Unit Competencies List
All Impressions Military or Civilian, Foot or Mounted:
- Because the XIXth Light Dragoons is a military unit, successful completion of basic safe weapons handling instruction is required for all members. Weapons will be handled only by people over the age of 16.
- The XIXth Light Dragoons is a mounted unit. While members are not required to ride, all should be comfortable around horses and should not have any allergies to horses.
Civilian Impressions
Kit requirement: Clothing and other accoutrements appropriate to the role.
Civilian Foot
Civilian Mounted
Kit requirement: Clothing and other accoutrements appropriate to the role.
- Weapons safe handling instruction
Civilian Foot
- Successful completion of safe weapons handling instruction.
- Further details TBD
Civilian Mounted
- Successful completion of safe weapons handling instruction.
- Must maintain a riding logbook in good order and signed off by unit riding master.
- Currently has no riding level or has only up too a level 2/8 in Quebec or equivalent.
- Rides under good control with safety of horse, rider, re-en-actors and the public in mind.
- Has passed an evaluation with the unit riding master.
- Has up to date and current horse insurance and has provided proof to the unit riding master and the unit CO.
Military Foot Impressions
Dismounted Impressions Kit
Kit requirement: A minimum of stable jacket, beanie hat, white shirt, cotton stock and grey pants, black ankle boots (Modern)
gaiters and vest are optional.
Dismounted Non-firing impression
(This is the minimum standard to get on the field with the XIXth LD.)
Dismounted firing only
Fencing add on to Dismount (1796 British,)
Manual of Arms: Link to come
A fencing safety officer MUST be present at all times when fencing.
*For example: Schola Gladitoria, Accademi Duello. Please check with the Fencing Master for other acceptable schools.
Dismounted Impressions Kit
Kit requirement: A minimum of stable jacket, beanie hat, white shirt, cotton stock and grey pants, black ankle boots (Modern)
gaiters and vest are optional.
Dismounted Non-firing impression
(This is the minimum standard to get on the field with the XIXth LD.)
- Must be at least 16 years of age.
- Successful completion of basic foot drill and words of command.
- Successful completion of safe weapons handling instruction.
Dismounted firing only
- Successful completion of non-firing dismounted impression competencies.
- Successful completion of all the field firing drills and safety drills for black powder.
- Paired with a senior or long standing member on the field for at least the first season on the line, or longer if needed.
Fencing add on to Dismount (1796 British,)
Manual of Arms: Link to come
- Must be at least 16 years of age.
- Must be able to recite all safety regulations from memory (see sparring at end of page).
- Must demonstrate safe and professional conduct when fencing.
- Must have a certificate from a recognized fencing school (with logbook)*. OR
- Must have undergone training through Fencing safety officer as to proper positioning and procedure for sabre fencing.
- Must have logged at least 60 hrs of fencing time (includes instruction) works out too about 20 sessions.
A fencing safety officer MUST be present at all times when fencing.
*For example: Schola Gladitoria, Accademi Duello. Please check with the Fencing Master for other acceptable schools.
Military Mounted Impressions
Mounted Impressions Kit
Kit requirement: A minimum of stable jacket, beanie hat, white shirt, cotton stock and grey pants, riding appropriate boots, Safe riding equipment. Gaiters and vest are optional.
Mounted Dragoon Impression (no field)
Mounted Dragoon Impression (Demonstration only)
Mounted Dragoon Impression (with field)
Mounted Dragoon Impression (with fencing)
Mounted Dragoon Impression (Square)
Mounted Dragoon Impression (Firing)
At this time, we do not fire carbines or pistols from horseback. This will change once our Dragoons and Mounts have had more practice in their home stables.
Galloper Gun
TBD
Mounted Impressions Kit
Kit requirement: A minimum of stable jacket, beanie hat, white shirt, cotton stock and grey pants, riding appropriate boots, Safe riding equipment. Gaiters and vest are optional.
