Happy New Year, everyone!
I hope you're all feeling rested and ready to hop back in the saddle again. We have lots of exciting courses coming up for everyone from total beginners to Blue Spurs. Mounted Combat Mastery classes resume January 7th, there is a rare Intro to Mounted Combat course happening Sunday January 14th from 9:30 - noon, and a full slate of Riding and Horsemanship, along with a new Mounted Combat Fundamentals course taught by triple scholar Ben Davis.
Later on in the year we have more new courses, including Level 3 and Level 4 Jumping, and Horsemanship Level 5. And our popular Youth Riding & Horsemanship continues on February 1st.
If this doesn't present enough opportunity for you to play with swords and horses, consider a Mounted Combat Membership. A one-year membership offers two free rides a month and weekly Mounted Combat Practices, as well as 10% off all the above courses for only $300. At $25 a month, that's an unbeatable bargain, and your membership goes towards keeping the lights on and the program going. Contact the front desk at 604 568 9907 to purchase your membership and start using it right away!
Intro to Mounted Combat
Experience the childhood fantasy of being a knight as you take the first step in Academie Duello’s mounted combat program. This unique workshop brings together swordplay, riding, and horsemanship into an exciting session geared toward beginners.
During this intensive workshop you will:
- Get an introduction to fundamental riding and horsemanship techniques
- Practise horseback sword fighting techniques
The workshop takes place at Red Colt Equestrian Farm Co-op in Steveston, BC, just 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver. In the first hour, you will learn the fundamentals of horse handling and will learn how to groom and tack-up (saddle and bridle) your horse. In the remainder of the workshop, you will get an introduction to basic riding, and build the fundamentals of swordplay from the ground, including movement, core attacks, and defenses.
Beginning riders are provided one on one attention during the riding portion. Those with previous experience will have the opportunity to ride independently and practise more advanced drills.
This program is an ideal way to introduce yourself to both equestrian and swordplay skills and get started on a deep and exciting track of learning.
Sunday 14 January, 9:30am – noon
Cost: $149 + GST
Instructor: Jennifer Landels
Prerequisites: none
Mounted Combat Fundamentals
Before you get on a horse with a sword in your hand, it is essential to have good fundamental swordplay skills from the ground. This six-week course covers the basic Mounted Combat skills needed for your Green Spur. Students who have achieved these skills along with Riding and Horsemanship Level 1 will be eligible to participate in Mounted Combat classes on horseback.
Sundays 21 January – 25 February, 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Cost: $135 + gst, or bundle with Riding & Horsemanship for $99
Instructor: Ben Davis
Prerequisites: none
Beginner Riding & Horsemanship
his six-class course is designed to help the beginning rider achieve Horsemanship and Riding Level 1. In addition to your weekly riding lesson, you will learn: safe horse-handling techniques, how to groom and tack up a horse, basic horse identification terminology, and basic feeding and stabling. The cost of the course includes one free riding or horsemanship assessment. Students can expect to be ready to assess Horsemanship Level 1 at the end of the six classes. Readiness for Riding Level 1 typically takes two iterations of the course.
Sundays 21 January – 25 February, 11:00am – 1:00pm
Cost: $300 + gst
Instructor: Stephanie Laversin
Prerequisites: none
Riding & Horsemanship Level 2
This six-class course is designed to help the riders achieve Horsemanship and Riding Level 2. The cost of the course includes one free riding or horsemanship assessment. Students can expect to be ready to assess Horsemanship Level 2 at the end of the six classes. Readiness for Riding Level 2 typically takes two iterations of the course.
Sundays 21 January – 25 February, 10:00am – noon
Cost: $300 + gst
Instructor: Stephanie Laversin
Prerequisites: Beginner Riding & Horsemanship
Riding Level 3+, Flat
A six-class series for riders working on Level 3 or higher with an emphasis on flat-work and lower level dressage. Some ground poles and cavaletti may be included. (Note: Riding Level 3, Jumping will begin in March).
Sundays 21 January – 25 February, 10:00am – 11:00am
Cost: $200 + gst
single classes: $45 each if space available
Instructor: Stephanie Laversin
Prerequisites: Riding Level 2
Youth Riding & Horsemanship
This course for kids aged 6-13 will introduce your child to ponies and horses in safe, fun, and friendly series of six classes taught by Pony Club qualified instructors. Each class contains a riding lesson as well as a horsemanship lesson where students will learn to handle, groom, and care for ponies and horses. Curriculum follows the Canadian Pony Club D level lessons and will prepare students for testing Academie Duello Mounted Combat Riding 1 or Pony Club D Level.
Thursdays 1 February - 8 March, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Cost: $300 + gst
Instructor: Kate Landels
Prerequisites: none
To register see the Workshops Calendar or call the front desk at 604 568 9907.
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.