Training

As did the Yeomanry regiments of yesteryear, our Group puts great store in training.

Think of the 8 P’s – Proper Planning and Preparation Prevents Piss Poor Pathetic Performance!

Our training encompasses not only the horse and rider combination but also ground crew.

People who are our ground crew are essential for training days, shows and demonstrations. Nothing can realistically happen without them. It is not enough to enlist someone off the street for the day. The people on the ground need to know what is happening. This helps to keep not only them (personally) safe but also the public and the horses and riders. It also enhances performance and presentation.

Our training encompasses general riding skills (i.e. flatwork, grid work, jumping, etc.) as well as the skills required in order to safely perform the many disciplines that fall within the general term of ‘mounted skill-at-arms’.

We work with owner/riders. It is very difficult to train a rider in the many disciplines that are necessary to be part of our group if they do not own and ride their own horse regularly as they are unable to go home and practice. To train a horse that does not get consistent work from one rider is not as satisfactory as working with a horse that is in private ownership.

Our training is carried out in Sussex by people who are knowledgeable and experienced horsemen/women. They are also knowledgeable and experienced in the safe handling of various weapons on horseback and the disciplines that involve the use of such weapons.

Over a period of time we will add further photos and articles to this section that will cover different aspects of our training. Meanwhile, if you have any questions, please make contact with us.

Liquorice

Liquorice is a 16hh black Irish Cob mare. Born in 1999 in Ireland, she has lived most of her life in Sussex. She has a lovely character, which makes her very easy to handle on the ground. When ridden, she will do anything for you within her capabilities – as long as you ask her politely and in a manner she approves of!

Liquorice has a varied career, for many years in the riding School at Ditchling Common Stud and, since the closure of DCS in 2013, in private ownership. Whilst she does not have an athletic build, she has proved to be successful in both the dressage and jumping arena at a local level. However, there is no doubt that Mounted Skill at Arms is her favourite job – she has taken part in numerous SAA competitions, displays and demonstrations across the UK and in Holland. Her impressive stature, combined with her gentle nature, make her a popular horse with all who meet her.

 

Liquorice has her own gallery of photos