Equestrians -

 

I have sent a tentative schedule to Tyr and the Crossroads event coordinator for our equestrian activities.  We had planned on Sunday afternoon - but I've narrowed down the schedule pending other event considerations. I am sure I'll hear back this weekend, but thought I'd share my thoughts.  I have spoken with many of you about the best way to present our equestrian arts to the Crossroads attendees, and one thing we are all aiming for is something that is exciting enough for the crowd while still being fulfilling for the riders.  Here's the plan, and I'm totally open to suggestions/changes that meet everyone's needs. 

 

Sunday May 25th:

 

Morning - practice in the arena/authorizations for those that haven't received them yet.  Practice on the roman drills that we're going to do that afternoon. 

I'm waiting for word on when we can practice.  Hopefully we can practice early, and then again right before our parade.

 

1:00 - 1:30 Parade through camp - heralding of equestrian events through camp

1:30 - 2:00 Opening procession in the arena (introductions) and Roman Drill Demonstration

 

I have four separate "exercises" that are directly from the Roman demonstrations.  None are difficult (in fact they are actually relatively easy as far as drills go, none involve two horses riding together), the only difference is that we won't do them at full gallop (like the Romans would have) and we won't actually pretend attack each other (hitting our swords on our opponents shield) - except perhaps in the most "pretend" way - meaning not hitting at all, and we won't actually throw spears at live targets shields (I know, you really wanted to throw a spear at a pretend opponent - but without having practiced, I'm just not sure it’s a good idea).  However, the last movement includes throwing a spear or javelin at a target on the ground, and I think those that are comfortable throwing spears can do this one.  So bring all your throwing spears to the event.   I'm going to get us some time in the arena hopefully to practice the drill on horseback before we do it for the audience.  (The drill involves two 'threading the needles,' one time of riding up the rails and then turning toward the center sharply and riding across to cross at the same time, and the last part is just riding in two circles - four horses on one circle and four horses on another circle - we'll put the four faster horses in one group and the slower horses in another group.  It'll all make more sense on paper.)  

 

2:00 - 4:30 (or until done) Main demonstration and contests

    Match races on the heads (two sets of heads set up) - Done in heats until the last two that have won all their previous matches go "head to head" to pick the winner.  My idea is that you have to hit all the heads down before you cross the finish line in order to win - so if you miss a head, you have to go back and get it.  Speed counts - but obviously you have to be controlled enough to get all the heads - so just going fast won't win (unless you're REALLY good).

    Matches on the rings (two sets of rings set up) - Not to speed - winner based on points from the number & size of rings captured.  However, walking is discouraged (too boring!!). 

    Quintain Challenges (we may have two quintains set up - two riders go at the same time - then same pair swap quintains and go again.  Total number of rotations picks the winner - betting encouraged in the audience!)

    Pig sticking demo - This may fit some where else??  The quintain may be the best thing to finish with.

 

Let me know what you all think.  Here are the riders I have as attending so far:

 

Arriving Saturday: (2 horses & maybe 1 pony)

Me & Garin

Mistress Rossilin

Ceceila

 

Arriving Saturday evening: (2 horses)

 

Arriving Sunday: (4 horses)

Lorcan & Moyra

Samantha

Deirdre

Llamrei & Titus

 

Am I missing anyone?

 

With the 8 horses - this will be perfect for the Roman Drill demo.  

 

Nesta