Horsemanship Level 4: Turnout

Horsemanship 4 is the first level in our program in which you will be examined on your appearance.

1. Candidate’s turnout. Safe, tidy, clean, AD shirt, footwear, hair, gloves.

At first glance it may seem superficial or trivial to have a dress code. Indeed, at earlier levels we only require that your attire is safe, and there are no marks assigned for turnout. However, now that you are working toward the third rank of the program we expect a level of turnout that is practical, safe, and demonstrates one of the tenets of our school -- proper respect -- towards your examiners, your fellow students, and the school.

Safe and tidy. For barn work clothing should fit well. Clothes that are baggy, flowing, or that have hoods and loose belts can get caught on the many hooks, tools, and tack in a stable, and being caught to something attached to a horse could cause injury in an instant. Dangling jewellery is dangerous for the same reason. Footwear, hair, and gloves are specifically covered below.
Clean. It's not easy staying clean in a barn, but when you are presenting for an exam we ask that you make the effort. Out of respect for your examiner, wear clothing without stains or tears, and take a moment to brush off stray horsehair before you appear for your test.
Academie Duello shirt. As a member of the school you are expected to wear your Duello shirt for tests. If yours is torn, very faded or stretched out, you might want to consider having an extra one you wear only for exams and special occasions. If the weather is rainy or cold the shirt requirement is waived, but you might want to wear it underneath your jacket in case the weather changes. (Note: do not wear your Duello hoodie -- hoods aren't considered safe in the barn!)
Footwear. Paddock boots, jodhpur boots or Blundstone-type boots are considered standard for stable management. Tall boots and field boots may be worn, but are less comfortable. If your boots have laces make sure they are neatly tied. Although they don't need to be polished to a mirror sheen, boots should be clean and well-cared for. Give them a good cleaning the night before your test, and a quick brush right before you present yourself.
Hair. Uncontrolled hair is a safety issue: it gets in your eyes and gets caught in things. Long hair should be tied back, preferably in a bun or braid. Hair nets aren't mandatory, but they do a good job of keeping your hair out of trouble while working around horses.
Gloves. You don't need to wear gloves during your whole test, but you should have them visible in a pocket or through your belt. Gloves should always be used when longeing or trailering a horse, and are a good idea when turning horses in and out to prevent rope burn if a horse pulls away. Light, supple work gloves or riding gloves are good choices.

As you work towards your Horsemanship Level 4, aim for this level of turnout on a regular basis, and it will become a habit that's easier not to break.

Mounted Combat 2016 Begins this Week!

Riding and Horsemanship classes begin Sunday, January 31st, and Mounted Combat classes start the following week, February 7th. We have our first Mounted Combat playday of the year on January 31st as well. All classes take place at Red Colt Co-op, 12320 No 2 Road, in Richmond.

Beginner Riding & Horsemanship
Sundays 31 January – 6 March, 10am – noon
cost: $300 + gst

Riding & Horsemanship Level 2
Sundays 31 January – 6 March, 10am – noon
cost: $300 + gst

Horsemanship Level 3-4
Sundays 31 January – 6 March, 10:30 – 11:30am
cost: $130 + gst

Riding Level 3+
Sundays 31 January – 6 March, noon – 1pm
cost: $200 + gst

Mounted Combat Playday
Sunday 31 January, 1:30 – 4:30pm
cost: $15 + $15 for use of school horse
Free for ground crew & spectators!

Intermediate Mounted Combat
Sundays 7 February – 6 March, 1pm – 3pm
cost: $160 + gst

Mounted Combat Fundamentals
Sundays 7 February – 6 March, 1:30 – 3pm
cost: $120 + gst

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.