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Competition Details for the Equestrian Championship
West Kingdom Equestrian Championship
West Kingdom Equestrian Championship
The Equestrian Championship will consist of 3 parts: first a demonstration of groundwork with the horse on the longe-line, a Ride Before a Prince pattern to show off polished technique and fancy costume, and a course of challenge obstacles. Competition will not be timed or numerically scored, but will be judged by Their Majesties for qualities they wish to have as their representation on the equestrian field.
Part 1: Groundwork on the Longe-line
Part 1: Groundwork on the Longe-line
At special request of Her Majesty, each competitor will enter the ring, position themselves in front of the Royals, and demonstrate as many gaits, changes of direction, and stopping as they are comfortable doing so to demonstrate their prowess at groundwork and the horse’s comportment when not under saddle. The horse may be bare or tacked up, but all tack must be safely secured. Note: if there are safe facilities do to so, free-work may also be allowed as an option at the handler’s preference.
Part 2: Ride Before a Prince
Part 2: Ride Before a Prince
The competitor will present themselves to the Royals and Gallery, introducing themselves and their mount, then ride a predetermined pattern, the “Esse Serrato” from Corte, 1573. The horse enters on a straight line and then salutes the Royalty. The horse performs a figure eight with a volte (turn) once at the top of each loop, ending again facing the Royals. The horse then performs a half-volte and exits the way they entered.
Part 3: Obstacle Challenge Course
Part 3: Obstacle Challenge Course
Examples of Obstacles Which May be Used:
Sword challenges such as Heads and Reeds, in standard linear or non-standard arrangement
Lance challenges such as Quintain and Rings
Ranged weapon challenges such as Archery or Spear targets
Bravery challenges such as crossing a bridge, walking past banners, and traversing a narrow "brush"-lined path
Utility challenges such as dragging an item on a rope, operating a gate, and traversing ground poles
First Ever Hobby-Horse Prize Challenge
First Ever Hobby-Horse Prize Challenge
We will be attempting to mimic the ridden Championship, with a Grand Prize of custom hand-painted portrait of the winner and their dream horse by the amazing Robin of Thornwood. Open to anyone. The size of hobby horse is up to “rider” preference but hobby-horse.com suggests measurements for a sporty stick-horse for a teen or adult of approximately: stick protruding 14+ inches, “head” 12-16”. One hand must always remain on the hobby-horse stick or reins, and the stick must remain between the “rider’s” legs as if astride throughout maneuvers. Dropping the hobby horse or having it come out of position will count as “losing control of the horse” and be judged accordingly. Mobility aids such as power scooters are welcome so long as they can handle the arena footing.
Part 1: Ride Before a Prince
Part 1: Ride Before a Prince
The competitor will present themselves to the Royals and Gallery, introducing themselves and their hobby-horse mount (you DID remember to give your steed a name, didn’t you?), then ride the same pattern as was ridden on horseback but scaled down for human legs. This is a “pageantry” portion for the competitor to display efforts at costume and quality of “riding” movement as well as the ability to remember the pattern.
Part 2: Obstacle Challenge Course
Part 2: Obstacle Challenge Course
Riders go one at a time and will be judged by how smoothly, completely, and accurately they complete the obstacles. Please contact the current Equestrian Champion (Katherine Gotehird) if you may need specific mobility/accessibility accommodations for any of the planned obstacles.
Examples of Obstacles Which May be Used:
Sword challenges such as Heads and Reeds
Lance challenges such as Quintain and Rings, or modified versions designed for use without weapons
Bravery challenges such as crossing a bridge, walking past banners, and traversing a narrow "brush"-lined path
Utility challenges such as dragging an item on a rope, operating a gate, and traversing ground poles*
* ground poles may be modified for anyone with mobility limitations, please let
Image Sources
Image Sources
Il cavallo da maneggio; 1650 page 16
Cloudio Corte, Il cavallarizzo, 1562
Penthesilee, reine des Amazones, BNF, Francais 599, Folio 27v
Portrait of Don Diego, Son of King Philip II of Spain, by Alonso Sanchez Coello, 1577
Children playing with a ball, a hobby horse and a scopperel, from a book of heraldry (c. 1484-1486) ÖNB 12820, fol. 182r
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