The first Saturday in June is Horse Day in Canada. This is a unique moment once a year where all Canadians are invited to honour, explore and discover the world of horse, and may for many Canadians be their first time experiencing the wonder and majesty of Canada's equine partner.
In the spirit of Horse Day, Academie Duello has filled June 6th with events for riders of all levels as well as spectators to enjoy.
Intro to Mounted Combat
If you are thinking about dipping your toes into the Mounted Combat program this is the place to start. In this three-hour workshop you will have an opportunity to experience handling and grooming, riding and mounted games, as well as swordplay from the ground, falsemount and horseback. Experienced riders are welcome as well, and will be grouped to be able to practice more of the knightly games at higher speeds. With a ratio of at least one instructor or assistant for every two students you will get personal attention and guidance as you explore this exciting facet of our martial arts.
Intro to Mounted Combat
Saturday 6 June, 10am - 1pm
Red Colt Equestrian Farm Co-op, 12320 No 2 Road Richmond
cost: $149 + gst
Mounted Combat Playday
This fun competition features Knightly Games, Mounted Sparring and Horseback Archery and is open to spectators and entrants from outside the program. School horses are available to qualified competitors. Please contact Jen at jennifer(at)academieduello.com if you would like to trailer your own horse in.
Knightly Games 1pm - 2:30pm
These high-speed games of skill are done individually and in teams and are exciting for spectators and competitors. Competitors wishing to borrow a school horse must have Riding Level 1 or the equivalent.
Horseback Archery 2:30 - 3:15pm
Competitors must have taken Beginner Horseback Archery and have a minimum of Riding Level 1.
Mounted Sparring 3:15 - 4pm
Timed mounted longsword bouts between Cavaliere Program members who hold the rank of Green Spur or higher.
Mounted Combat Playday
Saturday 6 June, 1 - 4pm
Red Colt Equestrian Farm Co-op, 12320 No 2 Road Richmond
cost: $30 + gst
Beginner Riding & Horsemanship
This six-week course will teach you how to groom, tack up, and care for the horse you are riding as well as getting you started on the path to walking, trotting and participating in simple mounted games skills from horseback. By the end of the course you should be able to examine for your Level 1 Horsemanship, and will be about half-way to being able to test your Riding Level 1!
Beginner Riding & Horsemanship
Saturdays, 4pm - 6pm
6 June - 11 July
Red Colt Equestrian Farm Co-op, 12320 No 2 Road Richmond
cost: $300 + gst
In addition to the beginner courses, Riding & Horsemanship Level 2 (4-6pm), Horsemanship Level 4 (4:30 - 5:30pm) and Riding Level 3+ (6 - 7pm) will all begin new six-week cycles on June 6th.
Whether you're an incurable horse addict or simply horse-curious, come out and join us. There's something for everyone on Horse Day at Red Colt!
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.