Category: Services

Clinics at Historic Equitation

Ever thought of turning your hand to mounted combat, Classical Dressage, skill at arms or formation riding?

Do you have a passion for and interest in armour and foot combat from throughout the medieval period?

Historic Equitation offer clinics throughout the year in a variety of disciplines and often with a guest lecturer or workshop leader who is an expert in their field

Clinics offered to date, and available in the future include:

13th Century Mounted combat clinics: In partnership with Dr Tobias Capwell, this clinic focusses on the practical use of armour in equestrian combat and exercise. With a goal to promote the mid 13th Century as a focus for equestrian living history and tournament, participants work in small groups with instructors Dominic and Toby, working on combat riding techniques and the use of the spear and sword from horseback.

Riding sessions are complimented by illustrated talks and hands-on discussion exploring armour, weapons and saddlery.

15th Century Armoured Fighter clinics: (Mounted or Foot combat clinics): Previous partnerships include Dr Toby Capwell, Arne Koets, Mike Canfor and Matt Easton of Schola Gladatoria. These clinics focus on 15th Century combat techniques, be they on horse back, on foot, or preparing for the transition of one to the other. Clinics often include theory lectures and discussion, as well as tailored practical group sessions

Classical Dressage Clinics: Hosted and taught by Dominic Sewell, these clinics continue the time-honoured methods of training horses dating back centuries, developing the harmonious relationship between horse and rider. Focussing on the artistry of riding and correct training methods, prioritising the horse’s welfare and communication between horse and rider, participants benefit from one-to-one tailored lessons with Dominic throughout the clinic.

Non-armoured mounted combat clinics: These clinics are designed to develop the skills and knowledge riders and horses require in mounted combat and the classical techniques needed to be successful in communicating with your horse as you navigate an opponent.

These can be undertaken as a beginner where you and your horse can be gently introduced to mounted combat, or as a more intermediate or advanced rider you can further cultivate your skills and communication with your horse to  take in mounted games or melees.

You can attend with your own horse or hire one of Historic Equitation’s expertly trained schoolmasters

Formation and Drill Riding Clinics: Hosted and taught by Dominic Sewell, formation and drill-riding clinics focus on teaching riders how to execute precise, coordinated movements with their horses in a group setting. These clinics develop teamwork, timing and communication between riders and their horses and they learn to perform complex manoeuvres, such as synchronised circles, patterns and cross-overs or riding in unison.

Useful for developing skills in disciplines like dressage, competitive riding, or even eventing, where balance, control, and a high level of horse and rider connection are crucial, the goal is to improve both the rider’s technical skills and their ability to work harmoniously with others in a group.

Clinics can be attended with your own horse or riding one of Historic Equitation’s Schoolmasters (subject to availability)

Horsemanship

Horsemanship

Following in the steps of the English riding master William Cavendish, the Duke of Newcastle, we showcase the skills and majesty of 17th Century horsemanship. Performing in Cavendish’s own indoor riding house within the spectacular setting of Bolsover Castle, Historic Equitation demonstrate the art of classical dressage using the Duke’s well documented humane training techniques.

The display at Bolsover Castle is suitable for all the family, from spellbound children to adults (with or without a knowledge of equine practices). The highlight of the show for many are the haute école movements or Airs Above the Ground, due to the power and control that is demonstrated. At the end of the performance, riders and horses alike greet the audience to answer their questions. This is excellent for younger children as they are able to get up close to the horses.

The movements and training highlighted in the Bolsover performances can be incorporated into a lecture demonstration for those interested in either the history of the riding house or the technical details of horsemanship itself.

 

In 2017 Peter Maddison-Greenwell represented Historic Equitation at a lecture demonstration at Newmarket Open Weekend, to showcase how classical dressage underpins our modern equestrian practices. The demonstration was the only non-racing performance of the day and was received with high praise.

Would you like to see the horses and riders of Historic Equitation demonstrate their strength and refined skills when performing the art of classical dressage? If so then cast your eye across the Events page where you will find details of the performances at Bolsover Castle along with other venues and sites around the country.

Alternatively, if you would like to host a clinic or demonstration at your venue then do get in touch!

 

 

Film and TV Production

Film and TV Production

Historic Equitation have the skills, horses, riders and tack available at short notice to work with both film and TV productions.

