Equestrian Martial Arts

Equestrian Stewards

• Equestrian Steward: Mistress Aoibheall an Sionnach
• Equestrian Campmaster: Lady Tierrynna CaerNarvon
• Kingdom Equestrian Officer: Master Conall mac Seaghain

All Equestrian Staff are based in the Equestrian Campsite. In case of emergency, please have event staff or constables call them on the radio.

All horses are RESTRICTED TO EQUESTRIAN AREA AND DESIGNATED TRAILS. No horses allowed within camping areas (except EQ Camp), battlefields, and Merchant's Row.

Carts must be road legal to drive on the road. The main trail goes past the battlefield, and many scenarios allow missile weapons. Stop or re-route if asked by a field marshal to do so.

Preparing to Attend War

Step 1: Register

To register yourself and your horse(s) for Great Western War, please do the following:

1. Complete Pre-Registration (Human) for all adults in your party
2. Complete Pre-Registration (Human) for all children under the age of eighteen in your party
3. Complete a Land Allocation Request Remember to contact Lady Tierrynna, the Equestrian Campmaster, if you are planning on camping with Equestrian.
4. Complete Pre-Registration (Horse) -- OR -- PDF version for each animal you are bringing AND mail your money in BEFORE August 1, 2012.
   Please note that horses and other livestock stabled at equestrian do not need to pay the pet fee through the main registration. All horses/livestock fees are on the official horse registration form.

Step 2: Get Your Authorizations in Order

1. Read the Caid Equestrian Handbook
2. Update your equestrian authorizations with your local marshal if they are set to expire before the completion of this event.

Step 3: Get Your Horse's Paperwork in Order

1. Acquire a Health Certificate and current Coggins Test from your veterinarian if you are traveling to California from another state. Health certificates are good for 30 days and must be valid through the time of travel.
2. Make sure your horse’s vaccinations are up to date. West Nile virus, a mosquito-borne disease, has been found in birds on the site. Horses who have not been immunized against the West Nile virus should not be brought on site. Horses should be vaccinated no later than two weeks before transport, which allows time for the horse to recuperate and for the vaccinations to take effect.

What to Do When You First Arrive on Site

1. Upon arrival, check in with Gate to pick up your site token and parking tags.
2. After checking in, proceed to the equestrian parking area and park parallel to the other trucks and trailers. Please DO NOT park in front of or beside the equestrian campsite, as that area is reserved for temporary off-loading of human camping gear and necessities.
3. If you have reserved one or more stalls, those stalls will be marked with your name. You may offload your horses into the stalls that have been reserved for you before checking in with the Equestrian Steward.
4. If you will be setting up a portable corral, please leave your horses in your trailer while you check in with the Equestrian Steward. When you check in, you will be shown where to set up your corral.
5. If you are day-tripping, you may offload your horses and tie them to your trailer; however, please do not leave your horses unsupervised.
6. If you will be camping at Equestrian, please check in with the Campmaster and you will be shown to your camping space.

Parking

Trailer/truck parking is available in the equestrian area. Only horse hauling vehicles and horse trailers actually being used to haul equines are permitted to park in the equestrian parking area. Trailers with living quarters are allowed to use generators until 10PM, or sooner if neighboring campsites complain.

Equestrian Guidelines

Requirements for Participation

Anyone riding/driving in any Equestrian activities must have a current equestrian authorization card from any kingdom. This includes all martial activities and trail rides. Time has been set aside on Thursday for authorizations; additionally, a limited number of equestrian authorizations may be done on other days if time permits. Please contact Mistress Sionnach to request an authorization opportunity.

Volunteer Ground-Crew positions in Caid do not require authorizations, but are approved on a day to day basis by the Equestrian Marshal-in-charge. Only people over the age of eighteen may serve as ground-crew members unless accompanied by a legal parent or guardian at all times.

