University of Atlantia

After completing this class, you will be able to explain the role of mounted archery in military history, locate and understand relevant mounted archery safety procedures, select equipment that is appropriate for mounted archery, and prepare your horse for mounted archery. You’ll also be able to identify (1) ground archery skills to practice that will improve your mounted archery and (2) equestrian skills you can practice that will improve your mounted archery.

Have you ever wanted to ride sidesaddle? Here's your chance!! Katharine will have a number of safe, modern sidesaddles available and will see if one is suitable for you and your horse. The time block will cover saddling, safety, and at least walk/trot. Expect about 15 minutes of riding. Well-fitting ASTM helmet required. To protect the saddles, no footgear with zips on the outside, no jeans or silicone full-seat britches. Please sign up at Katharine's trailer (gooseneck with truck VA tags "SIDSDDL") so we can attempt to settle saddle fit prior to class. Katharine is a certified "B" instructor with the Side Saddle Association, an affiliate of the British Horse Society.

Learn the steps you and your horse need to take to get your horse used to mounted archery. This class will briefly review the foundational knowledge from my basic desensitization class and gearing that knowledge specifically to Mounted Archery. Please note, this class will not transform your horse overnight into a bomb proof horse, but give you the tools and knowledge to guide your journey. If you have an equine present you will get a chance to work through the steps to get your horse ready for mounted archery. This class is open to horses of any training level. The individual step(s) you work on will be geared towards you and your horse’s level. Size Limit: 15 horses, no limit on auditors

In this class, you will learn the basics of target archery with a focus on techniques that translate to mounted archery, such as speed nocking, instinctive aiming, and drawing efficiently. This class is open to all skill levels. You should bring this equipment: Bow, arrows (loaner equipment will be available). The class size is limited to 8 people.

Lady Þóra will have two stripped Western saddle trees and one disassembled English saddle. Using these, we can explore the design and construction of saddles, and how they fit on a horse.

Join Alex of Black Dragons for a gentle walk to identity our local plants and trees (and maybe a few small creatures along the way). This walk will be heavily botany-focused, so we may end up not traveling very far at all as we take time to truly look and explore all that is around us. Class size is best for 10-15 people. Class is expected to last 1-2 hours (folks are welcome to join in late or leave early if needed).

We’ve all seen the period images of women riding, and it’s not like we’d let a period gender barrier stop women from riding in the SCA anyway. What were they wearing, why were they riding, and what tack did they use? Did Anne of Bohemia or Catherine d’Medici have anything to do with saddle design? How much of what we see was allegorical, or was it all real?

For the second part, we will practice weapon control from horseback, riding drills as our skill level permits. The goal is to learn essential safety precautions and strategies for skill level permits. The goal is to learn essential safety precautions and strategies for Rossfechten. Riders must wear body protection, including neck, hand, and elbow protection, as well as fencing masks and neck protection, which meet the requirements outlined in the fencing rules. All horses have to wear eye protection. We are using the Rawlings swords for this activity.

Mounted Fencing, traditionally called Rossfechten, combines traditional horseback riding with the art of fencing. This course is designed for riders of all skill levels who wish to deepen their understanding of mounted fencing and the equitation required for it. The first part of this course will be without horses. The course will emphasize the importance of safety when practicing fencing techniques on horseback, as well as understanding proper gear for both rider and horse, riding etiquette, and effective communication with your horse. We will briefly review the fundamentals of Horseback Riding and Weapon Handling Techniques. Followed by practicing the mechanics of wielding a sword without hitting your or your opponent’s horse.

In this class, you will experience mounted archery while being led on horseback. This allows you to focus on archery fundamentals without needing to control the horse. It is important to have these skills already: Basic mounted archery knowledge, comfort sitting on a horse, and ability to mount a horse. You should bring this equipment: Bow, arrows (loaner equipment will be available), and appropriate riding attire. A short bow that does not hit the mount is essential. A suitable mount must be arranged ahead of time.

