The saddle looks cool, I have two horses and being able to use the same for either is great. I mostly use a Windtec Isabel Werth adjustable girth dressage saddle that allows you to change the width but it requires tools and it doesn't have the large pommel, cantle and mounting points. The Hussar saddle I picked up if France really only works on my Arabian and I use a half pad underneath to accommodate his back better. I wouldn't spend all day with it on him. For re-enacting a 19th century light/heavy cavalry saddle with that adjustment would be well received. For events I have always rented a horse and just dealt with what they had. Trucking my horses around long distances isn't practical. I will say that if you want to do mounted HEMA you probably need to have your own horse. It's really more of learning how to move and position your horse and that communication takes time. You 1). can't get on your average lesson horse and expect him/her to he able to maneuver like the movies 2). You are going get a lot of scrutiny from all the girls and their moms at the average barn, they can be so cruel :) most barns are into specific things, dressage like mine others into jumping, western stuff etc. You mostly want basic dressage done one handed. Dressage isn't as common as jumping etc. so you are going to be more limited. Forget most of what you learn on foot, the Schola windmill saber method when your horses head is in front of you doesn't work. The riding is 90% of the work, mostly you can hold your saber over your head and drop it as you pass, rotation isn't necessary. Straight arm stuff on anything with mass and you are going to develop sore shoulders not matter how quickly you rotate away. I am glad more people are getting into the mounted aspect. There is very little in the way of reviews and instruction on you tube at present. Ride on!
Coopetition and Sporty HEMA soup.. I like this guy :). Allowing different strands, needs and activities coexist and flourish as HEMA and historical martial arts grows seems essential. Though, as money and commercial interests take root I wonder where the practice of HEMA (the end output from all of the research) may be in 10, 20 years and the next generation comes along? Will their needs be the same? Part of me wishes that the vibrant, grass roots, quirky, passion-filled activity remains just as it is. Part of me understands this is not realistic and it will change.
Thank you sir.
For all this content. For your time and effort.
I'm thinking about buying this saddle for my first horse.
These interviews are pretty interesting, Thomas! Thank you, once again.
Change... expensiveness... of armored fighting? God, yes!
Great interview, really interesting guy and company.
The saddle looks cool, I have two horses and being able to use the same for either is great. I mostly use a Windtec Isabel Werth adjustable girth dressage saddle that allows you to change the width but it requires tools and it doesn't have the large pommel, cantle and mounting points. The Hussar saddle I picked up if France really only works on my Arabian and I use a half pad underneath to accommodate his back better. I wouldn't spend all day with it on him. For re-enacting a 19th century light/heavy cavalry saddle with that adjustment would be well received. For events I have always rented a horse and just dealt with what they had. Trucking my horses around long distances isn't practical. I will say that if you want to do mounted HEMA you probably need to have your own horse. It's really more of learning how to move and position your horse and that communication takes time. You 1). can't get on your average lesson horse and expect him/her to he able to maneuver like the movies 2). You are going get a lot of scrutiny from all the girls and their moms at the average barn, they can be so cruel :) most barns are into specific things, dressage like mine others into jumping, western stuff etc. You mostly want basic dressage done one handed. Dressage isn't as common as jumping etc. so you are going to be more limited.
Forget most of what you learn on foot, the Schola windmill saber method when your horses head is in front of you doesn't work. The riding is 90% of the work, mostly you can hold your saber over your head and drop it as you pass, rotation isn't necessary. Straight arm stuff on anything with mass and you are going to develop sore shoulders not matter how quickly you rotate away. I am glad more people are getting into the mounted aspect. There is very little in the way of reviews and instruction on you tube at present. Ride on!
Coopetition and Sporty HEMA soup.. I like this guy :). Allowing different strands, needs and activities coexist and flourish as HEMA and historical martial arts grows seems essential. Though, as money and commercial interests take root I wonder where the practice of HEMA (the end output from all of the research) may be in 10, 20 years and the next generation comes along? Will their needs be the same? Part of me wishes that the vibrant, grass roots, quirky, passion-filled activity remains just as it is. Part of me understands this is not realistic and it will change.