Annoyance Fines

If you bring a horse on site, you MUST physically sign out with Mistress Sionnach before departing the site. THERE WILL BE A $75 STAFF HASSLE FEE FOR ANY BEDDING, MANURE, SHAVINGS, OR OTHER DEBRIS LEFT IN ANY STALL, TRAILER PARKING SPOT, OR PORTABLE STALL LOCATION AFTER YOUR DEPARTURE. Sign out will verify your area is has been left clean, and ensure you avoid this fine and the potential for being banned from future Caid equestrian events. It is NOT advisable to leave any bedding behind for a friend; if they do not clean it up YOU will be billed.

No Smoking

Smoking is not permitted anywhere in the equestrian camp, the arena, on or near any hay bales, or outside your vehicle in the equestrian parking area due to the highly flammable nature of horse feed and bedding.

Rental Horses

No rental horses are available at this time.

Rules to Remember Around Horses

• Minors are not allowed around the animals without parent or legal guardian escort.
• Do not feed or touch any of the horses without permission from the owner.
• A red tassel or ribbon on a horse indicates that the horse may bite or kick. Do not approach this horse.
• Horses startle easily. Do not run, jump, yell, or make sudden movements around them.
• The stable closes at sunset to everyone except horse owners.

Horses of War

More info about bringing horses and pets to war.

Equestrian Camping at War

Please review the suggested (horse) packing list

It is highly encouraged that you bring a period, rather than modern, pavilion or tent. Equestrian Camp is located on a bluff and can experience high wind speeds which can be damaging to modern tents and/or pop-ups. Per site rules, every pavilion must have a working fire extinguisher placed outside of it. Please label it with your name.

Please contact Lady Tierrynna, the Equestrian Campmaster, by September 15 if you would like to be included in the food plan for the War. Ice and firewood are available for purchase on site.

Loud parties and drumming are not allowed in the Equestrian Camp after 10 PM. Equestrians have to rise early to take care of their horses. Please be considerate.

Equestrian Activities at War

Caid is proud to present one of the most intensive and organized equestrian events in the Known World. We take great pride in offering a variety of activities for participants and encourage attendees to do as many or as few events as they and their horse are capable of. During the hottest part of each day we take a break from activities so that riders may try other weapons or art forms, shop, or just relax in camp overlooking the lovely Lake Buena Vista.

Equestrian events are scheduled Thursday through Sunday. All schedules are subject to delay or change based on wind and weather conditions.

If you would like to organize or sponsor an activity that is not listed, please contact the Equestrian Steward to discuss your ideas.

Equestrian Schedule

Activity Details

Thursday, October 4

• 9 AM – 12 NOON: Open Practice and Authorizations (Equestrian Arena) — Use this time to warm up, hone your skills, and practice on different pieces of equipment. Authorizations in general riding and mounted games will be available; be sure to contact the Equestrian Steward in advance if you need to schedule a new authorization or reauthorization.
• 2 – 4 PM: Mounted Combat Practice and Authorizations (Equestrian Arena) — Any riders wishing to participate in the mounted combat demonstration on Friday are required to attend this special authorization and training class. Both horse and human must meet armor requirements and be authorized at this time for mounted combat. Attending the class does not guarantee authorization for the mounted combat demonstration.
• 4 - 4:30 PM: Castle Charge Practice (Main Battlefield) — Any riders wishing to participate in our castle charge on Friday are required to attend this special authorization and training drill series. Both horse and human must be authorized at this time for the charge due to its proximity to spectators and fighters; pre-existing general riding or other authorizations will not be accepted in lieu of this class. Ability to follow orders and control a horse up to a hand gallop calmly and with quick response is required. Attending the practice does not guarantee authorization for the castle charge.
• 4:30 -6:30 PM: Lake Procession (Outer Loop Trail, departing from Main Battlefield) — Welcome to Caid, now go get your horse dressed! Pull out your best barding, caparisons, trappings, and attire for our annual procession around the site. Show off your noble steed, and enjoy the lovely Lake Buena Vista at sunset in the company of your fellow equestrians.

