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SCA, Inc. Equestrian Handbook, FIRST EDITION 4/99
The Society For Creative Anachronism
Equestrian Handbook
First Edition: Printed AS XXXIV
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SCA, Inc. Equestrian Handbook, FIRST EDITION 4/99
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Society For Creative Anachronism
Equestrian Handbook
Dedication: This work is dedicated to the memory of Master Johannes the Black of the Athanor
(Bradley Ray Gurganus, July 28, 1962-August 6, 1995), the first SCA Equestrian Affairs Officer and
author of the first edition of the Kingdom of Meridies Book of the Horse. His efforts on behalf of
SCA
equestrians will not be forgotten.
This first edition of the Society Equestrian Handbook was made possible by the efforts of many
talented equestrians across the Society. Of particular note are the efforts of Lady Donwenna Beast
Healer and her successor
Countess Mistress Iseult nic Elam as the Society Equestrian Officer in getting the first edition of the
Society Equestrian Regulations written, revised and finally passed by the Board of Directors in July of
1997.
Society For Creative Anachronism Equestrian Handbook
First Edition Published A.S. XXXIV
Society Equestrian Officer: Countess Mistress Iseult nic Elam
Chief Handbook Editor: Mistress Isabeau Pferdebandiger
And Special Thanks to:
Lord Fionnbharr Mac Shane, Lord Gwydion of Rivenstar,
and THL Heirusalem Crystoma For Technical Support
Other Contributors:
Viscountess Kassandra Tenebrosa
Rowena The Tall
Lady Roxane Manathrudr Tryggvasdottr
Master Beowulf Gordan
Mistress Alysoun Roos
Lady Kealan McGow
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SCA, Inc. Equestrian Handbook, FIRST EDITION 4/99
A letter From Countess Mistress Iseult Nic Elam
Greetings Unto All Who Read These Words,
You hold in your hands the Society For Creative Anachronism Equestrian Handbook. This is a
wonderful milestone in the development of equestrian activities within the SCA. In my almost 20
years in the Society, it has been exciting to watch the equestrian aspect of our game grow steadily
from localized ‘fits and starts’ into a cohesive group which is able to share ideas across the Known
World. This handbook represents that growth. As we grew, it became necessary to set down a
unified set of standards, and as newgroups popped up, passing on information became imperitive.
This handbook is the product of that need. Looking back, well...”Who’d of thunk” it would ever
grow large enough for such a need. Exciting, indeed!!!
As you read these pages, please remember that there are many, many people who brought this
labor of love to fruitition. Please think of them as you read, and offer them your thanks if you should
come across any of them. Some names in this “Hall of Fame” include Lady Isabeau Pferdebandiger,
the Editor In Chief of this book, Master Johannes the Black of the Athanor, the first SCA Equestrian
Affairs Officer to set down regulations, Lady Cliveden, the first SCA Equestrian Arts Minister, Lady
Donwenna Beasthealer, my predescessor, who put much work into expanding the regulations, all of
the Kingdom Equestrian Officers and Equestrian Marshals who work so hard to put on the best
equestrian events possible, and all of the riders and horses who pull together, and help each other, and
cheer each other on in a true sense of chivalry. And Finally , If I might be so bold as to humbly enter
this lofty circle, may I say I am very proud to be associated with this book, and with the equestrians
of the Known World.
Enjoy and Learn!
