Registration for Carosella 2017 is open! This year spaces for participating on horseback are limited to 20, so be sure to sign up soon.
Now it's time to answer some of those frequently asked questions....
Q: How can I sign up for Carosella?
A: You can register online here for full and one-day passes. Regular entries close Monday September 4th. Post-entries will only be accepted if space is available and are subject to a $10 surcharge.
Q: Who can register for Carosella?
A: Anyone aged 8 and up! There are workshops and tournament events for all levels of ability and experience. Kids under 14 need to have a parent or guardian on site. Children 7 and under are welcome as spectators, and there will be family-friendly demos and activities during the tournament on Sunday.
Q: I have never ridden a horse before. What workshops and competitions can I take part in?
A: The following workshops are suitable for beginning riders:
- Intro to Mounted Combat
- Single-handed Longsword
- Spear & Lance
- Grappling & Pommel Plays
- Swordplay & Grappling from the Falsemount
- Horsemanship 1
- Equine First Aid
- Beginner Riding
- Beginner Horseback Archery
- Rider Conditioning
- Bandaging
- Hungarian Archery from the Ground
Non-riders will also be able to take part in the on-foot section of the tournament, and those who have taken Horsemanship 1 or 2 during the weekend will be able to enter the Grooms' tournament.
Q: What is the Ground-only option?
A: New this year, we have a reduced price for those wishing to participate only on their own two feet. $75 gets you a full day, and $199 lets you participate in all of these workshops and competitions:
- Single-handed Longsword
- Spear & Lance
- Grappling & Pommel Plays
- Swordplay & Grappling from the Falsemount
- Horsemanship 1
- Equine First Aid
- Rider Conditioning
- Bandaging
- Hungarian Archery from the Ground
- Grooms competition
- Foot-races
Q: I'm an experienced rider, but have never done archery or swordplay. Which workshops should I take?
A: Intro to Mounted Combat and Beginner Horseback Archery are the best ways to get started with these skills. You can take an assessment on Friday evening to allow you to use a school horse for other mounted workshops and the tournament.
Q: I'm an experienced ground archer and rider. Should I still take the Beginner Horseback Archery?
A: Yes. Horseback archery is significantly different from archery on foot and the Beginner workshop will introduce you to the draw, the methods of holding arrows, and exercises for improving your shot from the back of a moving animal.
Q: Can I bring my own horse?
A: Yes. Horses must be unloaded and trailers moved by 9am. Stabling is included in the mounted price, though a returnable stall deposit of $25 will be collected on arrival. Feed and bedding is not included.
Q: Are school horses available?
A: We have school horses available, and the Mounted option covers the cost of horse use.
Q: Are there volunteer opportunities?
A: Yes! We always need volunteers. This is a great opportunity to get behind the scenes and help make the weekend a success before and during the event. If you are able to commit to a minimum number of hours ahead of time you can also earn a discount on passes or future Cavaliere program classes.
Before Carosella
For those of you hoping to get your riding levels signed off before Carosella, sign up for Riding and Horsemanship classes running Tuesdays & Thursdays, August 22 - Sep 7th.
Carosella 2017
Friday 8 September – Sunday 10 September
location: Red Colt Equestrian Farm Co-op, 12320 No 2 Road, Richmond
cost: $259 for the full 3-day weekend
For information, schedules and registration see our Carosella pages.
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.