Friday, October 5

• 9:30 - 10:00 AM: Mounted Combat Demo (Main Battlefield) — Watch as armored warriors demonstrate weapons handling and tactics used for combat on horseback. Special horse and rider armor and authorizations required; please see Thursday’s schedule.
• 10:00 AM (or on the Field Marshal's command): Castle Charge (Main Battlefield) — Participate in a grand cavalry charge to kick off the day's fighting. Feel what it's like to have an army backing you up and a kingdom cheering you on as we canter through the castle and put the "war" in "warhorse." Special authorization required; please see Thursday's schedule.
• 11 AM - 12 NOON: Mounted Combat Workshop (Equestrian Arena) — Continue the morning’s excitement with a mounted combat workshop and practice. No armor is required for the first part of the workshop, which consists of drills and unarmed maneuvers. Approved armor and eye/poll protection are required for one-on-one and melee combat practice.
• 3 - 5 PM: Angels Baronial Championship (Equestrian Arena) — Gules and Or adorn the field as the Barony of the Angels determines its Equestrian Champion. Who will take home the prized Seraph caparison this year? Riders of all skill levels are invited to compete for the champion’s title, or participate “hors concours” (for the joy of competition but not for the title of Champion).
• 6 - 9 PM: Equestrian Potluck (Equestrian Campsite) — We knew you wouldn't want to leave our four-hooved heartbreakers so bring a chair, your feast-gear, and a pre-cooked meal contribution for all to share. Join equestrians from around the Known World as we let our manes down, catch up, and share horse stories.

Saturday, October 6

• 10 AM – 12 NOON: Caid Fall Equestrian Championship (Equestrian Arena) — Take the field of honor to vie for the privilege of becoming the Equestrian Champion for Caid’s Winter Queen. Riders of all skill levels are encouraged to take part in this tournament, and to show their prowess and martial skills in various games. Bring your finest trappings, barding, and banners to bring color and pageantry to the field. Please bear in mind the honor and responsibility of serving as the Queen’s Equestrian Champion before competing for this title. If you would like to compete, but do not live in Caid or do not have the time to commit to serving on Her Majesty's court, please consider competing "hors concours" (for the joy of competition but not for the title of Champion) instead.
• 2 - 3 PM: Mogu Class (Equestrian Arena) — This traditional Korean sport is a twist on mounted archery, shooting foam-tipped arrows at moving targets. Bring your mounted archery equipment and gloves. Some loaner gear may be available.
• 3 - 5 PM: Mogu Tournament (Equestrian Arena) — Try out your new-found skills in a fun competition as we “hunt” the mogu target. Participants must be authorized in mounted archery.

Sunday, October 7

• 10 AM - 12 NOON: Celtic Challenge Bareback Tournament (Equestrian Arena) — The thrilling quest-based mounted bareback tournament returns as we bring Celtic lore alive in this audience favorite. Watch as riders navigate their way through our challenging and entertaining Halloween-themed course. Bareback pads are allowed, and additional points are awarded for wearing Celtic garb or shouting a Gaelic war cry. Riders are encouraged to participate at whatever gait they are the most comfortable.
• 2 - 3 PM: Horse 101 (Equestrian Arena) — Bring yourself and the children for an introductory class on horses and horse keeping. Learn about horse behavior, grooming, leading, and how to feed horses treats. This activity is specifically designed for people who love horses but do not have their own, are having understandable "horse withdrawal" while on site (who doesn't, right?), or would like to learn more about horses.
• 3 - 7 PM: Arena Tear-Down Party (Equestrian Arena and Camp) — Help bring this year’s war to a successful close by joining the arena tear-down party. Bring a few husky friends to help take down and stack panels, rake stalls, and collect equipment. Afterwards, gather at the Equestrian Camp for a farewell party to share food, drink, and tales, and make plans for next year’s event.