Countess Iseult NicElam, OP, SCA Deputy for Equestrian Activities
September 15, 1998 (C.E.) A.S. XXXIII
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Contents
The Society For Creative Anachronism Equestrian Handbook Part I .. 5
Part I - SCA Equestrian Participant Regulations .................. 5
A. General Regulations ...................................... 5
B. Minor Regulations ........................................ 5
Part II - SCA Horse Regulations .................................. 7
A. General Regulations ...................................... 7
B. Rental Horse Regulations ................................. 7
C. Welfare of Horses Regulations ............................ 7
Part III - SCA Rider Authorization Regulations .................. 8
A. General Regulations ...................................... 8
B. Rider Levels Regulations ................................. 8
C. Special Regulations For Types of Events .................. 9
Part IV - SCA Miscellaneous Authorizations ....................... 9
A. Support Staff ............................................ 9
Part V - SCA Equestrian Marshal Regulations ...................... 9
A. Kingdom Equestrian Officer ............................... 9
B. Equestrian Marshal In Charge Regulations ................ 10
C. Equestrian-Marshal-At-Large (EMALs) Regulations ......... 11
D. Equestrian Marshal Regulations .......................... 11
Part VI - SCA Equestrian Event Requirements ..................... 13
Appendix I - Glossary ........................................... 14
Appendix II - Descriptions of Common Mounted Games: ............. 14
Appendix III - SCA Minimum Regulations For Mounted Archery ...... 15
Appendix IV-Equipment Construction And Safety Specifications For
Minors .......................................................... 16
I. Guide lines for equipment for 5-11 year olds: .......... 16
II. Guide Lines for 12-18 year olds: ...................... 18
The Society For Creative Anachronism Equestrian Handbook-Part II 20
The Equestrian Autocrat’s Handbook .............................. 21
Equestrian Event Etiquette For Non-Equestrians .................. 28
A description of the mounted tournament games frequently used at
SCA equestrian tournaments .................................... 29
Weaponry And Equipment For Equestrian Tournament Games .......... 35
A Cross-Cultural Survey Of Equine Costume In the Middle Ages .... 48
A Pattern For Full Fabric Horse Caparison ....................... 52
Costuming for the ASTM Rider Safety Helmet ...................... 58
Horse Transport, Or Don’t Forget The Kitchen Sink! .............. 60
The History And Development Of Medieval Horse Breeds
And Their Modern Counterparts . 64
A Laurel View ................................................... 69
On Equestrian Life Near Upton-Pagles ............................ 70
Electronic Resources For SCA Equestrians: ....................... 72
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The Society For Creative Anachronism Equestrian Handbook Part I
The Society for Creative Anachronism Equestrian Regulations:
The SCA’s equestrian activities, like all forms of SCA pursuits, are an evolving process and
undoubtedly the rules that govern them will continue to evolve as well. Implementation of the ‘SCA
Equestrian Regulations’ is the full responsibility of the Equestrian Marshallate (EMs) under the
individual Kingdom Equestrian Officers (KEOs). The SCA Equestrian regulations stated here are the
minimum regulations required by the Society for SCA events involving horses. It is the prerogative
of the individual kingdoms to impose more stringent requirements as reflective of safety concerns or
kingdom law.
Part I - SCA Equestrian Participant Regulations
A. General Regulations
1. Equestrians are not permitted to use alcohol, intoxicants, or medications that affect judgment,
coordination, etc. in the equestrian area.
a. Equestrians are not permitted to participate in Equestrian Activities when under the influence
of the aforementioned items.
b. Riders are encouraged to conduct themselves in a courteous manner particularly around
pedestrians.
c. Riders are expected to maintain a chivalrous demeanor, especially as the word chivalry comes
from the root word chevalier, which is French for rider.
2. Equestrians are not permitted to ride through encampments. Riding on roads used by pedestrians
is permitted if it can be accomplished in a manner safe to pedestrians. The rider must be in control of
his/her mount at ALL times.
a. It is required that foot attendants lead beginner riders.
b. The perimeter must be secured by one or more foot attendants for
riders of all levels.
3. Equestrian participants must assume all risks inherent in equestrian activities and sign all
appropriate waivers.
4. An adult is required to wear protective headgear when jumping a horse.
a. Protective headgear is recommended for all mounted activities.
b. All participants in equestrian activities must wear closed-toed footwear while engaged in said
activities, whether mounted or not. Participants are encouraged to wear heeled footwear while
mounted.
B. Minor Regulations
In this case a Minor is an SCA participant under the age of majority within the state where the event
is held. Emancipated minors are treated as Adults. In the event of a rule conflict between General
Regulations and Minor Regulations, the Minor regulations shall have precedence.
In Addition to the General Regulations:
1. Minors must have a legal guardian within view at all times while they participate in any equestrian
activity at an SCA event.
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a. The legal guardian must sign all waivers pertaining to a minor’s participation in any equestrian
activity at an SCA event.
b. Said waiver must be signed prior to allowing the minor to mount. Said waiver must include a
list of known risks inherent in equestrian activities.
2. Minors must be at least 5 years of age and able to stay in the saddle unassisted and control their
mount unassisted to be eligible for a minor’s ‘permit to ride’. a ‘permit to ride’ shall be analogous to
established adult authorization levels (Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced) with the following
stipulations:
a. Permitted minors may participate in equestrian activities at all riding levels upon being
permitted at that level at the discretion of their kingdom including but not limited to trail rides,
quadrilles, mounted gaming, and processionals.
b. Will authorize on the horse they will use in the equestrian activity.
c. With the specific equipment they will use in the equestrian activity.
3. For purposes of these rules, minors will be divided into two age groups, so that age appropriate
safety standards can be instituted. These age groups will be ages 5-11 and 12-18.
