Tag: SAA

Training

Posted on by

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.

Oscar

Posted on by

Oscar is owned by John Dudeney, is a 16.2hh, 19-year-old chestnut gelding Gelderlander. He was bought as a 4-year-old from that well-known Irish dealer based in Sussex – Donal Barnwell.

In his early years, Oscar was a BHS novice eventer. He was not a classic event horse but his long strides and big bold jump made up for that!

When John’s daughter went to university, Oscar was introduced to Mounted Skill-at-Arms. This he took to very well – despite his size. He has taken part in numerous International SAA competitions in the UK and Holland. In the Spring of 2015 he will be going to Germany to take part in the German Cavalry Championships in Gotha.

Oscar has also taken part in Skill-at-Arms demonstrations and the musical ride at Battle Proms concerts for many years under the umbrella of Crown & Empire.

In general, Oscar is a very gentle horse. However, he is not keen on being clipped, having his teeth done – or camels! He is very fond of carrots, apples and having his back rubbed!

See Oscar’s gallery

Rudi

Posted on by

Rudi is owned by Joyce Dudeney, is a 16hh, 9-year-old grey Andalusian mare. She was bought as a 2-year-old from the Gazaro Stud and has proved to be a high-spirited challenge!

Rudi was backed by Joyce – with help from her husband John. Joyce is the only person ever to have ridden her – save for one occasion when, due to an unfortunate accident, Rudi slipped, fell onto Joyce and had to be ridden home by someone else.

When she was backed, Rudi could see absolutely no point in going forwards – at any pace! With much patience, love and gritted teeth however she has proved that she knows exactly what speed is all about and is a joy to own and ride.

Skill-at-Arms is a sport that Rudi had to be taught slowly but now thoroughly enjoys. Indeed, in 2013 she won the first club competition that she ever entered all classes for and she proved to be unflappable when first introduced to Battle Proms concerts in 2014 – with crowds in attendance that numbered in their thousands.

She is intelligent, inquisitive, mostly brave, sometimes frustrating, loving, opinionated and elegant in her movement – she also loves her food and anyone who cares to feed her carrots and/or apples!

See some of Rudi’s photos

Willow

Posted on by

WILLOW…

…owned by Joyce Dudeney, is a 15.2hh, 18-year-old dark bay Andalusian/Connemara mare. Like Oscar, she was bought as a 4-year-old from the well-known Irish dealer based in Sussex – Donal Barnwell.

Willow’s full name is Wilful Willow – a name that she truly lives up to when taking part in Mounted Skill-at-Arms displays and competitions! To say that she is excitable is an understatement and speed is certainly not a problem for her!

Willow has taken part in numerous International SAA competitions in the UK and Holland. She has also taken part in Skill-at-Arms demonstrations and the musical ride at Battle Proms concerts for many years under the umbrella of Crown & Empire, at which events she has accompanied Oscar and acted as his ‘comfort blanket’ and dancing partner!

In general, Willow is a very gentle horse who has an excellent stable manner. She loves her food (carrots and mints in particular) and loves to be loved. On occasion, when being admired by members of the public at Battle Proms concerts over the years, she has almost fallen asleep.

Some of Willow’s photos

.

Stormin’ Norman at The Festival of Horsemanship

Posted on by

Festival of Horsemanship – this was a new Festival in 2014 at which members of Sussex Yeomanry (at the invitation of Crown & Empire) put on a display of cavalry skills.

In 2016 Sussex Yeomanry were responsible for putting on a display at the Festival which was in a larger arena than before – we expanded upon our display of cavalry skills and add a display of our tent pegging skills!

We now look forward to again taking part in the Festival in the future – hopefully in 2018 (the 2017 Festival having been cancelled).