Mounted Dragoon Impression (no field)
- Must maintain a riding logbook in good order and signed off by unit riding master.
- Currently has no riding level or has only up too a level 2/8 in Quebec or equivalent.
- Rides under good control with safety of horse, rider, re-en-actors and the public in mind.
- Has passed an evaluation with the unit riding master.
- Has up to date and current horse insurance and has provided proof to the unit riding master and the unit CO.
Mounted Dragoon Impression (Demonstration only)
- Must maintain a riding logbook in good order and signed off by unit riding master.
- Currently has no riding level or has only up too a level 3/8 in Quebec or equivalent.
- Rides under good control with safety of horse, rider, re-en-actors and the public in mind.
- Has passed a no field evaluation with the unit riding master.
- MUST always have a fencing safety officer and riding master present when doing Demonstrations.
- Has up to date and current horse insurance and has provided proof to the unit riding master and the unit CO.
- Can demonstrate proper and safe sabre handling on horseback.
Mounted Dragoon Impression (with field)
- Must maintain a riding logbook in good order and signed off by unit riding master.
- Currently has no riding level But has passed the No Field testing or has up too a level 4/8 in Quebec or equivalent.
- Rides under good control in formation, with safety of horse, rider, re-en-actors and the public in mind.
- Has passed a no field evaluation with the unit riding master.
- Has up to date and current horse insurance and has provided proof to the unit riding master and the unit CO.
- Can demonstrate proper and safe sabre handling on horseback.
- MUST always have a riding master present when on the field.
Mounted Dragoon Impression (with fencing)
- Must maintain a riding logbook in good order and signed off by unit riding master.
- Currently has no riding level But has passed the Field testing or has up too a level 4/8 in Quebec or equivalent.
- Rides under good control in formation, with safety of horse, rider, re-en-actors and the public in mind.
- Has passed a with field evaluation with the unit riding master.
- Has up to date and current horse insurance and has provided proof to the unit riding master and the unit CO.
- Can demonstrate proper and safe sabre handling on horseback.
- Has passed a mounted demo evaluation with the unit riding master and unit CO.
- Can demonstrate the proper positioning of the sabre cuts and parries on horseback.
- Can demonstrate the cuts allowed when doing mounted fencing and can demonstrate the cuts and parries NOT allowed.
- MUST always have a riding master present when on the field.
- MUST always have a fencing safety officer present when on the field.
- MUST have express permission from Crown Forces and American Forces as well as the site coordinator prior to mounted fencing!!!!!
- MUST retire from the field if asked to do so by any Higher officer or site staff.
- Must have logged at least 60 hrs of mounted fencing time.
Mounted Dragoon Impression (Square)
- Must maintain a riding logbook in good order and signed off by unit riding master.
- Currently has no riding level But has passed the Field testing or has up too a level 4/8 in Quebec or equivalent.
- Rides under good control in formation, with safety of horse, rider, re-en-actors and the public in mind.
- Has passed a no field evaluation with the unit riding master.
- Has up to date and current horse insurance and has provided proof to the unit riding master and the unit CO.
- Can demonstrate proper and safe sabre handling on horseback.
- Has passed a with field evaluation with the unit riding master and unit CO.
- MUST always have a riding master present when on the field.
- MUST always have a fencing safety officer present when on the field.
- MUST retire from the field if asked to do so by any Higher officer or site staff.
- MUST have coordinated with the attacked unit before the battle.
- BOTH unit officers are to inform the battles safety officers that this will be taking place.
Mounted Dragoon Impression (Firing)
At this time, we do not fire carbines or pistols from horseback. This will change once our Dragoons and Mounts have had more practice in their home stables.
Galloper Gun
TBD
Vetting Mounts
A bit of info on proper re-enactment horses,
As for mounted combat and Re enactment Horses.