4. All minors must always wear ASTM or Snell approved equestrian riding helmets with chin strap
fastened when mounted.
5. Minors are prohibited from using steel-tipped lances/spears. A minor may use any length lance, as
long as it can be safely handled by that minor. Any equestrian lance being used by a minor must
comply with the standards for minors’ equestrian gaming equipment constructions as set forth in
Appendix IV of this Handbook.
6. Permitted minors aged 5-11 years may compete in a scaled down version of the adult mounted
gaming so long as all of the equipment is constructed and sized so as to be age appropriate and safe.
See Appendix IV on minors equipment construction.
7. Permitted minors aged 12 to 18 years may compete in the equestrian mounted gaming against
adults or in their own age category and must use equestrian gaming equipment of a size so as to be
safely handled by the minor, but must be constructed as per current minors’ equestrian gaming
equipment standards. Equipment must be safe and age appropriate.
8. Minors cannot be Equestrian Marshals. Only minors age 12 or over will be allowed to act as foot
attendants, pages, or to lead a horse for a mounted individual. Minors acting in such a capacity must
have a waiver signed by their legal guardian as stipulated in rule B. 1. above.
a. An adult, authorized as an EM, must be specifically charged with overseeing the safe conduct
of minors involved in these auxiliary activities and shall have that as their sole responsibility while
minors are serving these functions.
b. Additionally, minors leading a horse for a mounted individual must be Permitted equestrians.
c. Minors may be Equestrian Marshals In Training (EMITs) and upon reaching the age of majority
in their Kingdom may utilize previous experience to qualify them to be authorized as an EM.
Part II - SCA Horse Regulations
A. General Regulations
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1. Owners are ultimately responsible for:
a. The actions and well-being of their horses.
b. The maintenance and condition of the tack and equipment they use.
2. All horse owners must retain a set of the appropriate transport papers required by their state of
destination and must present them to the EM-in-Charge of the event upon request.
3. No horse may be left unattended. Minimal supervision by personnel designated as ‘horse monitors’
may include but is not limited to: visual inspection at hourly intervals or horses continually monitored
by sight or sound within the same camping area. Protocol for the supervision of horses will be at the
discretion of the individual kingdoms. Each kingdom will be responsible for developing and
maintaining this supervision protocol.
4. A horse must be securely restrained by a means such as, but not limited to: stable, pen, or by trailer
tie and hitching post. Use of barbed-wire enclosures to restrain a horse is prohibited.
B. Rental Horse Regulations
1. Horses or horse drawn wagons cannot be rented by the SCA, Inc. or SCA sub-chapters directly to
SCA participants or SCA sub-chapters.
2. Individual SCA members must rent horses directly from the rental agent.
3. SCA, Inc. or SCA sub-chapters are permitted to keep track of rental horse reservations for SCA
participants by holding only checks or money orders (not cash). Such checks or money orders
written for rental horses must be written out only as paid to the order of the rental agency.
C. Welfare of Horses Regulations
1. The Equestrian Marshal In Charge (EMIC) is charged with assuring that every horse shall, at all
times, be treated humanely, and with dignity, respect, and compassion. The standard by which
conduct or treatment will be measured is that which a reasonable person, informed and experienced in
generally accepted equine training or veterinary procedures would determine to be cruel, abusive, or
inhumane.
2. The horse owner or their agent will decide how many different riders, up to a suggested maximum
of 4, their horse can humanely carry through out the day. Suggested number of riders per horse are
as follows:
a. Walking activities: maximum of 4 riders per day
b. Trotting activities: maximum of 2 riders per day
c. Trotting/Cantering as in competitions: maximum 2 riders per day.
Part III - SCA Rider Authorization Regulations
A. General Regulations
1. Every rider must be authorized to ride prior to participating in any SCA Equestrian Activity, except
for purposes of practice, processionals (i.e., including trail rides, progresses, etc.), and the
authorization process itself.
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a. The rider is expected to use common sense and caution when riding any mount at any level.
b. The rider must be authorized to ride at their level on the horse they will be using that day.
