Schola Equestris - the Horsey HEMA Podcast

Liz Scott
Schola Equestris - the Horsey HEMA Podcast

Explore the world of classical dressage, rossfechten (mounted combat) and jousting through interviews, educational content and more. Hear from academics, horse trainers, HEMAists, and more as Liz explores both modern and historical interpretations of how to ride and fight on horseback.

Episodes

  1. 11/01/2024

    Mounted Combat, HEMA, and Stunt Riding with Jack Gassmann

    In this episode of Schola Equestris, host Liz Scott chats with the multitalented Jack Gassmann, an international HEMA competitor, equestrian martial artist, and seasoned horse stunt performer. Jack's journey spans from Lakota horse archery to competitive HEMA, and he brings an incredible blend of horsemanship, historical expertise, and athleticism to both the ring and film set. Topics covered in this episode: Jack’s Unique Path: From his roots in buckaroo horsemanship and European HEMA circuits to his current work in film stunts and reenactments. Mounted Combat Insights: How Jack views mounted combat as a “team sport” with the horse as a partner, and tips for HEMA practitioners looking to transition to mounted work. Horsemanship Fundamentals: The importance of mobility and groundwork before taking on mounted combat, with practical advice for learning to ride with finesse. Stunt Work and History: Jack shares insights into the stunt world, balancing historical accuracy with on-screen aesthetics, and his thoughts on how to bring HEMA’s athleticism to the mainstream. Training and Teaching: The realities of training beginners and non-riders for mounted combat, and Jack’s approach to making complex skills accessible. Tune in for a fascinating conversation with stories from film sets, HEMA tournaments, and the open trail, as Jack and Liz delve into the skills, athleticism, and dedication behind mounted combat and historical swordsmanship. Stay tuned to the end for Jack’s advice on getting started in mounted combat and his reflections on historical figures he’d love to meet. If you're interested in training with Jack or bringing mounted combat into your HEMA practice, check out his contact info in the show notes! Links and Contact Information Find Jack on Instagram (@JackGassmann)  or Facebook! Follow Schola Equestris on Instagram (@scholaequestris), Facebook, or your favorite podcast source.   Learn about Liz's sports performance training coaching for HEMAists on Instagram (@sprezzaturasports) or online at sprezzaturasports.com Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more content on mounted combat and historical horsemanship!

    41 min
  2. 06/06/2024

    Jordanus Ruffus and Mamluk Lancework with Jennifer Jobst, PhD

    On our third episode of the Schola Equestris, the podcast for mounted combat and historical horsemanship, we interview Jennifer Jobst, PhD:   Jennifer Jobst is an independent scholar with a PhD in Information Sciences and a long-standing interest in horse training techniques of the pre-modern era, as well as their practical application and relationship to modern riding. She has presented at several conferences and authored papers on riding and training: from thirteenth century hippiatric treatises, to furusiyya books from the Mamluk golden age, to sixteenth century riding performances and their relationship to dance. She also experiments with the techniques and exercises from original sources with her own horses, to better understand the skill and practical application of pre-modern texts.   Jenn and I delve into several different topics including Ottoman Mamluk lancework, horsecare as is described by Jordanus Ruffus, and the relationship between historical riding techniques and modern dressage.    Works we talk about:  Jordanus Ruffus -  De medicina equorum - copies in many languages exist (too many to list) - 15th c. copy in Italian available online from Yale University, as Beinecke MS 679   Sunny Harrison, PhD - Jordanus Ruffus and the late-medieval hippiatric tradition: Animal-care practitioners and the horse    If you are interested in attending the October clinic in the USA Jen is hosting with Arne Koets, contact the podcast directly and we will put you in touch with her!

    59 min

About

Explore the world of classical dressage, rossfechten (mounted combat) and jousting through interviews, educational content and more. Hear from academics, horse trainers, HEMAists, and more as Liz explores both modern and historical interpretations of how to ride and fight on horseback.

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