Mounted combat - “Rossfechten”
Participating in the mounted melee is possibly one of the most exciting but challenging activities that a rider can undertake. Having the ability to move a horse easily in any direction, swirling around and manoeuvring to position oneself in the best place to engage with an opponent is difficult but exhilarating. Then deploying the correct techniques to attack your adversary and defend yourself safely takes a lot of skill and training.
I can help riders gain all the necessary tools to build up to this level. Starting with the correct training of the horse so that he is physically able to engage in this difficult task, working through set-piece exercises to familiarise horse and rider with the patterns and movements that are vital when in the melee. Also covered, and of vital importance are weapons handling skills - initially on the ground - covering principals and then the specific fencing techniques that are applied whilst mounted, before bringing it together to build the necessary skill set to be able to fence mounted.
Instruction is based on 15th Century German fighting manuals, and is taught as a martial art, fused with equestrianism. This can be delivered as a group activity or 1-1. Clinics and instruction are very flexible and customisable, but with practitioners who are new to the art I like to ensure that the context and background as to what is trying to be achieved and why and how the techniques developed are communicated and understood. Hopefully a small amount of culture and history add some depth to the practical techniques imparted.
All equipment is supplied, and is modern, comfortable and protective - I’m not expecting participants to ride in a full harness of armour! Training and lesson plans are closely tailored to the aims and comfort of the participants, with of course full consideration to the horses’ abilities, fitness and levels of training.
For more information and to start a discussion about tailoring a package that is right for you, please feel free to contact me.
“Mike’s mounted combat clinics are great fun, I did two or three workshops and really hope to do more. I learnt loads, not just about the combat but also about horsemanship. The change in my horse was also quite unexpected, I have quite a hot Lusitano that can be quite nervous at times, Mike pushed us, but gave us exercises which my horse could cope with, that then turned into confidence - I ended up taking a braver horse home with me. If you ever fancy trying something different with your horse, that’s fun and exciting then I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Mike’s mounted combat courses".
- LB, Norfolk