Learning Opportunities for Equestrians

Friday September 11

Please note that all of the Emprise tournament equipment will be available to practice with on Friday, including the tilt, rings, quintain, etc.

9:30 a.m.: Ride Before A Prince - Theory class with Mistress Bridget Rede of Dunvegan (at Madrone pavilion)
This class is geared toward emprise competitors, but everyone is welcome! If you’re competing but don’t have your ride planned, there will be time and resources to help with choreography. If you already have your ride planned, there will be time to practice your performance and get immediate feedback from a judge.
10:00 a.m.: Ride Before A Prince - Practice class with Mistress Bridget Rede of Dunvegan (at equestrian field)
Lance Games practice with coaching from HL Briana Cassia (at equestrian field)
12:00 p.m.: Roßfechten class with Stalmeisterin Apollonia Zwamstricker (at equestrian field)
2:30 p.m.: Equestrian in the Peerages discussion with Maestra Arabella da Siena (at Madrone pavilion)

3:00 p.m.: Mamluk Lance Handling class with Mistress Bridget Rede of Dunvegan (at equestrian field)
This class dives into an introductory Bunud, one of the many riding and lance-handling exercises preserved in the Mamluk furūsiyya manual Nihāyat al-su’l (c. 1340). We’ll reconstruct and ride one complete bunud, focusing on 14th-century Mamluk lance work, fighting techniques, and horsemanship. Please bring a lightweight lance that you can ride under when the tip is touching the ground, usually 8-10 feet depending on horse height. Lance MUST have no tip or a flexible rubber tip for safety.
at dusk: Equestrian Meet & Greet (at Madrone pavilion)
Come meet equestrians from other parts of the kingdom and known world. Light refreshments provided, bring your drinks.

10:00 a.m.: Caparison and Trappings class with Viscountess Marguerite du Royon (at Madrone pavilion)
Making comparisons and trappings for your horse is one way to elevate your SCA equestrian experience. But it is more challenging to make barding that can safely fit your mount if you do not own a horse, or if you own several horses. This class will give a short overview of period trappings and comparisons, then will focus on hands-on examples that will fit numerous steeds.

11:00 a.m.: Von Zeumen: Bits and Bitting class with Stalmeisterin Apollonia Zwamstricker (at Madrone pavilion)
A practical exploration of medieval and modern bit mechanics. Participants are encouraged to bring their own bits for hands‑on testing and discussion. A real horse skull will be available to demonstrate functional fit and pressure points, and we’ll examine how different designs interact with equine anatomy. The class also includes close study of a replica 16th‑century bit, offering a rare opportunity to compare historical craftsmanship with contemporary approaches.