The geese are flying overhead, the days are getting shorter and the horses' coats are getting longer. But that won't keep us out of the saddle! In fact, our Mounted Combat weather luck has reasserted itself, and we had an absolutely gorgeous balmy day for riding and swinging swords last Sunday. However, there are a few changes of days and times in the program as we say goodbye to summer:

Cavaliere Classes move to Sunday

We're back on Sunday afternoons from 1pm - 4:30pm from now until May, with one exception: on Sunday 27 October Cavaliere class will run from 3pm - 6:30pm (yes, we may be finishing sword drills in the growing dusk -- feel free to bring lightsabres). The autumn dates and times for Cavaliere classes are:

Sunday 20 October, 1:00 - 4:30pm
Sunday 27 October, 3:00 - 6:30pm
Sunday 10 November, 1:00 - 4:30pm
Sunday 17 November, 1:00 - 4:30pm

Winter Break

We don't hold workshops or classes at the barn in December or January. This means the last Intro to Mounted Combat and Mounted Combat workshops will be on November 3rd, and the final Cavaliere classes for 2013 on November 17th. However, we hope to bring you a few indoor classes to work on honing those weapons skills. Stay tuned for more details.

Riding lessons

I've decided to continue to hold Monday and Friday evening riding lessons for as long as the light and the ring conditions hold out. If you'd still like to get a few lessons in, contact me directly at jennifer(at)academieduello.com.

New Packages for 2014

We'll be discontinuing the Integrated Package at the end of this year. However, you are welcome to purchase as many of these packages as you like before the year is out (ie, you can buy packages now for November, February, March, etc).

We will be replacing the Integrated Package with two Flex Packages. These are virtual punch cards that let you take any combination of Cavaliere Program offerings, including private lessons.

Basic Package: $200 for 4 creditsDeluxe Package: $480 for 12 credits

A credit can be used for any of the following:

Cavaliere Class
Mounted Combat Workshop
Intro to Mounted Combat
45 minute private or semi-private riding lesson
60 minute group lesson

You must register for classes at least 48 hours in advance. Otherwise, regular drop-in rates of $60 per session will apply. These packages will be available by October 15th, so if you'd prefer to switch over early you can.

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.