Agincourt A&S display and Competition

In the last few years I have been entering equestrian related items in various Arts and Sciences displays and competitions in order to increase awareness of the equestrian program. By displaying these items, other people are able to see what equestrians are researching and studying. Additionally, this provides me with an opportunity to educate them about equestrian arts and sciences. On October 26th, 2014, I entered several items in the A&S Display and Competition which was held at the ninth Agincourt event.  The event was held near Portersville, PA but was sponsored by the Barony Marche of the Debatable Lands (which is the area encompassing Pittsburgh. PA and area). 

My display included what I call my equestrian "kit." The term "kit" is often used by the heavy rattan fighters in the SCA to refer to their fighting "kit" or equipment.  In more recent years, there has been a push towards using a more authentic and "period" kit on the tourney field. Individuals have been encouraged to use more period materials and their efforts have been rewarded by recognition in the form of inclusion into the Order of the Stirrup. The Order recognizes attempts at historical accuracy in armor, etc. I have been encouraging the same level of effort for the equestrians of Æthelmearc in the past years. Following my own advice, I determined to create a period "kit" to use during my participation in SCA equestrian activities.

Creating and assembling these various pieces has taken several years because of the time needed to research and construct the individual components. I displayed and entered a bridle, saddle and pad, caparison (or barding), belled collar and helmet mantle (to disguise a modern rider's safety helmet). I provided documentation for each item as well as my paper on the Evolution of Tack. Additional pieces that I did not display at this time include my clothing (surcoat, pants, winnigas or leg wrappings) and heraldic banners. These items complete my 12-13th Century European equestrian "kit."


Photograph by Krista Cogan (Mistress Hilderun Hügelmann)

Queen Anna Leigh chose my collection and I was named the Winner of Her Majesty's Choice. It was my privilege to be permitted to display my items, share them with people and, hopefully, inspire others to create a historically accurate equestrian "kit" of their own.