This class will cover: application of some period plays with a consenting partner, how your equitation impacts your horse’s movement, how lateral work provides leverage. Equipment and Gaits: walk and halt required, some lateral work – basic leg yield – helpful, squishy knee pads, bareback, bareback pads, or pulling stirrups off of saddles your favorite fectbuch

This class will cover: an explanation of the line between art and combat in SCA administration, a brief introduction to horse and rider structure, some best practices for grappling safely with your friends, & an overview period plays and how to explore the manuscripts in more detail. Ideal Students: Are you a fighter that wants to learn a little about how mounted combat worked in period? This class is for you. Are you intrigued with the idea of integrating things like wrestling and justifying it as an Arts Project? This class is for you. Are you a games, rossfecten or mounted combat rider interested application of period combat and hunting practices? This class is for you. Are you fascinated by the intersection of biology and physics through the application of muscles, bone and tendons to equipment? This class is for you. Have you always wondered how to talk your friends into letting you throw them to the ground while justifying it as ART? This class is really, really for you

In this class, you will practice proper body mechanics for mounted archery while stationary. This includes balance, nocking speed, and shooting angles from a full size wooden horse. It is important to have these skills already: Basic archery experience and the ability to mount a (wooden) horse. You should bring this equipment: Bow, arrows (loaner equipment will be available). Class size is limited to 6 people.

This class will cover: common modern driving practices, how to incorporate them safely in the SCA world, some practices we can infer from pre-1601 European art work, an examination of why we do or do not see them more commonly in the SCA. Ideal Students: Do you have ANY interest in horse-drawn vehicles? This Class is for you. Are you a rider who finds yourself marshaling hitched horses? This Class is for you. Are you a Driver wanting to learn more about driving practices in period or wanting to share what you do with riders? This class is for you. Useful Equipment: Harnesses and vehicles do not fly well. The instructor would welcome any equipment locals have that they can bring so students can experience the items in three dimensions.

This class will show participants how to make a braided sling. This class is hands on, and materials will be provided for up to 5 students. Others are free to observe.

In this course, we will explore the role of sheep in the lives of medieval societies, sheep keeping, and the husbandry throughout the year. We will have a brief section on the uses of sheep for meat, tools, and fiber.

"Does stabbing at pigs illude you? Are you interested in learning how to successfully stab them? In this class I will teach you the steps you need to effectively do this. If you have one, please bring your own ring/ pig lance. Class is limited to 15 riders."

We will work on skills commonly used in challenge courses outside of the traditional skills at arms, such as side passing, operating a rope gate, backing obstacles, and more! 5 riders, unlimited non-riders

Throughout the medieval period, the humble bee was far more than a producer of honey and wax—it was a living emblem of divine order, mystical transformation, and the eternal interplay between nature and the sacred. Medieval scholars and religious writers alike imbued bees with layered symbolism: their regimented social structure became a metaphor for the ideal human community, while their mysterious methods of reproduction and the phenomenon of bugonia (the spontaneous generation of bees from decaying matter) were read as signs of divine or magical intervention. This class is 2 hours long.

"This is a Society Experimental Program that focuses on the unique dynamics of combat scenarios involving mounted riders against ground fighters. Participants must be pre- approved to participate in this activity. The prerequisites for all riders are mounted combat authorization, armor, and weapon validation. Horses must also be pre-approved for this activity. Before participating, each Horse/Rider team must be approved by the authorized Mounter to Ground Marshal. Ground fighters must be authorized to fight heavy weapons. During this second part of the class, we will work on developing offensive and defensive tactics for mounted riders, including charge techniques and flanking maneuvers. We will also participate in simulated combat scenarios where mounted riders engage ground fighters, focusing on tactical decision-making, situational awareness, and real-time adjustments."

