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Those who wanted a go riding as a Roman to say they've done it, have largely for filled their wish. Now we're left with those who have some pretensions at riding in shows next year. Due to injury (one broken collarbone and dislocated shoulder) we had seven riders for the November session.
It's a long time until May and new horses, new riders and new rider horse combinations have a long way to go to be ready. But the weather was kind and much fun was had. This is Hal, getting to know a very young Rocco, both Welsh cob thoroughbred crosses.
[attachment=0:2bokr85s]<!-- ia0 CIMG6604.JPG<!-- ia0 [/attachment:2bokr85s]
John Conyard
York
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We had eight riders out today, and these will be our squad for this coming season. We are aiming to put out six riders at most shows, and have the saddles and tack ready. But for our first show at Chillingham Castle we are hoping to field seven Roman cavalrymen, which must be a record of sorts.
I've been working with Hal, a fine looking little stallion but very nervous. He can just about cope with javelins and spears, and has begun to learn horse archery. But with shields to run at today we struggled. He got excited and while he did well at barging through shield walls, we struggled to get consistantly close to individual targets. And everytime I drop the reins to take a shot with my bow I take my life in my hands There is a long way to go before Hal is ready for a show.
John Conyard
York
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Quote:We had eight riders out today
Brilliant!
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John,
I have a question for you.... Finally, after some time looking for, I have a good roman saddle (saddlers Den one). So...
When one is ring in a roman saddle, what have to do in a gallop? In a western saddle and with stirrups, i try to get some separation between me and the saddle... I don't know if this could be made in a roman saddle... Im very grateful if you can explain what are a good position of body and legs using a roman saddle, as i think have to be diferent as in a western ones.
Thanks in advancing.
By the way, i have to change the horse for learnig. You are right, and Halfinger is not the better choice for that... :twisted:
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Glad to hear things are going well and you have sourced a saddle.
In terms of galloping, as with much else, keep a relaxed leg beneath the knee, soften the stomach and go with the movement of the animal beneath you. Lean forward, especially when using weapons. All common sense really. Just hold on and go with the horse.
John Conyard
York
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Quote:Just hold on and go with the horse.
Well, that makes good sense all around. Otherwise, you fly through the air and come down in an unceremonious thump. :wink: :lol: Not to mention, the horse would keep going, and you might not. :roll:
M. Demetrius Abicio
(David Wills)
Saepe veritas est dura.
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I've found a gallop a lot more confortable than the canter in the Roman saddle. The horses body kind of creates a more level 'platform' at the gallop.
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Quote:I've found a gallop a lot more confortable than the canter in the Roman saddle. The horses body kind of creates a more level 'platform' at the gallop.
A gallop is better than a canter, which are both better than a trot....bare back too. hock:
Visne partem mei capere? Comminus agamus! * Me semper rogo, Quid faceret Iulius Caesar? * Confidence is a good thing! Overconfidence is too much of a good thing.
[b]Legio XIIII GMV. (Q. Magivs)RMRS Remember Atuatuca! Vengence will be ours!
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Batavian Coh I
Byron Angel
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Hello...
That's my new horse. A spanish female.
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1213397860784
:wink:
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Cannot see it out here! What colour and how high?
Lucky you!
Visne partem mei capere? Comminus agamus! * Me semper rogo, Quid faceret Iulius Caesar? * Confidence is a good thing! Overconfidence is too much of a good thing.
[b]Legio XIIII GMV. (Q. Magivs)RMRS Remember Atuatuca! Vengence will be ours!
Titus Flavius Germanus
Batavian Coh I
Byron Angel
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I don't do facebook, but your Spanish female should get together with my Yorkshire stallion and we'll watch from a safe distance.
Riding as a Roman is a challenge, but great fun, and takes re-enactment to another level. I've been working too hard this week and need a few hours on a horse to clear my mind.......
John Conyard
York
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Hal did two hours of "horse archery for beginners" and did very well except for two occasions when he decided to take a sharp left, instead of a sharp right.
Hanging on is a basic talent
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John Conyard
York
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seems pretty cool, John. You are making me more jealous everytime you post
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Good looking horse! Be careful out there...flying off the back of a galloping horse can be hazardous to your health, you know.
M. Demetrius Abicio
(David Wills)
Saepe veritas est dura.
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Luckily Roman horses aren't very large. There isn't very far to fall.
But there were a few seconds when we did a circuit at speed, loosed an arrow in vaguely in the right direction, and rode off without the use of reins and it felt like I was flying. Just for a few seconds we were really as one. And we were close to this nirvana much of the time.
We are getting there.
John Conyard
York
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