Introducing Kristi Charron

[Chevalier]

Those lucky enough to attend the NZ WMA Convention met not only Bob Charrob but also his wife Kristi who is a riding instructor and researching medieval horsemanship.

Aaaand while some practised Fiore et al. some of us horse people managed to steal Kristi and spent a whole Sunday with her attending a jumping clinic, flying over medieval manuscripts (several!), watched a video and discussed display and competition riding, philosophied about a worldwide network of medieval equestrianism, and ... oh, we also had her ride a Lord of the Rings horse and she rode brilliantly and picked up all the rings several times. And then we talked some more about the various ways of creating Skill at Arms-courses and dipped into Arabian manuscripts and Arabian horsemanship and then... we had to let her go

We are going to develop all those great discussions and thoughts over the coming months and might build a specialised webpage too. As for now:
Colin, we are so thankful for creating such brilliant opportunities for us. Thank you for bringing in these experts and hats off to Bob and Kristi - it is phantastic knowing you!

[Chevalier]

Oh, and did I mention she worked as a consultant on The Royal Book of Horsemanship, Jousting & Knightly Combat: A Translation into English of King Dom Duarte's 1438 Treatise, Livro Da Ensinança De Bem Cavalgar Toda Sela, or "The Art of Riding in Every Saddle"., trans. by Antonio Franco Preto! See [url] http://www.amazon.com/Royal-Horsemanship-Jousting-Knightly-Combat/dp/189144834X/ref=tag_tdp_sv_edpp_t/105-8365814-2756417[/url].

Edited to change quote into hyperlink.

[Callum]

I found the lectures given by the Charrons to be as useful, if not more useful than the Fore workshops delivered by Bob. The Charrons have done a heap of research and have really got inside the heads of the likes of Fiore, Dom Duarte, etc. and worked out what they were actually trying to say.

Up until now I have been trying to interpret these contemporary works with a 21st century mindset rather than try to look at it from the mindset of the contemporary reader who the works were aimed at.

I was disappointed with the Dom Duarte translation when it first came out but after Kristi's two equestrian seminars I am going back over it with a fresh set of eyes.

For those who missed out on meeting the Charrons, they are keen to visit NZ again so in a few years time who knows we might be able to bring them out again. If we do, don't miss it this time!