Foodstuffs are one of the oldest currencies in the world and are intimately tied with the concept of political power. The relationships between sociopolitical groups and food help paint a picture of the development of countries and cultures over time. This class will explore a series of food items, the cultures that brought them to the Iberian peninsula, how food culture and power hierarchies interact in that space, and recipes for each of those food items from the pre-Roman era to the age of Spanish colonialism. Class size limited to 10

"Learn to build and start a fire using flint and steel. Once we have a fire going, we will cook our evening meal (food provided by instructor). Class limited to 7 students. During the second half of the class, Lady Anubh de Mona will host a Bardic Circle around the fire the students have made. "

This will be an introduction to constructing wooden arrows for use in SCA target shoots. Topics covered will include relevance of arrow spine, determining arrow length, types of nocks, equipment and supplies needed, and methods of arrow construction, including sealing and cresting shafts, cutting arrows to size, and applying nocks, tips, and fletching. The class will include some hands-on components, with arrows in various stages of construction available for students to crest, fletch, and attach tips.

You may be familiar with the British “tragedy of the commons,” but Spain has an entirely different story to tell. We’ll dive into the Iberian forest commons and key changes in land use such as occurred during the Reconquista.

This class is on foot. The class will give a sampling of plays from across Fiore’s manual including a dagger play, a variety of sword plays, and then some work trying to figure out some of his horseback plays. Because Fiore’s manual describes a consistent system, many of the non-horse plays can be directly adapted for use on horseback when at appropriate range. So, understanding the system is a much better approach than just understanding the 36 horse plates from the manual. The techniques will apply to the SCA Rossfechten ruleset which is about mounted sword play. No armor needed, this will be slow reproductions of plays. A limited number of waster swords will be available; if you have one to bring that would be helpful

It’s hard when your art doesn’t fit on a table and isn’t well understood by John Q Populace. Come join in a discussion of how to make connections with those who share your passions and more importantly how to create niche-art-apprecitors from arts display viewers Instructor Back-ground: The instructor LOVES arts displays and has experienced them as displayer, event steward, and royal patron. More importantly, the instructor has 40 years of experience in extending agricultural education to the urban population and 20 years of experience explaining how equids are documentable and how riding is art to the West Kingdom’s largely urban populace.

Come see what the garden behind your house might have looked like in the early to mid 1500’s. This class will include a handout and sample seeds for you to try at home plus recipes for what you might get. Main discussion: Atlantia range gardens of the 1500’s or First peoples gardening on the East Coast between New York and North Carolina.

This is a follow up to the Basics of Driving Classroom session and will focus on ground driving. It is not absolutely necessary to attend the prior class, but it would be helpful. Please bring your horse and any driving equipment you have. In order of preference, you should have either a full harness, a driving surcingle with long lines, or a saddle with 2 long lead lines (i.e. lunging ropes). Class is limited to 5 horses. Auditors also welcome.

"In this class, you will learn to ride in a continuous loop while nocking and loosing arrows at a tangent to the firing line. This exercise builds control, rhythm, and confidence in shooting from a moving horse. It is important to have these skills already: Ability to ride at a trot or canter, prior archery experience. You should bring this equipment: Bow, arrows (loaner equipment will be available), and appropriate riding attire. A short bow that does not hit the mount is essential. A suitable mount must be arranged ahead of time. A steady controllable horse is necessary for this exercise"

This class will cover the basics of driving, to include harness and cart parts, driving vs riding commands, and a brief overview of how to begin teaching your horse to drive. There will be a follow up hands-on class in which we will begin the desensitization process on horses. Class size limited to 20 people.

In this class, Epy will give you some tips and tricks for javelin throwing. If you have them, please bring your own javelins. Class is limited to 10 riders.

Basic leather care for armor, garb, and more. Cleaning, conditioning, and basic evaluation.

Stitching, glueing, using rivets; students are welcome to bring their problem pieces and Thora will do her best to help!

Naran Bagsh discusses different kinds of Asiatic arrows. Characteristics, construction, and usage.

How to select and use a thumb ring, how to use the thumb to draw the bow. Class size is limited to 8 people.

