Alright, yesterday, it went far enough. I am so sick of these people picking on me for no reason at all that I snapped on one of them. You can only push me so far (which is about an inch) before I snap back. The story goes that a drawing I did two months ago for a building science project was under scrutiny because I did not use a button on the tool bar to make a table for one note. I apparently did not follow ADWE standards (which are not out and I am writing them) in this instance.
Now, as long as my text style and size are correct and it is placed neatly in the drawing I do not see any problem. But this bitch I work with is trying to pick a fight with me. She is constantly butting in on conversations between P and me about new CAD computers, she butts into any conversation I have about my work and my jobs. It’s to the point where she is not being helpful but intrusive. She is learning from JP too much.
So I flipped when my drafting skills, which outrank anyone here by the tenth degree, and my ability to function as a draftsman. I know it may seem like nothing to you but I am the only one who lines up text in the company.
I do make mistakes from time to time but this was not one of those times. This was a blatant attempt to make me upset… and it worked… well sort of… see for them to make me mad it’s one thing but I also pick my battles… this was one that I can turn into my favor if they ever try to use it against me. And I can turn so that it has drastic results, towards them. Again I use my powers to protect the good not to make war, so I will let them make another move then I will crush them.
Bitty and I were talking about the SCA equestrian rules this weekend. One thing she noticed was there are rules for the protection of a horse (armor) but nothing regarding their legs. As she puts it, any damage to the horses’ legs will most likely cause their death as they are so fragile. I agree. We also looked at the way the use equine in the wrong way, A LOT. But other than that we could not find much else wrong with the rules. They seem sound.
I am very nervous about fighting on the back of horses. The steel helms that most use for heavy fighting will be used on a horse but, if you get bucked off it could mean your death as they are not designed for that kind of impact. Steel armor in the SCA is not designed for falling off an animal. Most of the combatants who were knocked off a horse in battle in the Middle Ages, died from their injuries. Now it could have been from infection, which we may not have in this day and age but, I am willing to bet the laceration will still be there.
It’s one thing to be hit by a sword it’s another to get bucked off a horse and fall +4 feet. Steel armor is fine but perhaps they should revisit the rules on that before someone gets seriously hurt. Leather armor may have a bit more give and still provide great protection.
We felt that the SCA should not rush too fast into mounted freestyle combat just yet. Perhaps some sort of choreographed event where the moves and the outcome are practiced on the horse to get not only the riders and the horses used to the movement. I felt that they should make it hard not easy for people to get involved. What I mean by that is before they are allowed to freestyle mounted combat they should first go through serious training and maybe do several mock demos. Those can be just as exciting and fun as freestyle.
One could say that I am being too ‘English’ but I would like to point out that I have not ridden English, ever. I learned on a western block and my English ideals come from observation and practice by my Bitty as well as my own experience. I have never met anyone more knowledgeable about equines (Hee hee) than my Bitty.
So, I hope they put in some protection for the horses legs as well as the rider armor and training. Just letting anyone jump on and swing could potentially be a huge mistake.
2cp
5 comments:
HORSES. Not equines!! Equine is a adjective and you can't make it plural and call it a noun!
LOL. In any case I didn't say damage to the legs could KILL them but it could easily be debilitating enough to the point where they could never be ridden again. Although I think the eyes and the poll are very important, with no mention of protective gear on the legs it makes me very nervous.
a) Not 'just anyone' can get on and 'swing'. Not on horses, not on the field. Authorizations in both heavy and mounted combat are required.
b) The armour is based off the An Tir Book of Combat.
c) Combat is practiced by a small minority of the Eq. group. Few marshals exist. Not sure if you read the part in the rules that says the fight is instantly over if the horse gets hit.
d) Gymcana and jumping is as hard if not harder on the legs.
e) Its your own choice on the ability of you as a rider and your animal's abilities.
Gymkhana, jumping, etc. are much harder on their legs, but in those sports there ARE regulations about leg protection. Go to any event that has a danger of them hitting their legs, whether it be on a natural obstacle, a barrel, or a fence, and you will see all the horses wearing leg protection. From trail riding to grand prix dressage, you will see leg protection more often than you will see helmets. In sports where it is disallowed in the ring, nearly everyone will school with wraps/boots, and only take them off for the ring.
All it takes is one misplaced whack either from the opponent, or even the horse side-stepped and hitting itself, and you have a horse that will take months to recover, if at all. Mandating leg protection, while not insurance against something like this happening, is better than waiting for it to happen and changing the rules then.
Wraps and boots may not be period, but neither is the tack - it is modern tack made to look period. As the rules I read stressed safety, I think it's at least an option worth discussing.
No hoof, no horse.
The horse are not going to hit their legs in the same way they would going over a fence. I don't know about you, but I can't reach the legs a horse with my sword. Neither can other fighters bigger than me.
As for other protection the ABH doesn't say you can't protect their legs. So what's the issue? If you have concerns take some initiative. You don't need a rule telling you to protect legs.
I suggest you take this up with the Kingdom Equestrian Marshals for better clarification.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AnTir-Horse/?yguid=125847715
Yup, I can see how you cannot hit the legs of a horse, and I did read about "if the horse is hit the fight is over." But I feel like it should be stated they need to have leg protection in the rules. Whats stopping you from falling off your horse and rolling into a leg.
There are always "what if" situations that will come up. I for one would like to compete in this event but I dont want to bring my horse onto a field where the other opponent is some yahoo looking to hurt my animal or one who could endanger themselves by not being proactive.
My opinion which counts for fuck all.
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