Your Best bet is an older Horse of about 12 years + with lots of life
experience. a good example would be a Gymkhana horse. Meaning that it
has left home a lot and competed around crowds and noise, with lots of
outside stimulus to distract it from its task. Gymkhana horses are
also used to being tied to posts or trailers. your horse Would need to
easily be trailered with minimal to no fuss on entering and exiting
the trailer as well as long drives (some of the events can be upwards
of 10-12 hour drive+). Such horses are also used to spending nights
in portable stalls such as we use. (horses use to english shows will
be use to indoor stall and creature comforts) A great asset will be
horses use to speed and agility events especially for mounted 18th and
19th century mounted combat.
An absolute MUST is to test the horse FEAR RESPONSE. The horses
natural fear reaction must not be extreme. The absolute best reaction
is stop and stare. I suggest you take a blue tarp for the horse to
walk on, a balloon to burst, a sabre to pull from the sheath (horses
hate this noise) and any other thing you can think of to test what the
horse will do. a horse that shys away or is curious about the object
is also good but will need work. A horse that flees rears kicks or
jumps away from the objects are unsuitable for mounted combat.
make sure the horse is not a bitter or kicker as the horse will have
contact with the public. it will also encourage the horse to attack
the other horses the longer the horse is used for mounted combat. the
horse should ideally be 14.2 + for people up to 5.7, and 15.2 for
those over, People of 16 years of age with parents written consent
and adults at the age of consent are all eligible for mounted combat.
The riding style is to the preference of the rider either direct rein
or neck reining with the typical rearward seat, (the historically
correct reference is a dressage/jumping mixed base and a forward seat
with direct reins )
- Mount demonstrates proper and safe handling.
- Mount demonstrates good control under obstacle conditions.
- Mount demonstrates a minimal startle response to gunfire.
- Mount demonstrates a minimal startle response to large groups of people.
- Mount demonstrates a minimal startle response to flags and swords.
- Mount demonstrates a pleasant demeanour with the public.
- Mount demonstrates an ability to stay out in a portable wooden paddock.
- Mount is "bomb proof".
- Mount has been through the pre-battle run up drills with either the riding master or unit CO.
A bit of info on proper re-enactment horses,
As for mounted combat and Re enactment Horses.
Your Best bet is an older Horse of about 12 years + with lots of life
experience. a good example would be a Gymkhana horse. Meaning that it
has left home a lot and competed around crowds and noise, with lots of
outside stimulus to distract it from its task. Gymkhana horses are
also used to being tied to posts or trailers. your horse Would need to
easily be trailered with minimal to no fuss on entering and exiting
the trailer as well as long drives (some of the events can be upwards
of 10-12 hour drive+). Such horses are also used to spending nights
in portable stalls such as we use. (horses use to english shows will
be use to indoor stall and creature comforts) A great asset will be
horses use to speed and agility events especially for mounted 18th and
19th century mounted combat.
An absolute MUST is to test the horse FEAR RESPONSE. The horses
natural fear reaction must not be extreme. The absolute best reaction
is stop and stare. I suggest you take a blue tarp for the horse to
walk on, a balloon to burst, a sabre to pull from the sheath (horses
hate this noise) and any other thing you can think of to test what the
horse will do. a horse that shys away or is curious about the object
is also good but will need work. A horse that flees rears kicks or
jumps away from the objects are unsuitable for mounted combat.
make sure the horse is not a bitter or kicker as the horse will have
contact with the public. it will also encourage the horse to attack
the other horses the longer the horse is used for mounted combat. the
horse should ideally be 14.2 + for people up to 5.7, and 15.2 for
those over, People of 16 years of age with parents written consent
and adults at the age of consent are all eligible for mounted combat.
The riding style is to the preference of the rider either direct rein
or neck reining with the typical rearward seat, (the historically
correct reference is a dressage/jumping mixed base and a forward seat
with direct reins )
Sparring
In All Sparring
• Fence with precision, care, and control at all times
• Be the steward of your partner’s safety
• Agree to a speed and a convention before fighting
• Never spar while angry
• Call your hits
• Do not fence faster than your ability to do it well
• Do not be an idiot
Speed
Speeds are 1 through 5.