B. Rider Levels Regulations
1. Minimal procedure for Rider Authorization Level shall be determined by having the rider
demonstrate their ability to maintain their seat and control their mount while holding a baton in one
hand and correctly reining their mount in the maneuvers for completing the ‘Beheading the Enemy’
pattern. The designated Rider Levels and criteria are:
a. Beginner Level: can turn, stop, and control their mount at the walk. A beginner is allowed to
ride only at the walk.
b. Intermediate Level: can turn, stop , and control their mount while at the walk and trot. An
intermediate rider is allowed to ride only at the walk and trot.
c. Advanced Level: can turn, stop, and control their mount at the walk, trot, canter, and hand
gallop. An Advanced rider may ride at all gaits.
d. Special Level: for every rider level that participates as a(n):
i. Accoutered Rider-demonstrates mounted military exercises when accoutered at their
authorized riding level. (i.e. with a shield, and weapons, and or armored at those gaits)
ii. Mounted archer-must comply with archery regulations as well as Equestrian
Regulations of the SCA and their kingdom. SCA equestrian Archery regulations are
defined in Appendix III of these rules.
iii. Drivers of carriages, carts, chariots, wagons, and etc. shall be authorized with their
driving horses as one unit and at the same rider levels and criteria as listed above for
Part III section B. a-c.
e. Professional teamsters on site being used for passenger or gear haulage are exempted from
authorization criteria. They are expected, however, to perform their tasks in a safe manner.
C. Special Regulations For Types of Events
1. Pony rides, pageantry, mounted procession, or progress-The rider shall proceed only at a walk and
should know how to stop and turn his mount.
a. An advanced level rider should act as a foot attendant and may be needed to lead the horse to
ensure control particularly if the rider is a minor, beginner, or carrying a weapon or banner.
b. Riders are not permitted to proceed faster than a walk throughout the encampment.
2. Trail Rides-At the discretion of the EMIC, The rider must demonstrate how to stop and turn his
mount at the level he will be riding.
3. Mounted gaming tournaments, quadrilles, arts and sciences competitions (i.e. riding, garb, etc.),
SCA demos, quests, or medieval theme games (i.e. squire rescue, banner race, cup carry, etc.)-Rider
must be authorized at the level at which they are participating.
Part IV - SCA Miscellaneous Authorizations
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A. Support Staff
1. It is suggested that each kingdom train individuals who will serve as ground crew, pages, score
keepers, foot attendants, and list attendants. Authorization cards may be issued for these individuals
as determined by each kingdom.
Part V - SCA Equestrian Marshal Regulations
A. Kingdom Equestrian Officer
The Kingdom Equestrian Officer (KEO) may be the Kingdom Earl Marshal or another person
designated by them. Each Kingdom is free to title their KEO as they deem fit. The KEO is the
highest ranking Equestrian Marshal of the Kingdom and must:
1. Be a resident authorized Equestrian Marshal for a minimum of 6 months in that kingdom, And have
a working knowledge of SCA-wide Equestrian Regulations and specifically their own kingdom’s
equestrian regulations.
2. Generate, at minimum, quarterly reports on equestrian activities to the Kingdom Earl Marshal with
a collateral report to the SCA Deputy for Equestrian Activities.
3. In the event of an ‘Incident or Infraction’, the KEO will generate an oral report within 24 hours
followed by a written report within 72 hours to both the Kingdom Earl Marshal and to the SCA
deputy for Equestrian Activities delineating the circumstances of the incident or infraction, the
measures taken to rectify the situation, and any sanctions performed.
4. Development and implementation of equestrian regulations for the kingdom. The KEO must
exercise authority to ensure compliance with all SCA-wide and kingdom equestrian regulations. In
the event of an incidence of non-compliance, the KEO will:
a. Within 14 days fully investigate and handle violators of the SCA Equestrian Regulations as
outlined in Appendix 5 of the SCA Marshal’s Handbook.
b. Perform sanctions as outlined in Appendix 5 of the SCA Marshal’s Handbook against any
riding or non-riding SCA participant violating the SCA Equestrian Regulations.
c. Additionally for a Rider not in compliance, issue reprimands that may include but are not
limited to any combination of the following:
i. The violator may have his rider authorization and/or equestrian marshal status immediately
revoked (and thus, relinquish any equestrian office requiring status as an EM) for a specified
period of not less than 6 months.
ii. Not be permitted to autocrat an equestrian event for a period of time not less than 6
months.
5. Set up and maintain an authorized Equestrian Marshallate for the kingdom and provide equestrian
marshals at every SCA event involving horses. Together with the EMIC, determine how many EMs
will be needed at an event.
6. Monitor the mandatory notification of SCA equestrian events to SCA corporate office with
appropriate fees and utilization of all equestrian related waivers.
7. Store all legal equestrian documents, including but not limited to, all waivers, incident and
infraction reports, and copies of insurance forms.
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8. Issue and maintain records of equestrian rider authorization cards and equestrian marshal/EMIT
cards.
