would be helpful. Please bring your horse and any driving equipment you have. In order of preference, you should have either a full harness, a driving surcingle with long lines, or a saddle with 2 long lead lines (i.e. lunging ropes). Class is limited to 5 horses. Auditors also welcome.

Atlantian Armored Equestrian Authorization
Saturday, 7:00pm-8:00pm
General Riding Arena

This is the opportunity for Atlantians to complete their armored equestrian combat authorization. Be sure to be up to date on armored equestrian combat requirements and policies in the most up to date version of the Atlantian Book of the Horse. If you want to pursue this authorization/ take the class, it will help Epy to know that you are interested! Please complete the Equestrian Information Form found on the Equestrian page of the LEAFS website. Please specifically say what type of armored equestrian combat authorization you would like to participate in/pursure (foam tip jousting, mounted combat, and/or crest combat).

Riding from the Books:
Riding Before a Prince & Rossfechten – Martial A&S
Epy Pengelly, Armiger
Saturday, 7:00pm-8:00pm
Agricultural Classroom

While the image of a jousting knight is iconic to the European Renaissance for equestrianism, there were many more disciplines of refined riding that treated the martial skill more like an art — similar to dancing. Come learn about two of them– what we call in the SCA “Riding Before a Prince” and “Rossfechten”. These two disciplines are based off of extant riding manuals, and while there are competitions of them at SCA equestrian events, they are based in a martial A&S background. This class will cover a basic overview of the history of each activity, starting activities, next steps, and some additional A&S resources. Riding Before a Prince is a 16th-17th century precursor to modern dressage that originated in Italy before expanding to France, England, and more — remember, nobles love fancy prancing ponies! Rossfechten is likened to “rapier on horseback” — one of the seminal works is Fiore de Liberi! Lightly armored riders learn to fight each other with swords (and sometimes spears/lances) while delicately maneuvering their horses. As of 11/25/2024, Rossfechten is still an experimental program in the SCA.

Hunt Course
Epy Pengelly, Armiger
Sunday, 9:00am-11:15am
Agricultural Classroom

Have you ever wanted to try your hand at the SCA games outside of the arena? See what it would be like to simulate some of our skillsets in situ? Come ride the Hunt Course! This activity will involve riding parts of the Green Trail, defeating some of the common SCA games such as heads, javelin, and more.