Our last Riding, Horsemanship, and Mounted Combat classes for 2017 wrapped up on the weekend, but that doesn't mean activities have stopped for the year. Here are some of the things you can do at Red Colt in December
Get a Mounted Combat Membership
Get your 2018 Membership now and you can use it in December. That means you can get in two practice rides and two Mounted Combat Practices before the year is out. Practice rides are available on Tuesday afternoons, Thursday evenings, and Saturday mornings, while Mounted Combat practice happens on Monday evenings. The weather is supposed to be glorious all week, so you could get a practice ride in as soon as Thursday! Phone the front desk at 604 568 9907 to get your membership right away.
Join a Mounted Combat Practice
Mondays from 6 - 8pm is the Open Floor of the Mounted Combat Program. This is an opportunity to practise longsword and sidesword from the ground or horseback, or even simply ride if you have a minimum of Level 1 Riding. Practises are free with a Mounted Combat Membership (see above) or $20 to drop in. It's worth putting a message on the Academie Duello Cavaliere Group if it's your first time coming to a practice -- just to make sure someone else will be there to unlock for you!
Take a Private Lesson
With university classes over for the term, we have more teachers available for private classes. Private lessons are $60 per hour, and if you are capable of tacking and untacking your horse, you can book a 45-minute lesson for $45. Email info(at)redcolt.ca to inquire.
Come Play with Us
The last Playday of the year is happening this coming Sunday, December 11th from noon - 3pm. To participate you will need a minimum of Riding Level 1, and the cost is $15 + $15 for a school horse. However, this time we are waiving the entry fee for members (so the cost is only $15 if you need to borrow a horse) -- one more incentive to get your membership early! Prizes include a gift card and chocolates, but you have to play to win!
Mounted Combat Playday
Sunday 11 October, noon - 3pm
Red Colt Equestrian Farm Co-op
cost: $15
horse use: $15
Give the Gift of Riding & Swordplay
Want to put something special under the tree? What about an Intro to Mounted Combat workshop, a series of Riding & Horsemanship Classes, or six weeks of Mounted Combat Fundamentals. Classes start up again in mid-January. Here's what's coming up
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
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.