Happy Canada Day, and congratulations to all our Cavaliers who did Riding and Horsemanship tests last Saturday!
For our bi-monthly Cavaliere assessment day we ran a total of 15 full and partial practical tests. Some people were doing partial tests, some challenging multiple levels, and we had four level 4 Riding and Horsemanship tests to conduct. Between that and 12 written tests it took us a couple of days to get the marking done!
In our program a pass is a total mark of 65% or better, with no marks on individual elements below 6.5 out of 10. We also give conditional passes, which occur when a candidate has a total score of 65% or better, but has one or more score on the practical test below 6.5. Conditional passes means we deem it is safe for candidates to progress to training the at next level, but they will need to retest the individual elements that did not meet standards before they test their next level.
The following passes and conditional passes were handed out:
- Horsemanship 1, 2, Riding 2: Robyn
- Horsemanship 2: Walker
- Riding 2: Karissa
- Horsemanship 3, Riding 3: Monica
- Riding 4: Christian
- Horsemanship 4, Riding 4: Cassandra
- Horsemanship 4, Riding 4: Kat
Congratulations to everyone who tested. It can be nervewracking performing in front of a group of people with pens and clipboards, and as the tests go up in level we get pickier and pickier about turnout, postion, control and precise knowledge. Well done all!
Don't forget the Canada Day parade this evening. Bring your swords and Duello t-shirt and march (or spar) with us through the streets of Vancouver!
And then I'll see you at the cross-country workshop this Friday evening, and at Mounted Combat on Sunday!
Upcoming Classes & Workshops
Cross-country schooling
Friday 4 July
time: 6-8pm
cost: $60 or 1 flex-pack credit
pre-requisite: Riding Level 2
Starting at 6pm I will take two groups of up to 4 riders cross country schooling in the back fields. Riders must have a minimum of riding level 2.
Intro to Mounted Combat Workshop
Sunday 6 July
time: 10am – 1pm
location: Red Colt Equestrian Farm Co-op, 12320 No 2 Road, Richmond
cost: $149
A taste of everything in the program. Learn about grooming and tacking up, get some swordplay fundamentals, and ride a horse with sword in hand.
prerequisites: none
Mounted Combat Workshop
Sunday 6 July
time: 1- 4pm
location: Red Colt Equestrian Farm Co-op, 12320 No 2 Road, Richmond
cost: $60
Swordplay from the ground, the falsemount, and from horseback.
prerequisites: Intro to Mounted Combat or permission from the instructor
Private & Group Riding Lessons
Mondays 7 & 14 July, 5 – 8pm
To make up for the lack of Cavaliere Classes in July I will be adding some extra private and group lessons. I currently have spaces available on Monday evenings in June & July Some Wednesday & Tuesday spaces are available as well. Contact me directly at jennifer (at) academieduello.com to book.
Prix Fiore Workshop
Friday 11 July, 6-8pm
Red Colt Equestrian Farm Co-op
cost: $60+gst or 1 flex-pack credit
Instructor: Jennifer Landels
Pre-requisite: Riding level 1 or permission from the instructor
We had so much fun at the last Prix Fiore workshop I’ve decided to squeeze another in before I leave in July.
Mounted Games Practice
Fridays, 18 & 25 July
time: 5-7pm
cost: $5; $15 with use of school horse
pre-requisite: Riding Level 1
Practise your hand-offs, pick-ups, put-downs and flying changes to improve your chances at Carosella this September.
Open Barn
Come out and practise your horsemanship, riding or sword skills at our monthly Open Barn. This is a chance to work on the areas you need to. Riders must have their level 1 riding or equivalent, but those without level 1 can work on grooming, handling and swordplay.
date: Sunday 20 July, 1-4pm
cost: $10 to ride a school horse; for horsemanship or with your own horse, free!
Mounted Combat Skills
Sunday 27 July
time: 1-4pm
location: Academie Duello
cost: $60 or 1 flex-pack credit
This on-the-ground session is vital for developing your swordplay, spear and wrestling skills and to sign off your green and blue spur checklists. Sessions take place at Academie Duello on the ground and from the falsemount.
Cavaliere Classes
Saturdays 28 June, 16, 23 & 30 August
time: 4:00 – 7:30pm
cost: $60 1 flex-pack credit
This Saturday is the last Cavaliere class before we take a break in July. We will be running riding and horsemanship assessments. If you want to assess your levels please let us know ahead of time. Classes will resume in August. If this is too long a time to spend out of the saddle, remember you can use your package credits for private riding lessons.
Mark your Calendars
Beginner & Intermediate Horseback Archery: Sunday 10 August
Carosella 2014: Friday – Sunday 12-14 September
Jennifer Landels heads up Academie Duello's Cavaliere Program. She has been swordfighting since 2008, and riding since before she could walk. She started the program as an excuse to combine those passions. Read more from Jennifer Landels.