[Artemisia] Gulr Wars news on mounted combat melee demo... longish

[Yaasamiin]

Greetings Artemisia,
Below are a few posts taken from other newsgroups I subscribe to. Gulf 
Wars is an event to be remembered. There are permanent buildings on site 
and the grounds are easily traveled. Shopping is great, classes are well 
presented and activities per your liking are very abundant. I think I 
like it better than Estrella and I love Estrella. Check out the links 
for pics below. Enjoy!
Yaasamiin
(*)

I journeyed to Gulf War, leaving my bug-eyed-little-
freak at home. I was going to party, fight & shop hard without worrying 
about feeding schedules.

The troops were assembled, orders were given to don helms and draw 
swords. As we formed up into our units, the cavalry from both armies met 
between the lines in a skirmish. It was a mighty thing to behold as the 
mounted warriors strove to outmaneuver each other, such skills were 
displayed to render the foot soldiers immobile in awe. A chorus of 
cheers soon erupted, as both armies urged the riders on. No witness of 
that battle will ever forget the day. The sounds of swords striking 
hungrily, defeated riders slumped in saddle as grooms rushed to their 
knights aide, the sounds of war horses' thundering hooves, the rising 
clouds of grim battle's dusts. The feats of courage from our mounted 
scouts and knights on that day were legendary. I am here to say, they 
did good service.

I was saddened that I'd not brought my horse to war but was glad to see 
the reaction of those on foot. At first there a grumble or two that we'd 
have to stand around in hot helmets while waiting for "those 
equestrians" to do their thing, that attitude was very short lived. As 
the news of what was to take place filtered through the lines, you could 
feel the electricity, the chomping at the bit...everyone seemed eager to 
watch history being made on the battlefield. I enjoyed watching the 
battle, but seeing how well it was enjoyed by the troops was wonderful.

Wayland

Some shots of the mounted combat demo:
http://www.kitemitsu.com/viewtopic.php?p=26#26
http://ardal.smugmug.com/gallery/2597042#136930575

Some dialog about the mounted combat demo:
http://forums.armourarchive.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=71268 
<http://forums.armourarchive.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=71268>
http://forums.armourarchive.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=71265 
<http://forums.armourarchive.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=71265>

Good one for Gulf Wars in general"
http://skorri.smugmug.com/gallery/2597922#136965246
http://terraefinis.org/gw16/Page1.html
http://www.gallery.clanblackmoor.org/main.php/v/GWXVI/

A Report from the GWs Equestrian Steward:

Dear Friends, GWXVI has come & gone, & so many thanks to everyone who 
helped to make it so much fun.The credit goes to the Team who made this 
event happen- Lord Ingolf who was the MIC, Sir Wulfric- Cavalry & Heavy 
Combat, Lady Elisanda who ran IKEqC & the Challenge Course, and Eachna, 
who oversaw the classes, and Lady Chiere who helped in so many ways. I 
can't let this time pass without acknowledging my Lord Richard's 
patience in losing me to the computer screen these last 6weeks, plus 
helping to load & set up all the stuff. Thanks to the many folks who 
helped to marshal, groundcrew, etc to keep things running.

We had 86 riders attending, & 34 horses brought on site, besides the 
rentals. As Sir Wulfric mentioned, we had many activities. We did 
mounted archery, which was fun! Lord Aleyn & the archers were great in 
setting up for us. The Opening Procession was beautiful in seeing the 
Royalty from the Known World in Their glory, and no incidents- hurrah! 
Trimaris provided a sumptuous breakfast for the Crowns, entourage & 
handlers prepared by Lady Doe & her staff. It was so bountiful , that we 
had lots left for the Equestrian Social later in the week (which was a 
hit). We had 24 riders run IKEqC, with Sir Henri winning the Advanced 
division, Mistress Hyrrokin, the intermediate, & Lady Rosalinda, the 
beginner division. The Meridian Challenge Course was won by Lady 
Rhiannon of Confed. The Emprise of the Athanor (in memory of Master 
Johannes) was superbly hosted by the Lance of St. Anne and an heraldic 
spectacle. Her Grace Duchess Angharad triumphed on the field (who would 
have thought my little Cody had it in him- he must have been inspired by 
his lovely rider), and Lady Lorraine as named the Prime Equus.

We held a parade which was a Timeline of History emphasizing the 
development of Cavalry through the ages- come on late period folks next 
year! The opening of the Field battle was a mounted melee a la 
Braveheart- it was awesome! Lord Ingolf has been working tirelessly 
along with Sir Wulfric since they first got heavy mounted combat 
approved last GW, to make this a reality- they have changed the face of 
SCA Equestrian by opening vistas that have only been a dream.Thanks to 
His Majesty Gunther for leading not only our troops, but in SCA 
Equestrian, along with Sir Wulfric, Duke Maximillian, Sir Richard, Sir 
Lex, Sir Alexis, Sir Henri, Sir Gideon, Lady Bridgett!We did the 
Hastings display which was such a hoot, we did the cavalry charge 
several times! Thanks to Sir Wulfric for his infinite patience in 
training his troops. Let's hear it for the WWW! The Conroi mounted melee 
was won by Sir Wulfric & Lord Orlson.

Classes held included History of Tack, Use of the Aids, Bits & Bitting, 
Equine First Aid, Barn Safety, & Basic Horsemanship. Congratulations as 
Sir Wulfric said to Elisenda for her Argent Lance & to Lady Chiere for 
her Golden Lance- well deserved. This whole event couldn't have been 
possible with out the help of so many people that I can't even name them 
all. It was a great week, & I hope those of you folks who couldn't make 
it this year, will make a date to ride with us next year to make it even 
better. Pax, Ellawin

-- 
Mu’allemah Yaasamiin al-Raqqasa al-'Alaa'iiyiyya OL, OP
Society Equestrian Officer
www.sca.org/officers/equestrian/welcome.html
equestrian at sca.org
Yaasamiina at rmci.net
208-602-3265