B. Equestrian Marshal In Charge Regulations
1. The EMIC has the full authority to forbid an equestrian or horse from participation in an equestrian
activity, for reasons including but not limited to health, safety, infractions, or unchivalric rider
behavior.
2. The EMIC shall be responsible for establishment and set up of equestrian areas such that the
EMIC:
a. Determines a safe spectator area
b. walks over the site where the horses will be to check for unsafe terrain
c. Outlines a course for processions
d. Notifies all persons on site of ‘Equestrian Only’ areas and other warnings as pertains to safety
around horses.
3. The EMIC designates EMs to:
a. Perform equipment checks of tack, barding, and/or horse armor on the horses.
b. Inspect all gaming equipment for safe use.
4. The Equestrian Marshal in Charge (EMIC) has the ultimate authority to advise the seneschal to
withdraw SCA sanction from an equestrian event as outlined in Corpora Section II.E.
5. In the event of an infraction or incident, an equestrian marshal/EMIT has the duty to appeal to the
EMIC, who as an officer of the marshallate is obligated to handle SCA equestrian regulation
violations as outlined under Appendix 5 of the SCA Marshal’s Handbook. The EMIC will give an
oral report within 24 hours to the KEO, followed by a written report using the SCA Marshallate
Incident Report Form within 72 hours, delineating the circumstances of the infraction(s) or incident,
the measures taken to rectify the situation, and the sanctions performed against the violator.
6. The EMIC must generate a written report of an Equestrian Activity within 10 days after the event
to the KEO. This report is to contain information regarding the total number in attendance, number of
horse, number of riders, and type of equestrian activities performed.
C. Equestrian-Marshal-At-Large (EMALs) Regulations
1. The EMAL is an Equestrian Marshal who is permitted to perform equestrian marshallate duties
throughout the Known World and to assist in equestrian marshallate duties.
2. The EMAL is warranted as a deputy to and dispatched solely at the discretion of the current SCA
deputy for equestrian activities.
a. The KEO, or in lieu thereof, the Kingdom Earl Marshal, will grant permission that the
designated EMAL is permitted to function as an EM in their kingdom.
b. The EMAL is permitted to authorize EMs under the hosting kingdom’s or in lieu thereof, the
SCA-wide equestrian regulations.
c. The EMAL is permitted to act as EMIC of the event.
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d. The EMAL must generate any reports requested by the KEO, or in lieu thereof, the Kingdom
Earl Marshal with a collateral report to the SCA deputy for equestrian activities within 10 days.
D. Equestrian Marshal Regulations
1. An EM is permitted to perform as an EM in another kingdom when at an inter-kingdom event and
must adhere to and uphold all of the equestrian regulations of the hosting kingdom.
2. An Equestrian Marshal In Training (EMIT) is an individual authorized as such, who has met all of
the criteria delineated for authorization in the Marshallate process except for that of competition in
mounted gaming.
a. The EMIT is charged with completing the authorization process within two years of the date of
being authorized as an EMIT, unless they are a minor. A minor may be an EMIT for up to 4 years
and then upon reaching age of majority, must fulfill the regular requirements to become an
authorized EM.
b. The EMIT must always be under the supervision of an EM.
3. An Equestrian Marshal must either:
a. Be an authorized advanced level rider, and
b. Have ridden as an Advanced level rider in a minimum of three mounted events within the past
two years (waived if no events conducted in your kingdom, but sufficient experience in SCA
equestrian activities has been gained during official or unofficial SCA equestrian practices in the
mounted military training exercises within the past two years)
Or, if it can be verified that an otherwise knowledgeable horseman is no longer able to physically ride,
c. Demonstrate that they have sufficient experience and knowledge of horses by acting as a
probationary EM for 3 different equestrian events under at least 4 different authorized EMs.
Probationary EMs will only work along side authorized EMs and must demonstrate a knowledge
of SCA equestrian activities as well as general equestrian safety issues to the appointed EM
observers. EM observers will give a written assessment of the probationary EM’s work at that
event This will be sent to the KEO within 10 days of the event. Upon completion of 3 events
with at least satisfactory assessments, the KEO may elevate a probationary EM to full EM status.
d. In addition all EM candidates must have sufficient experience with horses to demonstrate
competence and knowledge thereof to two authorized equestrian marshals (or in lieu thereof, the
SCA deputy for Equestrian Activities or the designated EMAL at the event). This knowledge will
be determined:
i. On the ground, as pertains to safety, handling, tack, and health
issues.
ii. Mounted, as pertains to SCA mounted martial activities and
weaponry.
e. In addition all EM candidates must pass a written quiz (with a minimum of 70%) on SCA
equestrian rules as pertains to their kingdom’s equestrian regulations, or in lieu thereof, to the
authorizing kingdom’s equestrian regulations and/or the SCA-wide equestrian regulations.
