Period Equestrian Appearance

While I was the Æthelmearc Deputy Kingdom Equestrian Officer in 2009, the KEO at the time - Baron Dominic Morland - asked me to prepare a document that provides guidelines to the Kingdom's equestrians in regards to period appearance. There was a movement within the Kingdom to increase period appearance on the tourney field, and he felt this should be extended to the equestrian tourney field as well. What follows is the document I prepared for him (with editing to update), which was posted to the Æthelmearc Equestrians Yahoo page in the files section. It was meant to provide clarification to equestrians regarding increased efforts towards presenting a period appearance while maintaining safety.
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The following message was sent out by the Kingdom Earl Marshal:

The Society Earl Marshal has asked each Kingdom Earl Marshal to take steps to "clean up" the battlefield. He has left it up to each Kingdom Earl Marshal to do this on their own terms. However, he says that if he does not see changes by Pennsic he may take actions on a Society Level to accomplish this goal.  Now before anyone panics, we are not looking to turn Marshals into "Period Police." The mission statement of the SCA states that individuals make an "attempt at pre‑17th century appearance." The Society Earl Marshal and I believe that this should not end just because you put on armor. Therefore we are asking all of AEthelmearc to help with this mission by enacting the following standards:

- No Exposed Blue, Orange or any Blatantly Modern Plastic

- No Exposed Blatantly Modern Equipment

While we challenge you to look as authentic as possible the following exceptions to the above are allowed:

- Any Youth Combat Systems

- Modern Hand Protection

- Modern Eye ware

- Duct Tape (day of repairs are a necessary evil)

- Modern Foot wear

- Modern Fencing Masks

- Adaptive and/or Medically Necessary Equipment

- Also, anyone who is not authorized is exempt from this standard.

Currently authorized combatants have until April 1st (no fooling) to embrace this new standard.

Remember that you can wear any of the above things if:

- They are covered by a tabard

- They are hidden by clothing.

- They are made to look period by, for example, covered with cloth, leather, or even paint (as long as the result "an attempt at pre‑17th century appearance"

 

Crest Combat - Armor containing modern elements are covered, including the helmet.

As Equestrians, we need to attempt to adhere to this ruling as well. Obviously safety is never to be compromised. This is paramount. Therefore, equestrians are urged to give consideration for safety precedence over period appearance. In other words, if in attempting to maintain period appearance, safety is compromised, adjustments should be made to restore a safe condition.  

 



Mantles as displayed in King Rene's Tournament Book

Adjustments to this ruling apply in the equestrian environment in several ways. For example, alteration of ASMI rated helmets which would compromise the function of the helmet in protecting the rider's head in the event of a fall should be avoided. A general guideline to determine what may compromise safety can be found in the list of things that commonly void the manufacturer's warranty of these products. For example, most helmet companies warn that drilling holes in the helmet will compromise safety and thereby void any warranties.

 

Oftentimes, SCA equestrians want to cover their helmets to present a more period appearance. This can be accomplished without damaging the helmet by drilling or adding undue bulk. Various articles are available online at several of the Known World's Kingdom Equestrian websites. Riders are not to be discouraged for wearing uncovered helmets though. In the event a rider feels compelled to choose between riding without a helmet vs. riding with an uncovered helmet, they should be urged to choose safety over appearance, and use the uncovered helmet without stigma or reluctance.

 

As is customary in the SCA, persons should attempt pre-17th Century appearance in terms of personal garb. Modern denim jeans is discouraged, as are modern horse show clothes as these are not period in appearance. Riding breeches are acceptable, especially if preferred by the rider for greater grip in the saddle and safety, as long as they are covered by a tunic to mask their appearance. 

 

Footwear is an obvious exception to this ruling as indicated above and is especially applicable to equestrians. While period turnshoes may look nice, they are not particularly safe for all riders. The soft sole may pose a danger of the rider getting a foot caught in the stirrup in the case of a fall.  Additionally, these types of footwear provide scant protection to the foot in the event of being stepped on by a horse. Riders are urged to utilize hard soled, sturdy footwear, even if it violates this ruling regarding period appearance. 

 

Æthelmearc Equestrians are encouraged to research and recreate period equipment, including bridles, saddles, barding and armor. This type of research and display enriches our understanding of equestrian life in the Middle Ages and the pageantry of our events. But, safety should never be compromised in the pursuit of this matter. Period style saddles that pose a danger by being improperly secured, or loose fitting should be avoided, as should bridles that are ill-fitted and lack adequate control.  Barding that poses a trip hazard to the horse, such as some of the elaborate, ground dragging caparisons of the later period in use during the Grand Tournaments should also be avoided.   Some horses do not have the temperament or tolerance for barding with bells or long tassels.   Despite their period appearance, the rider should use discretion in using these types of materials on a skittish or easily spooked horse.

 

So in summary, looking at the high points of the Society Earl Marshal's ruling and how it applies to Equestrians in Æthelmearc:

- No Exposed Blue, Orange or any Blatantly Modern Plastic.

Obviously this would not include tack or helmets. Armor constructed of these materials should be covered as indicated below. 

- No Exposed Blatantly Modern Equipment

This does not include tack or helmets.

 While we challenge you to look as authentic as possible the following exceptions to the above are allowed:

- Any Youth Combat Systems
Not applicable as youth are barred from equestrian combat.

- Modern Hand Protection
Equestrians may use gloves for riding or combat.

Full period display with modern materials covered.

-Modern Eyeware
This includes protection from the sun, or for fighting.

- Duct Tape (day of repairs are a necessary evil)
This is not as much an issue for equestrian, except for those engaged in mounted combat and does not apply to weapons. Duct tape is never an acceptable repair for tack.

- Modern Foot wear
See above comments.

- Modern Fencing Masks
These are allowed for crest combat and the experimental simulator unarmored combat program.
 

- Adaptive and/or Medically Necessary Equipment
This is self-explanatory.

Also, anyone who is not authorized is exempt from this standard.
In other words, at practices and events where the person is not authorized but riding under the direct supervision of the EqMiC, they are not required to adhere to these guidelines.

Remember that you can wear any of the above things if:
- They are covered by a tabard
- They are hidden by clothing.
- They are made to look period by, for example, being covered with cloth, leather, or paint (as long as the result is an "attempt at pre‑17th century appearance."

This document provides a guide to Equestrians looking to present a more period appearance. Again, do not compromise safety. If additional layers of cloth between the rider and the horse will result in an insecure seat, this should be avoided. Tabards and tunics are great ways to cover riding vests but a rider should not be discouraged from the use of a modern riding vest if suitable covering is not available. 

In summary, Safety is Key. Use that rule as your guide.
Gozen

KEO
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Since this was written, the equestrians of Æthelmearc have gained an excellent reputation for their period appearance.  At one point, it was necessary to include a notation in the requirements for the Kingdom Equestrian Championship which stated that the use of jeans would not be permitted for this competition. In recent years, riders have been well dressed at these competitions, presenting themselves in period garb with their horses suitably attired as well. In the fall of 2013, the Society Equestrian Officer ,who had been making it a point to travel and attend the various kingdom's equestrian events, remarked that she felt the equestrians of Æthelmearc were some of the best appointed riders in the Known World!