Interested in Roman Riding?

[John Conyard]

We had what passed for our first dress rehearsal today. It went very well, and I may even say I am pleased, if pushed.

We had a hard spring, with a lots of practice and little progress. We started working at a second yard with other horses to make sure we would be ready for the early May Bank Holiday. After a while we decided to switch yards and go with the new horse supplier. This was a major decision but the right one. It gives us access to a greater number of trained horses, and excellent instruction.

Generally we hope to put out less horses, but much better ones. This year we aim for quality in everything we do. We want to concentrate on 4/5th century kit. Every rider will be expected to do mobile horse archery in the cantabrian,

[attachment=603]033.JPG[/attachment]

and everybody should be able to manoeuvre with the kontos without reins. I want one large Hunnic style horse with a steppe saddle

[attachment=601]142.JPG[/attachment]


to act as a contrast with more "Roman" cavalry.

[attachment=600]020.JPG[/attachment]

I have ridden more horses in the past few weeks than I can remember. And I rather like concentrating on quality. It makes the shows much better, and teaches us more as riders.

[attachment=604]107.JPG[/attachment]