Equestrian martial arts is the study and practice of any and all aspects of fighting and defending from horseback with hand-held weapons as well as archery. Equestrian martial arts is an ancient and elite form of combat that, though it is now obsolete in modern militaries, has not entirely been lost to history. Chris Kovach offers a look into the skills and techniques that horse-borne warriors used in ages past. In essence, you can learn to ride like a knight!

Chris, an experienced cavalier and military historian, provides training in equestrian martial arts in a variety of disciplines from a wide range of historical periods. Chris bases himself out of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada and currently delivers hands-on lessons in the art of horse-borne combat.

In addition to sword, lance, and bow, mounted grappling (pulling another rider off their horse) and javelin are also available. Both of these methods of fighting have proven to be viable additions to the curriculum through research and practice.

An important aspect to equestrian martial arts not often considered is how unhorsed riders should defend themselves. Accordingly, instruction in dismounted sword, dagger, and lance, against both mounted and dismounted opponents is also studied.

While methods of attack and defense by the individual rider are the essence of the discipline, other aspects of mounted combat are also researched and trained.

Horse and rider training include:

• Defensive/offensive equitation
• Mounting/vaulting/stretching in the saddle
• Group manoeuvres, charges, and tactical formations
• Riding at speed over various terrains and adverse conditions
• The proper use of martially pertinent tack and barding

Research is on-going and the weapons and methods will only increase over time.

Historical documents are the primary sources for the techniques involved in the equestrian martial arts training available. Information taken from fencing and military manuals dating from antiquity to the twentieth century also figure heavily in Chris' instruction.

Among these tomes, Flos Duellatorum, The Flower of Battle, is the main source for lance, sword, and grappling techniques. Written by Fiore DeiLiberi in 1409 or 1410, the treatise outlines a highly logical martial system that details how to fight unarmed as well as with dagger, sword, pole-axe, spear, and lance, both on foot and from horseback.