This class will cover: an introduction to classical farming manuals-an overview of poultry species and types in Europe prior to 1601-some common production practices-best readily available modern analogues for food and fiber purposes Ideal Students: Are you a cook looking for the best fit ingredients? This Class is for you. Are you a poultry fan curious about the period breeds? This Class is for you. Do you like doing obscure research? This class is for you Have you heard about my poultry classes and are frustrated that I don’t allow them to be put up on YouTube when I teach them online? This class is very specifically for you Useful Equipment: Curiosity Instructor Background: Our Instructor funds her horses and her medieval habit through full time work as a chicken gynecologist. She holds a wealth of modern credentials in addition to her SCA awards

"This is a Society Experimental Program that focuses on the unique dynamics of combat scenarios involving mounted riders against ground fighters. Participants must be pre- approved to participate in this activity. The prerequisites for all riders are mounted combat authorization, armor, and weapon validation. Horses must also be pre-approved for this activity. Before participating, each Horse/Rider team must be approved by the authorized Mounter to Ground Marshal. Ground fighters must be authorized to fight heavy weapons. During the first part of this class, we will emphasize the importance of safety while practicing lance fencing on horseback and understanding proper gear, riding etiquette, and communication with your horse. We will be emphasizing the importance of safety for both riders and ground fighters, including equipment checks, communication, and emergency procedures. Additionally, the first part will cover effective combat techniques, tactics, and strategies that allow horseback riders to engage effectively with ground-based adversaries while maximizing their combat skills. We will analyze the techniques and strategies used by ground fighters, including movement patterns, defensive maneuvers, and methods to counter mounted threats."

How do you recreate a prehistoric brew without a historical recipe you can redact? In this class, after a brief overview of all-grain malting and beer brewing, we will discuss how we know about prehistoric brews, including evidence from textual sources, archaeological evidence, and chemical residue analysis. Then we will lay out ways to recreate Iron Age brews from West Central Europe. We will discuss methods for small-scale malting, wild yeast capture, campfire brewing, and open ferments. Malting and wild Yeast cultivation both involve growing living organisms, so can be considered agricultural–on a very tiny scale!

Spanish merino wool was regarded throughout medieval and renaissance Europe as the finest wool fabric on the market. What sets the Spanish sheep and wool industry apart from others, and why did the once-prized global market for Spanish wool collapse in the 17th century? Class is limited to 25 people

Public Health Officials recognize the importance of including the impact of domestic and wild animals on disease in human populations. Mental Health Professionals recognize the crucial role that the Human-Animal Bond plays in mental and physical health of human populations. Anthropologists, Sociologists, and Art Historians consider the impacts of animals on the establishment of culture and what they leave behind. Come join a discussion of all the areas we can incorporate animals into the context of period practices as well as extending that reference frame to our weekly activities in the SCA. Instructor Background: The instructor LOVES animals and has experience working with cooks, scribes, wood workers, leather workers, fiber artists, fighters and many more populations on incorporating animals and animal knowledge into historic study and SCA practices.

This class will cover: impulsion and why it’s important, impulsion and how to get more of it, natural waves in horses motion, how to use those waves to do the work of unaliving others, how to make those waves bigger. Equipment and Gaits: walk and halt required, trot and canter useful, your favorite fectbuch, your favorite period riding pattern or manual, your favorite sword or sword simulator, your favorite lance or lance simulator, your favorite javelin or javelin simulator

Noble Bronwyn will teach the basics of building a Pine Needle Basket. Attendees, please bring a sewing kit of several strong needles of different sizes, very strong thread any color, wax for thread, a pair of small pliers, a pair of scissors, and a dish towel or small cloth you don’t care if it gets stained. There is a $5.00 fee for handout and materials. I will provide the pine needles, a gauge, and handout. Class limited to 16 students.

Have you ever wanted to try your hand at the SCA games outside of the arena? See what it would be like to simulate some of our skillsets in situ? Come ride the Hunt Course! This activity will involve riding parts of the Green Trail, defeating some of the common SCA games such as heads, javelin, and more.

Lady Teleri will teach some knots useful for setting up tarps, keeping blankets rolled up, running a clothesline, etc. Half-hitches (two ways), lark’s head, slipknot, square knot, taut-line hitch. Practice rope provided but BYO if you want to take your tied knots home. Class size is limited to 10 people.