As many of you know I recently attended the Rossfechten Symposium in Zwiebrücken, Germany. This four-day event brought together Mounted Combat practitioners and aspirants from all over Europe and even North America. Attendees hailed from Estonia, Hungary, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, the USA, and Canada. The event was held at the beautiful facilities of the State Stud in Zweibrücken.
There were workshops from the ground and horseback, including Lance and Mounted Wrestling by Gaëlle Bernard and Thomas Schmuziger, Plains Indian Archery by Jack Gassmann, Longsword and Sword & Buckler by Scott Brown, Mounted Skill at Arms by Peter als Nerving, Cavalry Sabre by Alex Kiermayer and Persian Wrestling by Manouchehr Khorasani. For my part, I taught an Instructors' intensive on teaching Intro to Mounted Combat, Mounted Combat Skills, and a combined Riding / Mounted Combat class as well as a lecture on our Cavaliere Program here at Duello.
It was an exhilarating four days, and although we faced challenges of diverse native tongues, varying riding skills, naughty ponies, and mares in heat I think everyone came away with new knowledge, perspectives and inspiration for nurturing this budding branch of western martial arts. Best of all, we made new friends and global connections with a shared love of horses and martial arts.
There are many people to thank. First and foremost are Jack Gassman and his family, Jürg, Pam & Sam, for organizing this wonderful event and fundraising to bring me to it. Thanks to the chauffeurs who got me safely to and from the airport, hotel and stables: Scott Brown, Barbara & Alex Kiermayer, Manouchehr Khorasani, and Peter als Nerving; and to Gaëlle Bernard, Thomas Schmuziger, Jan Bezemer and Alessia Pagani for lending me mounts. To all the participants, thank you for your attention, your eagerness to learn, and your friendship.
I'm already looking forward Rossfechten 2015!
Duello Days at the Barn
No need to go all the way to Germany! There will be plenty of Mounted Combat and Skill at Arms at Red Colt this Sunday for day 3 of Duello days, Sunday August 3rd. In the morning there will be our regular Intro to Mounted Combat workshop. As a Duello Days special, the price will be reduced from $149 to $99 for Academie Duello members. If you've been meaning to try it out but haven't yet, there's never been a better time!
In the afternoon we'll have a mini-tourney as a prequel to Carosella. There will be competitions for riders of all levels, including lead-line classes for those who have only taken the Intro. Call the front desk to register at 605 568 9907.
Horseback Archery
On August 10th, Robert Borsos will be back for two more workshops: Beginner and Intermediate Horseback Archery. If you have never taken his class sign up for the Beginner session, 10am - 1pm. If you have taken Horseback Archery with Robert and have at least your Riding level 1, sign up for the Intermediate session from 2-5pm.
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.