The Company of the Warhorse, is a group of Southern Oregon Equestrians and students of medieval history who train themselves and their mounts in the arts of mounted combat as practiced during the late middle ages and early renaissance.  Most are members of the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA), while some also hold membership with similar groups, like the Warhorse Challenge Association.(WCA).

We will be holding Medieval Equestrian Gaming Workshops at Ashland Hills Stables, in Ashland, Oregon, monthly throughout 2009.(http://www.ashlandhillsstables.com) (Map). 

We hope also have workshops at other facilities as well, so if you would like to host a workshop at your facility, contact troy@troygriffith.com

Currently it is our plan to hold a one-day workshop on the First Saturday of each month, beginning in March.  If you are interested in taking part in one or more of our workshops, you can also contact troy@troygriffith.com to reserve a spot for you and your horses and to get more details.

See some video from our August 2008 Workshop
See some photos from our August 2008 Workshop

These workshop will focus on the correct use of weapons as well as skill on horseback.  While correct refers to form and technique, we are focused first and foremost on keeping it safe and fun.

This is a great chance for those who have wanted to participate in such activities, but didn’t have access to the equipment or instruction to get started.  It will also be a chance for us to get to know others with similar interested and start forming a community to promote this sort of activity in our area.

These monthly workshops will be official SCA activities, so SCA rules and games will be taught, along with some done by groups like the WCA. In ALL of these activities the safety of the horse, rider and observers are our prime directive.

Individuals interested in the general warhorse concept can bring their horse and be introduced to Warhorse Gaming in a controlled, group environment. Also, these workshops will help prepare riders and horses for the Hocktide Emprise which is an official SCA event being held in April of 2009.

Activities will include Quintain, Lance & Rings, Saber & Rings, Heads, Javelin, Reeds, Archery and Pig sticking to be sure, and will also include Crest combat and Speed Quintain, even Foam Tip Jousting.

Click Here For More Details About The Games.

There will also be discussion and advice on the building of some of the elements so participants can build their own equipment at home to continue their practice.

The Details:

• Instruction provided by Troy Griffith, AKA Sir William Brannan KSCA .
• Pre-registration is REQUIRED for the upcoming workshops.
• Participant Fee: $15 per day per person
• Stabling Fee: Two-Day Workshops only. $10 per day per horse (stall or turnout whichever is available) owner provides feed and hay.
• All horses must have current shots and be free of any obvious signs of illness or they will not be permitted to stay.
• Please, no dogs.
• Spectator Fee: $5. per day waived for volunteer participation. This would entail helping out the riders from the ground by resetting elements and handing up weapons.
• Saturday Night BBQ: Two-Day events only. $5. per person (Burgers, Dogs, Beans) and any Potluck donations gladly and voracious eaten by all! (two day workshops only)
• Bring your own drinks.
• No alcoholic beverages allowed.
• Smoking allowed only in your own vehicle.

Schedule for one day practices:

10:00 am Muffins, introductions and socializing.
11:00 am Horses will be saddled and ready to go by for a mounted
“walk through” of the days elements and warm up.
11:30 am Practical training begins.
1:30 pm Lunch Break
2:30 pm Practical training continues.
4:30 pm Training Ends with horse and rider cool-down and care.

Schedule for two day workshops:

Saturday Schedule

10:00 am Muffins, introductions and socializing.
11:00 am Horses will be saddled and ready to go by for a mounted
“walk through” of the days elements and warm up.
11:30 am Practical training begins.
1:30 pm Lunch Break
2:30 pm Practical training continues.
4:30 pm Training Ends with horse and rider cool-down and care.
5:00 pm Bar-B-Q, bragging and excuses.

Sunday Schedule

10:00 am Donuts and socializing.
10:30 am Horses will be saddled and ready to go by for a mounted “walk through” of the days elements and warm up.
11:00 am Practical training begins.
1:30 pm Lunch Break
2:30 pm Practical training continues.
4:30 pm Training Ends with horse and rider cool-down and care.
5:00 pm Pack up, more bragging and excuses and then we go home.

Both days, breaks for water, leg stretching and bathroom will be taken as needed.

Interested parties can contact Troy Griffith, troy@troygriffith.com, 541-535-7974.