*Videotaped footage of the riding demonstration is permitted.
4. Mounted Equestrian Marshals- It is suggested that any event that will take place outside an arena
(such as a procession) have at least one EM mounted on a horse and ready to assist any rider.
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5. An EM must maintain their warrant by marshalling at a minimum of one official equestrian event
every 2 years.
Part VI - SCA Equestrian Event Requirements
An SCA equestrian event is defined as any event where equine(s) are present. For purposes of
regulation, carriage/cart horses are regarded as ‘horses’ and their drivers are subjected to the same
regulations as ‘riders’.
1. Any autocrat (or event steward) that will have horse(s) at an SCA event must inform the KEO in
writing a minimum of thirty days prior to the event. This will ensure that an EMIC will be provided
and available for the event as well as provide mandatory statistical data for insurance purposes.
2. Notification of an equestrian event and payment of fees must be submitted to SCA corporate office
a minimum of thirty days prior to any event at which an equine will be present. The amount in U.S.
funds shall be designated by SCA Corporate Office and the fees shall be sent to: SCA, Inc. P.O. Box
360789, Milpitas, CA 95036-0789.
3. A clear means of demarcation, like flagging or fence line, must exist between equestrians and
spectators during mounted games or speed events.
4. Use of live steel edged weapons for demonstration on objects and actual live mounted combat is
prohibited.
a. Jousting is expressly prohibited.
b. Live steel lance tips are permitted, except for minors
(see Part I. Sec. B. No. 5)
5. Vaulting, polo, rodeo-type events (i.e. bronc and bull riding etc.), hunts (chasing real animal prey),
and mounted combat (including jousting and boffer melees) are prohibited.
a. Mock hunts and non-combat battle scenarios are permitted.
b. New equestrian activities are permitted on a case by case basis for trial experimentation and subject
to the approval of the SCA Deputy for Equestrian Activities.
6. It is the responsibility of the Horse Autocrat to ensure that a Veterinarian is on call and available
during the entire time that the horses will be present on site. The Veterinary contact phone number
will be posted and/or distributed in informational hand outs to each horse owner upon arrival at the
site.
Appendix I - Glossary
Foot Attendant - A person who assists the rider from the ground by leading the horse, warning
pedestrians to allow the horse to pass, or other assistance that may be needed to prevent the rider
from having to dismount.
Hand Gallop - A controlled gallop
Incident - a. Any liability and/or medical situation whereby a person or animal is injured such that they
have received medical attention from a doctor and/or property is damaged such that it needs repair.
b. An infraction/violation of SCA-wide and/or kingdom equestrian regulations.
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Mounted Gaming - Those activities such as ring-tilt, tilting at quintain, pig sticking, and behead the
enemy.
Martial Games-See Mounted Gaming.
Quadrille - a predetermined course ridden to music done either solo, or by a group of riders.
Progress - A mounted procession, usually but not always involving royalty.
Vaulting - Gymnastics on horseback. A sport wherein riders mount and dismount a moving horse,
usually on a longeline, performing gymnastic figures while mounted.
Appendix II - Descriptions of Common Mounted Games:
Ring Tilt - Rings of various sizes are suspended from the arm of a standard. The riders attempt to
spear the rings on the tip of their lance. This martial game is usually run in a straight line. Smaller
rings usually carry a higher point value.
Tilting at Quintain - A contest of lance work against a simulated opponent. A shield is attached to a
horizontal arm that rotates on an up-right post. Upon being struck the shield begins to rotate around
the up-right. Often the score is based on the number of rotations made by the shield around the post.
Behead the Enemy - Simulated heads are set on standards at pre-determined intervals. Riders weave
between the poles, striking the heads from the standards with a simulated weapon or baton.
Pig sticking (or tent pegging) - Targets are placed on the ground which the rider attempts to spear
with a lance or spear.
Mounted archery - Shooting at static targets while mounted. See Appendix III for in-depth rules.
Spear throw (or javelin toss) - throwing a spear or javelin through a ring or into a target as the rider
goes past.
Tilting at the Mock Knight - Similar to Quintain, but the knight or shield rotates or pivots on a
horizontal axis rather than a vertical axis.
Appendix III - SCA Minimum Regulations For Mounted Archery
These regulations are for both mounted and chariot archery.
