Caer Galen & Unser Hafen Equestrians -

 

There is a generous offer from the Canton of Hawk's Hollow to include equestrian activities at their Crossroads camping event.  The full event is Thurs. May 22-Monday May 26.  The day offered for equestrian activities is Sunday, May 25th - with the main activities happening between 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.  Their canton will pick up the cost of the equestrian insurance, and already has the horse arena and some stabling as part of their facilities rental.  The participants would only need to pay regular site fees.  The event will be at the Quint Valley Fairgrounds in Byers, Colorado.  Horses will be allowed to stay the night, and stalls are available.  Or with the schedule proposed, it would be an easy day trip.  The goal of the Canton is to have some spectator friendly as well, and they will work to get us spectators!

 

I've spoken with several who think this would be another great opportunity for us to put on some kind of demo.  Our standard kind of competition probably wouldn't be the best bet, but that's not to say we couldn't figure out something competitive that would be both fun for us and fun for the spectators.  I think there is a lot of possibility here, with an event that will be very cost effective.  I'd love to think up some activities that pull in the audience more than normal - get the boos and huzzahs going somehow.  Maybe we could create some games where some of us are the "good knights" and others are the "bad knights"  would take a bit of theater, but maybe we could manage. 

 

I have heard from several, including Cecelia and Llamrei that they are interested.  I'd like to hear from a few others that would be interested in participating before we give the Canton the go ahead.  We certainly don't want them to shell out the $100 insurance and then only have two of us show up! 

 

So please, if this is something you would like to participate in, e-mail me back.  If this is something that you know you will not want to participate in, e-mail me back as well.  I'm willing to bring up Unser Hafen equipment, and if Caer Galen could bring up at least some of their reeds, and the other ring thingy (can never remember its name!).  If Unser Hafen gets our quintain built (which we will!!!) then we could bring it.  I'd like to have a commitment that represents at least 8 horses, and hopefully 12-15 riders.  That would make a respectable showing! 

 

Once we know if enough of us are committed, then we can talk about fun activities to do.  Anyone who has participated in something at another event, or seen something done that would work, let me know.  Also, if anyone would like to be on the planning committee, let me know. This is an event that might really benefit from having several persons involved in the planning. 

 

On a side note - but related - Unser Hafen is looking at holding an equestrian event at Mountain View on June 8th (Sunday), which is two weeks after the Crossroads event.  This will probably be the UH Champions event - but we are still waiting both for confirmation from Mountain View Stables about availability and cost, and from Unser Hafen about Champions.  Also, plans are underway to have equestrian at Glory this year.  For Glory we're thinking of having all organized equestrian evens on Saturday July 5th.  Camping is possible (must bring your own means to secure your horse for the night), but not necessary.  We are thinking of organizing a parade through the camps, allowing those that are interested do some messaging services (if it works out), and then have a demo in the main fighter area (which is flat and has a real perimeter).  I'm going to do an early site visit up there to check out the possibilities. 

 

Hope everyone is keeping themselves warm! 

 

Here's to a great season with equestrian activities!

 

Nesta