Due to the un-Vancouverish weather we've been having lately, we have decided to delay the start of the next cycle of courses in the Mounted Combat Program. The riding arena is currently in a semi-frozen state that makes it slippery on top and rock-hard underneath, leaving it unsafe for both horses and riders. This change affects all classes in the program, including Riding, Horsemanship and Mounted Combat Fundamentals. These courses will now begin on January 22nd and run till March 5th.
Bring a Friend to Mounted Combat for Free
We apologize for making you wait to get back in the saddle again. However, we have a consolation prize: we've added Mounted Combat Fundamentals to the January 2-for-1 offer, which means you can sign a friend up for free! Learning new skills is always better with a friend to practise with, and this offer is one that can't be beat!
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 22 Jan - 5 Mar (no class 19 Feb)
1pm - 3pm
Instructor: Aaron Lamontagne
$135 + gst.
To register for the two for one deal, please visit Academie Duello at 412 W Hastings or call the front desk at 604 568 9907.
Beginner Riding & Horsemanship
If you’ve never been on a horse, or if it’s been a long time, here’s the place to start. When you arrive at the barn at 11am you’ll begin with a horsemanship lesson, familiarizing yourself with the horses and their tack, as well as how to groom, handle and tack them up. Then you will have a riding lesson, working through the requirements of Riding Level 1 — the prerequisite to most of the fun stuff we do on horseback!
Sundays 11am – 1pm
22 January – 5 March 2017*
*note: no class 19 February
cost: $300 + gst for 6 classes
instructor: Stephanie Laversin
Register here, or bundle with Mounted Combat Fundamentals and save $26.
Riding & Horsemanship Level 2
This course is intended for riders who have taken classes through the program and are comfortable tacking up their own horses. Riders should arrive at 9:30am to tack up and warm up their horses before starting their riding lessons at 10am, followed by Horsemanship Level 2 or 3 lessons at 11am
Sundays 11am – 1pm
22 January – 5 March 2017*
*note: no class 19 February
cost: $300 + gst for 6 classes
instructor: Stephanie Laversin
Register here, or bundle with Mounted Combat Fundamentals and save $26.
Riding Level 3+
This class is intended for independent riders who have achieved Level 2 or higher. Riders are expected to be tacked up and warmed up prior to class. Your own helmets, boots, and half chaps are recommended, as are safety vests for the occasional cross-country class, weather permitting.
Sundays 10am – 11am
22 January – 5 March 2017*
*note: no class 19 February
cost: $200 + gst for 6 classes
instructor: Stephanie Laversin
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.