For productions requiring historical riding skills, well trained horses and fully armed knights, Historic Equitation has a strong track record of being able to provide a refined and historically accurate service.

Previously, horses and riders of Historic Equitation have appeared in “Richard III: The New Evidence” “Medieval Dead” and “Time Crashers”.

In addition to large-scale productions, Historic Equitation has worked with companies and organisations to develop promotional video’s. Working alongside English Heritage at Kenilworth Castle, working in challenging weather conditions, Historic Equitation taught Olympic Athlete Victoria Pendleton how to joust and created dramatic footage for use in a series of videos promoting the summer Jousting advertising campaign.

With a wealth of experience through previous productions, Historic Equitation are able to advise and guide production crews as to best practice, safety and artistic aspects whilst being open to new suggestions and technology.

Historic Equitation HQ has a covered all weather indoor space which has previously been used for green screen filming as well as photography.

We are able to offer a range of onsite filming options, with a solid tilt rail at our base and stunning surrounding countryside, we also have transport and are able to bring our horses and riders to location for filming. Recently “Secrets of the Shining Knight” filmed at Historic Equitation

We pride ourselves on having historically accurate tack, clothing and armour and are able to provide horses, riders and valets for a wide historical period starting at the end of the Roman period and finishing before WW1.

Fiona Bruce riding Coralito for the Antiques Road Show at Bolsover Castle

Using manuscripts and books, we have ensured we are true to history, not just for the look of the equipment, but also for the breeds and size of horses we have selected for our yard. Our horses have made appearances on Film and TV displaying the full range of their abilities, from shooting muskets, flying birds to classical dressage and jousting.

Bespoke Training

If you are a production company looking to film a specific event, we can include training days ahead of filming for actors and presenters to ensure they are comfortable and able to perform to a high standard when cameras are rolling.

For more details on the skills and abilities of our horses, take a look at our virtual stable which outlines individual skills or make an enquiry through our contact us page for a truly bespoke consultation!

Previous Appearances Include:

Gallery:

Jousts

Duke

From the courtly spectacle of the Grand Medieval 15th Century jousts to the brutal swirling melee of the 13th Century, Historic Equitation specialises in bringing authentic jousts back to life for the modern audience. Alongside the pageantry of the historical event, we explain and demonstrate the horsemanship of a medieval knight, in a time when the prowess of the jouster had a direct correlation to his masculinity and standing in society. On show are the required skills to do this: expert horse and lance control, concentration, courage and the ability to survive!

Having extensive experience of staging 15th Century jousts across the UK and Europe and riders partaking in Jousts in Australia and America. Displays can be arranged for small private functions or large national public events where Knights will be encased in real armour, and ride against each other down the list carried by powerful horses, to the thundering of hooves and splintering of wooden lances at the roar of the crowd!

Brand new in 2017 was the introduction of the 13th Century joust, an authentic recreation of which has not been contested on these shores for over 700 years. Drawing on Arthurian mythology, knights charge each other with lances before drawing steel swords to whirl and attack in an epic display of horsemanship, flair and courage. 

Photograph kindly provided by: Matthew D Crosby Photographics

Historic Equitation are able to provide all aspects required to host a modern-day Tourney or joust, from horses and riders, to their costumes, armour, weapons and tilt rail, making the event a truly bespoke package. 

To ensure we are able to provide you with the highest quality event, we will conduct a site visit ahead of a new event to establish the size of performance that we will be able to undertake in the space provided. We are also able to provide risk assessments for public events and are fully insured, to give you piece of mind.

If you would like to host a joust, please do get in contact with us and we will be able to provide you with a full consultation and customised quote.

Main image kindly provided by: Hannah Brewer Photography

Photoshoots

Photoshoots

Whether you wish to conduct a photoshoot with our horses on location or would like to hire our facilities as a backdrop, we are able to cater for individual requirements across a range of periods.

Why not turn our indoor arena into your own green screen studio? Or use our hedge lined paddocks and external exercise area’s as the perfect setting for equestrian (or in fact any) photography session?

We work regularly with PR agencies and marketing teams to create advertising campaigns ahead of events and have a wealth of experience in staging shots and performing for the camera.

We have horses that are suitable for novice models and riders to help you capture the desired shot.