1. The archery equipment (bows, arrows, targets, etc.) and range must be inspected by a warranted
SCA archery marshal. It is acceptable and encouraged that the equestrian marshal may also serve as
the archery marshal if they hold the appropriate qualifications.
2. Participation Requirements by level:
a. Beginner and Intermediate riders must have an EM (or an Advanced rider designated by the
EMIC) lead their mounts past the archery target(s) and have their reins within reach.
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b. Advanced riders have two options for in-motion mounted archery. They may either:
i. Have an EM (or advanced rider designated by the EMIC) lunge their mounts past the target
and have their reins within reach.
OR
ii. They may perform in the Japanese, or Yabusame manner if all of the following conditions
can be met:
1. The course must be set up with a lane approximately 4 yards wide, within a larger area
which is safely cordoned off from spectators.
AND
2. An inspection run is given each rider and horse at each event as follows: The rider
proceeds down the lane with bow in hand and reins dropped (or secured). The rider
mimes a shot towards the target and then regains his/her reins and brings the horse under
control. The horse should be slowed down by the time it enters the run-out area. The
rider should make every effort to control his/her horse if a problem occurs, including
dropping the bow if necessary. Once the rider demonstrates safely at the desired gait, he/
she should take a practice shot at the halt. If the horse does not react badly to the arrow
shot, the rider may participate. As always, if a problem occurs the marshals may ask the
rider to stop shooting for the day.
c. For chariot archery, the horse and driver must have met any required authorizations for driving,
but non-equestrian archers shooting from a chariot driven by an authorized equestrian is
permitted. These non-equestrian archers must have signed any equestrian waiver in use to
signify that they are aware of the risks involved in equestrian sports.
3. Only blunt types of arrows are to be used for any form of equestrian
archery. These may include: golf tube arrows, HTM blunts, small game blunts, and Markland type
arrows. Any type of live target arrow, judo points, or other types of tipped arrows are NOT
permitted.
4. Bow poundage is not to exceed 35 lbs for use with small game blunts and not to exceed 50 lbs for
all other types of blunts.
5. There should be a barrier of some type that will not allow the horse and rider or horse and chariot
to pass closer than 10 yards (30 feet) to any target to prevent danger from the “bounce back” of
arrows. Beyond the target area there must either be a wall or archery-proof net, or a clear area a
minimum of 100 feet long and 120 feet wide (60 feet on either side of target). The clear area for
multiple targets used in “in-motion” shooting may be overlapped.
6. Equestrian archery is to be done with inanimate targets only. Both stationary and in-motion
shooting is permitted. For stationary shooting
activities, a footman or page may hold the horse from the off-side.
7. Definitions:
Stationary shooting - The rider/archer shoots while mounted on his horse, but with the horse
standing still. Because it is only possible to shoot comfortably in a 180 degree arc while mounted,
A right handed archer can only shoot objects to the left of his horse, it is safe for an experienced
horse person to hold a stationary horse from the off side (in this case the right) If a left handed
archer then the safe zone would be on the left.
In-Motion shooting - The rider/archer shoots while the horse or chariot is in motion, usually at a
trot or a canter/hand gallop.
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Appendix IV -
Equipment Construction And Safety Specifications For Minors
These guide lines apply to equipment used for equestrian activities, only. They do not apply to any
other usage. Many thanks to Lady Kealan McGow for her extensive help in developing these guide
lines.
I. Guide lines for equipment for 5-11 year olds:
1. Great care should and will be taken with regard to weight and size of the mounted gaming
equipment for this age group. Equipment that is too heavy or too long can potentially pose a safety
hazard. Equipment should be in proportion with the size of the child. It is recommended that this age
group not compete for scores or times and with an emphasis placed on learning.
2. Approved Personal Equipment:
a. The Saracen Mace: A mace with the total length of no longer than 22 inches will be used
for the saracen course. A golf tube, not rattan, will be used to construct this weapon. It must
have all striking surfaces padded with a minimum of 1/2 inch of closed cell foam. The foam
and all striking surfaces will be covered with fiber tape and duct tape. This weapon must have
a lanyard attached.