Speeds specify upper limit, not uniformity.
E.g., fighting at speed 4 does not require you move constantly at 4, just that you limit your fastest movement to 4.
1. As slow as you can go.
Each technique can be practised and thought about as it is executed.
2. Deliberately slow.
A flowing speed that allows for thought and high mental presence.
3. “Walking speed” – neither slow nor fast.
Physical forces come into effect. Situations are more fluid and tactical but combat is noticeably slower.
4. Fast – smooth and controlled at your perfect form.
Physical forces are in play. This is the lower end of “combat” speed.
5. Unlimited.
There is no restriction on upper speed while still avoiding sloppiness.
When working at speeds 1 through 4 be sure to calibrate with your partner to establish agreement.
Calibrate to the slower partner.
Conventions
Limited Standard Expanded
• Whole body target
• Submission grappling
• Fight ends if safety equipment is compromised
• Strikes as pushes (not impacts)
• Whole body target
• Standing grappling for no more than five seconds
• No strikes
• No throws
• Upper arms (above the elbow), torso and head as targets
• Invalid targets do not “block” blows to valid targets
• No grappling, no strikes
• No blade seizures
“Hold”
At a call of “Hold”, all fighting stops. “Hold” may be called by either fighter, or an observer, if anything appears
to be going wrong, be it gear related (or horse related.) or psychological (fighter panicking, getting angry, etc.).
Calling Blows
• If you are struck, call “Hit”
• If your partner calls “Hit”, acknowledge the call:
“No good” (an invalid strike)
“Thank you” (a valid strike, you may then pretend to be dead or retire from the field if safe to do so)
• If your partner fails to call “hit” when struck, continue fencing
(discuss after the bout has concluded)
• Only call valid strikes to you; you cannot call “double hit”
In All Sparring
• Fence with precision, care, and control at all times
• Be the steward of your partner’s safety
• Agree to a speed and a convention before fighting
• Never spar while angry
• Call your hits
• Do not fence faster than your ability to do it well
• Do not be an idiot
Speed
Speeds are 1 through 5.
Speeds specify upper limit, not uniformity.
E.g., fighting at speed 4 does not require you move constantly at 4, just that you limit your fastest movement to 4.
1. As slow as you can go.
Each technique can be practised and thought about as it is executed.
2. Deliberately slow.
A flowing speed that allows for thought and high mental presence.
3. “Walking speed” – neither slow nor fast.
Physical forces come into effect. Situations are more fluid and tactical but combat is noticeably slower.
4. Fast – smooth and controlled at your perfect form.
Physical forces are in play. This is the lower end of “combat” speed.
5. Unlimited.
There is no restriction on upper speed while still avoiding sloppiness.
When working at speeds 1 through 4 be sure to calibrate with your partner to establish agreement.
Calibrate to the slower partner.
Conventions
Limited Standard Expanded
• Whole body target
• Submission grappling
• Fight ends if safety equipment is compromised
• Strikes as pushes (not impacts)
• Whole body target
• Standing grappling for no more than five seconds
• No strikes
• No throws
• Upper arms (above the elbow), torso and head as targets
• Invalid targets do not “block” blows to valid targets
• No grappling, no strikes
• No blade seizures
“Hold”
At a call of “Hold”, all fighting stops. “Hold” may be called by either fighter, or an observer, if anything appears
to be going wrong, be it gear related (or horse related.) or psychological (fighter panicking, getting angry, etc.).
Calling Blows
• If you are struck, call “Hit”
• If your partner calls “Hit”, acknowledge the call:
“No good” (an invalid strike)
“Thank you” (a valid strike, you may then pretend to be dead or retire from the field if safe to do so)
• If your partner fails to call “hit” when struck, continue fencing
(discuss after the bout has concluded)
• Only call valid strikes to you; you cannot call “double hit”