Mounted Combat Equipment and Marsahlling Training Class

I taught this class at Æthelmearc War Practice in 2014. It was designed for equestrian marshals as an aid in inspecting mounted combat weapons and equipment as well as provide them with guidance in marshaling this activity. This is not meant to be a listing of the rules for Mounted Combat - the reader is referred to the official rules as posted on the Kingdom Earl Marshal website, and the official Æthelmearc Equestrian websites.

Inspection:

All weapons and armor will be inspected by an Equestrian Marshal warranted in Mounted Combat prior to any Mounted Combat activity at an official practice or event.

1.  Inspect the sword. (At this time, only swords are being used in mounted combat.) The blade portion should be completely covered with 1/4 inch closed cell padding (either blue camp mat type or the manufactured  type as in the case of the Darkwood Armory tournament batons). Quillion style hand-guards should not extend more than one inch past the hand. The sword should be measured to ensure that it is a minimum of 1  ¼ inches diameter. Ensure that if PVC is used, that end caps are installed under the padding.

2.   If a shield is being used, inspect it for sharp or protruding  areas. Bolt ends which secure hand grips or straps which protrude to the front surface of the shield should not be overly long enough to present a danger to the opponent.  These ends should be taped or flush with the shield surface. Ensure that the shield edges are covered to prevent unreasonable damage to an opponent's sword.

Author checking fit of a helm,
many years ago judging from the helm type

 

3.   Check for required armor, which includes a helm, gorget, and leather gloves.  Ensure that the helm meets the minimum requirements in thickness of metal, coverage, padding, chin straps, and size of face openings.  Ensure the throat area is protected  adequately. Refer to the Society Equestrian Handbook for these requirements. Ensure the gorget extends far enough in the back to protect the cervical area. 

4.   Additional armor is recommended but not required.  This includes demi-gauntlets  and torso armor.

5.   The definition of rigid material is often confusing to most participants.  According to the Society Marshal Handbook, Rigid materials are defined as:
    a. Steel of no less than 18 gauge, or aluminum of no less than 0.075 inch (1.9mm)

    b. Other metals of sufficient thickness to give similar rigidity to those listed above to include treated steel or aluminum

    c. High-impact-resistant plastics such as ABS or polyethylene of sufficient thickness to give similar rigidity to those listed above

    d. Heavy leather (as defined above) that has been hardened in hot wax, soaked in polyester resin (properly catalyzed), or treated in such a manner as to permanently harden the leather

    e. Two layers of untreated heavy leather (as defined above)

    f. Other materials equivalent to those items listed above (Any armor of unusual construction or materials must meet the approval of the kingdom or Principality Earl Marshal or their designated deputy.)

An equivalent, especially as used for gorgets or demi-gauntlets can be heavy leather, lined with ¼-inch (6mm) of closed cell foam or equivalent padding.

6.   Marshals do not inspect rider's tack as it is the responsibility of the rider to ensure that their tack is safe and secure.  The marshal ensures that the horse is outfitted with a saddle, headstall, and reins, as these are required for Mounted Combat.  Loose fitting girths or broken equipment should be pointed out to the rider and if not these are not fixed, the marshal can refuse to allow the rider to participate.

7.   Horse armor should be inspected to ensure it meets the minimum requirements. Eye protection is required for this activity. Ensure the covering over the horse's eyes stand clear of the surface of the eye and that in the case of open barred type protection, the openings do not allow a one inch dowel from entering.  If additional armor is used, ensure it is securely attached to the horse and does not present a danger to the horse or rider.

8.   Check that the participant has a current authorization card for Mounted Combat and that the horse has been authorized/approved for this activity.

9.   It is recommended that the equestrian marshal have and use an inspection gauge which will allow them to accurately and conveniently measure and check dimensions such as the openings in a helm face guard and the diameter of swords.

Equestrian Marshals monitoring combat
 at Æthelmearc's 10th Anniversary event.

Marshalling:


1.   One marshal is required, but two is preferred; two or more marshals are required for melees,.  Additional Corner Judges may be Equestrian MiTs or approved ground crew as their purpose is to assist the marshals by providing an extra set of eyes.  The marshals' determination or decisions will always take precedence over the Corner Judges in the event of a discrepancy.

2.   Marshals observe and watch for safety issues and violations of rules.This includes, but is not limited to, ensuring that riders do not charge or lose control over their mounts; deliberately strike a horse with a shield, fail to count blows which could lead to excessive force, or grab their opponent's weapons, horse or tack. Marshals will ensure that strikes are not deliberately targeted to illegal target zones on their opponent or the horse.

3.   Thrusting is not permitted at this time, though this rule is expected to change. Swords can have padded tips but may not be used in this manner at this time.

4.   If a participant objects to the weapon of their opponent, they can appeal to the marshal who will inspect it (again, if needed).  If it meets the specifications as established by the Rules, and fighter refuses to accept the marshal decision, that person is not required to fight. All combat within the SCA is voluntary, but a refusal to accept the marshal's judgment of the weapon will result in the mounted fighter forfeiting the bout.



Historical  evidence of Mounted Combat
Codex Manesse (1320)

5.   All mounted combat conventions default to the Society Earl Marshal's rules. Equestrian  Marshals will ensure the mounted combatants behavior on the field is in compliance with the Society Marshal Rules as listed on page 8 of the Society Marshal Handbook.

The last portion of the class includes a question and answer session and open discussion. This class is designed to prepare Equestrian Marshals who have been warranted for Mounted Combat to conduct and marshal this activity. This is an exciting and challenging equestrian activity and its inclusion in the schedule for equestrian activities allows equestrians to practice this historical martial art. Additionally, it provides the attendees to an event a chance to see the equestrians work in harmony with these magnificent animals in order to maneuver and engage their opponents to advantage.