Saracen’s Mace Construction:
Materials: 1 plastic golf tube, closed cell foam, fiber and duct tape, rope for lanyard. Method:
Cut small circles of closed cell foam to be stuffed inside the golf tube. (you’ll need many of
these. If you have a 20 oz soda bottle lid, you can use it as a pattern to mark the circles on the
foam.) Stuff the 20 inch golf tube with the foam circles. You will need a dowel to push the
foam circles down, they don’t have to be packed too tightly. (This stiffens the tube and helps it
last longer.) At the handle end, you will want to use fiber tape to tape the end closed after 1
or 2 circles are in. At the other end of your mace, add 2-4 more foam circles to make a soft
tip (similar to a thrusting tip). Secure this to the golf tube using the fiber tape. Don’t tape too
tightly as you want it to give. Now, add at least 1/2 inch of closed cell foam to all striking
surfaces. Finally cover the entire weapon with duct tape and add the lanyard. (Wrapping the
handle with duct tape is optional.)
b. Ring Tilting Spear or Sword: A sword or spear for ring tilting should have a total length
of not more than six feet and no less than 35 inches. Length should be determined by the size
of the rider, with smaller riders using shorter equipment. The sword/spear must be
constructed with golf tubes. The shaft must be a minimum of 1 inch in diameter and must
have a blunt point.
A cross guard of closed cell foam is highly recommended. It will help prevent the rings
from sliding down the shaft and over the riders hand. The cross guard should be at least 4
inches long on either side of the shaft, and should be placed a minimum of 26 inches from the
tip of the sword/spear. No lanyard is to be used on this item.
Boffer Sword/Spear Construction (for ring-tilting):
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Boffer sword/spear construction is very similar to mace construction except the striking
surfaces are not padded and the item is longer.
Materials: one or more golf tubes, closed cell foam, fiber and duct tape.
Method: Determine the length of the weapon and fill the golf tube(s) with foam circles.
Close the handle end of the shaft with fiber tape, as above. If using more than one tube, be
sure to secure with fiber tape lengthwise and spirally for at least four inches on each side of
the splice. Add 2-4 foam circles to make a soft tip and secure with fiber tape as above, If a
cross guard is to be added, it should be placed as specified above. (This cross guard is placed
to prevent the rings from sliding over the rider’s fingers, not as a placement guide for where
to hold the item.) Finally, cover the sword/spear with duct tape.
c. Pig-Sticking Spear: This items length will be determined by the height of the horse or
pony that the child will be riding. It must be long enough that the rider does not have to lean
down in order to reach the ground with the spear. It is to be made of golf tube(s) with the
same construction guidelines as the boffer spear above, but without a cross guard. The tip
should have hook and loop tape or some other type of tape or marker in order to either stick
to or mark the target. The spear is not to have any kind of sharp or pointed tip.
d. Throwing Spear: This spear should be 4 to 5 feet in length and
be made of golf tubes using construction guide lines for the ring tilting spear, but minus the
cross guards.
e. Quintain Lance: Any spear or sword constructed for this age
group for other games may be used for a quintain lance. The rider must be able to balance the
spear above the horse or pony’s head without touching the animal.
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3. Guide Lines for Gaming Targets and Set-ups
a. Saracen Head/Ring Tilting Standards: Same as adult equipment (see dual purpose saracen/
ring standards in the equipment building article later in this handbook) with the following
changes: The uprights should be cut to 4 feet if the mount is under 50 inches. Also, cut the
vertical part of the ring “ T “ at 2 feet, instead of 3 feet. It is recommended that the standard
uprights be wrapped with a thick, soft foam, approximately 1 inch thick. This will provide
protection for the child’s knees if a turn is made too sharply. The heads, themselves, must be
made of a soft material such as ethyl foam or a Styrofoam wig form.
b. Pig Sticking Targets: These must be made of a soft lightweight
material such as closed cell foam or a stuffed material. Balloons are not recommended for use
as targets here or as Saracens’ heads. The loud pop makes them unacceptable since it can
cause problems with horses unaccustomed to such sounds. Alternatives are clay discs,
matzos, marking chalk on the spear, and wrapped foam.
c. Quintain Standard: Using the adult version of the ring tilt standard, hang a banner from the
arm. The rider rides by and hits the banner. This eliminates the weight at the other end to
swing around and hit the rider. Marking chalk on the lance end and a bullseye target on the
banner can be used if scores are being taken.
II. Guide Lines for 12-18 year olds:
1. If minors of this age group want to compete with the adults, then the adult equipment
standard should be followed, with the exception of no live steel for pig sticking. The rider
must demonstrate to the EMIC that they are able to control and properly use the equipment,
especially quintain lances. However, minors of this age group have the option of competing
with either the adult or 5-11 year old age group equipment standards. The determination
should be made based on the size, strength, and skill level of the child. It is highly
recommended that saracen heads, pig sticking targets and quintain targets conform to the
guide lines set forth for 5 to 11 year olds in order to provide for the safest participation
possible.
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Here Ends The Official Equestrian Regulations of The Society For Creative Anachronism