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 can be attended with your own horse or riding one of Historic Equitation’s Schoolmasters (subject to availability). Example of our clinics offered to date, and available in the future include:
- 13th Century Armored Rider
- 13th Century Armored Fighter
- 15th Century Armored Rider
- 15th Century Armored Fighter
- Classical Dressage
- Mounted Combat (Unarmored)
- Formation & Drill Riding
13th Century Armored Rider
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.
2025 Clinic Dates:
6-7 December
13th Century Armored Fighter
NEW FOR 2026
‘The 13th-Century Armoured Fighter’ is the latest in our regular series of clinics offering in-depth combat training in armour. We’ve done 13th-century equestrian fighting for a few years, but this is the first time we are focusing on combat on foot in this earlier period. No horses involved!
This seminar will be led by guest instructors Gilles Martinez and Nath Dos Reis, two of the foremost specialists in this period. Through close study of depictions of armoured combat dating from the 12th and 13th centuries, they have pushed the boundaries of historical martial arts practice back well before the creation of the earliest known fight book.
Limited spots are available for interested participants, see details & registration below.
2026 Clinic Dates:
31 January – 1 February
15th Century Armoured Rider
Mounted Combat in Armor
Back for another year, this popular clinic focuses on the 15th century armored rider. Led by Toby Capwell, we will be offering intensive practical instruction combined with focused lectures and discussion with the aim of achieving new levels of skill, style, and historical accuracy in the art of knightly horsemanship. Prior guest instructors have included Arne Koets and Kaja Bergh.
2026 Clinic Dates:
7-8 March
15th Century Armoured Fighter
Foot Combat
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
2026 Clinic Dates
18-20 April
Classical Dressage
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.
Mounted Combat
For Unarmored Riders
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.
Formation and Drill Riding
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.
Fiona Bruce riding Coralito for the Antiques Road Show at Bolsover Castle
