PALFREY CONTEST

In period, the Palfrey was a horse pleasant (and safe) to ride, suitable for cross-country journeys, local travel and work on the manor, and pageantry. In some places in period, amblers (what we now refer to as gaited horses) were preferred as palfreys due to their smooth gaits and generally good temperament.

This contest is an opportunity for owners of a palfrey to show their steed to best advantage in those three areas. The challenges and scoring are as follows:

1. Cross-country journey: a short course of obstacles such as might be encountered on a journey will test the horse-rider partnership. The theme will be “riding to Canterbury” with some adventures along the way.
2. Local travel and work on the manor: A few things that may be encountered when the palfrey is aiding the lady of the manor in her work will test the palfrey’s trust in the rider in these situations (to include rescuing a child, maneuvering in the marketplace on festival day…)
3. Pageantry: this is the chance to show your palfrey to best advantage, by preparing a short (3-7 minute) routine that will showcase your garb and barding and your palfrey’s gaits and harmony with you as the rider. Extra points may be gained from doing this to period music (similar to the carousel as pageantry, not the same carousel as was used as part of jousting training).

Scoring:

1. Cross-country: 25 points maximum (divided among the obstacles)
2. Local travel: 25 points maximum (divided among the challenges)
3. Pageantry: 50 points maximum (10 for use of music, 25 for the performance and 15 for garb, barding, and overall impression of the palfrey in a ceremonial role)

Because the scoring of 3. is subjective, the palfrey contest will be scored by a panel of judges.

Sound system: bring your music on either a CD or your iPod, both can be accommodated.