Guild Activities

The Horse Guild is an interest group. We are a group of friends with a wide range of interests involving horses. The scope of our activities spans a wide range of interests and periods. Here is a list of things we do:

1. Equestrian Gaming - games of skill of horse and rider.
2. Pageantry - Making and riding in period costume researched and made by group members at parades and other faire events.
3. Breeding - Promotion and awareness of unique breeds descended from the horses of the middle ages.
4. Living History- Building period equestrian equipment, and creating detailed and historically correct outfits depicting various eras and cultures in the middle ages.
5. Research- Studying aspects of medieval horsemanship to increase our knowledge of the subject.
6. Advocacy- Setting standards for proper care, management and treatment of horses used at medieval reenactment events. Promotion of safe uses of horses at events.

Each person in the group outfits horse and rider in period costume for their specific interest. Currently an area of interest for all the members is the 15th century. All of us have turn out and personal costumes for this era. We also have ties to the eleventh century since the Battle of Hastings reenactment put on by Markland annually is still a draw. Several members are breeders of the Friesian Horse and like the fact that medievalism gives an additional venue to their breed interest. Most all of the members are active with the Amateur Jousting Association (ring jousting). A number of us are members on a professional or semiprofessional basis with Renaissance Faire Jousting Troupes. We have one lady who is a Grand Prix level dressage rider who demonstrates her art in full plate armor (Horse and Rider). We also have an individual who is an avid living history reenactor, and a number of people who just happen to love horses and the middle ages equally. We play a number of medieval riding games such as riding the quintain, tent pegging, and playing head of the Tartar. We also have organized costumed processions and trail rides. Periodically we get together to ride or socialize at a farm owned by a couple of our members. We stay in touch with each other through the internet and through a telephone chain.