The Earl Marshal of Equestrian (EME), the Branch Horse Masters, and the Crown shall have full authority over any and all equestrian activities, tournaments, and competitions.
The EME or the Branch Horse Master must be on site and oversee all equestrian activities at any event.
While each owner is responsible for their own steed, they may not override the authority of the EME and local Horse Masters.
Horses and other equines, at all times, must be treated humanely, with dignity, respect, and compassion. The reasonable person test is the measurement of the above terms.
Equines include horses, asses, mules, and donkeys. Other large animals that may be at an event such as llamas, sheep, or such livestock are the sole responsibility of the owner and must be pre-approved prior to being on site for any event.
No equine who exhibits or appears to be injured may be entered into any competition. If the injury occurs during the activity, they must immediately leave the field.
No participant whether mounted or not may be compelled into any activity that involves equines.
The EME and Horse Masters may at any time, in their sole discretion, bar any weapon, equipment or individuals from the field / competition / show.
The EME may at any time, in conference with the Crown, sanction any individual and exclude them from any or all equine activities.
While the matter may be appealed to the Lord of the Branch or the Crown, they will rely on the expertise of the EME and Horse Masters.
Equine Owners
All participants must sign a waiver prior to entering any competition or show.
Have the sole and indisputable right to give or withdraw consent for another rider access to their equine and to set the terms of such use.
Owners may not be pressured into allowing anyone else access to their equine.
Are solely responsible for
The carting their equine to and from events.
Feeding, care, and maintenance of their equine during events.
Equine eye protection is required for all mounted combat activities. The eye protection (hard over soft) must cover the entire eye and stand clear from the eye in all directions by a minimum of 3/4 of an inch and enough to prevent a 1” round dowel from penetrating. It must not collapse upon typical strikes and remain secure at all times.
While period appropriate tack is wonderful to see, safety is first and foremost and the tack should include what is safe for both rider and equine.
Include and are limited to riding, mounted archery, and games (which may include thrown weapons, ring tilting, and mounted combat).
Suggestions for activities may be submitted to the Earl Marshal of Equestrian or the Branch Horse Masters.
All participants whether mounted or not assume all risks to their personal safety and should act with maturity and care around the equines.
All participants in equine activities must heed the commands of the EME or Horse Master at all times including all holds.
All equine participants have the right to call a hold for tack failure or the safety of their equine. The fighting must stop immediately.
All equipment utilized must be approved by the EME or the Horse Master of the Branch. No unauthorized weapon or equipment may be brought onto the field during equine activities.
For mounted combat, all rules of combat must be adhered to. Grappling, punching, and kicking are NOT allowed with equine activities.
For all other mounted activities, armor is not required. Participants are encouraged to wear whatever safety gear they deem necessary for their own personal safety (helmets, et. al.).
Riding
Participants must be able to demonstrate competence in riding, understand the rules of equine activities and combat, and demonstrate the ability to safety control their equine while engaging in any equine activity.
Riding activities may include various showcasing of the skills of the rider and the equine (walking, stepping, dancing) and for the pageantry of the event.
Tournaments may include the following competitions:
Mounted archery
Thrown weapons
Ring Tilting
Unmounted races (donkey pull)
Combat
Rules for Equestrian are based on the International Jousting Association – USA.
For participants who are approved by the EME or the Horse Master only.
Foam weapons will be utilized in the styles of fencing, jousting, and heavy combat for the safety of both rider and equine.
Mounted combat archery is allowed whereby the equines are outside of the field of engagement and arrows / bolts are volleyed from the equine paddock.
Mountains archers may be limited to a specific number of bolts / arrows they may shoot before being considered dead. Or, there may be a flag on the field and when captured, the mountain archers are considered dead. Other rules may be imposed at specific events.
Siege weapons, arrows, and bolts may NOT be volleyed toward any equine at any time.
No individual should “rush” up toward an equine or do any intentional action that would frighten the beast.
Mounted Combat
Rules for Equestrian are based on the International Jousting Association – USA.
Rattan rules apply with the exception of grabbling, kicking, and punching.
All strikes must be telling blows only and excessive force may result in sanctions against the aggressor.
Thrusting is strictly prohibited.
No weapons over 4 lbs are allowed.
Crest Combat
Crest Combat is an activity in which the goal is to knock the crest (feather) from your opponent’s helm.
Crests must be a minimum of 6” and constructed in a manner that will not pose risk of injury to the participant or the equine (whether from a fall or the equine being hit or stepping on the crest).
The crest should be attached in such manner that it is easily dislodged with a minimal force blow.
