Forgive me for posting this in my current state of annoyance, but I was just told by a French fencing supply company that shall remain nameless that they are incapable of selling me their custom-made equipment for saber fencing on horseback because they are for sale as a complete set only.
These masks are similar to very light nylon fly masks, but have goggles made of fencing-mask mesh that cover the horse's eyes. They look like they're designed to fit under a bridle.
I would like to have some masks meeting these specifications manufactured for me, and I have no doubt that an American manufacturer would do a better job in manufacturing these and even in improving the design, as the originals didn't look too adjustable. If you can help, please drop me a line. You get bonus points for beating the 150-Euro price.
Unfortunately, I don't have pictures, as I happened to see these things in a picture at their boutique and they brought out the actual item for me to examine only once. I can draw you a sketch, though.
So, basically you want a modern chamfron? I'm not surprised that's hard to obtain. Sometimes you see antique ones for sale, but I think they would be better for mounting as decoration on the wall than on a horse. Good luck, Ken.
"In theory, theory and practice are the same, but in practice, theory and practice are different."
Make sure that you not only pay attention to protecting the horse's head, but also it's hooves. Nike, in between its research and creation of the new fencing shoe, came up with a new air horseshoe. Brilliant!
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"Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there."
Will Rogers
Race horses use a wide variety of blinkers. They vary in depth and are for different purposes. Suggest you Google "race horse equipment blinkers" and see what is there. If nothing else a variety may serve as a base that you could then add mesh to. Don't know if you will save much.
I can supply you with the horse goggles you are looking for. There are two types I have available. A knit, one-size-fits all sort of covering with the mesh eye cups (see attached photo horse goggles) for 160 plus shipping. Or a custom protector which has different size eye cups (sm,med,lrg,xl), different closer types (hook and rings or velcro) and different colors ( base and trim ) for 185 plus shipping. (see attached photo horse eye protector).
Sorry you had trouble with my French friends...sometimes they don't understand what business they are in. I have to keep reminding them everything is for sale.
I can supply you with the horse goggles you are looking for. There are two types I have available. A knit, one-size-fits all sort of covering with the mesh eye cups (see attached photo horse goggles) for 160 plus shipping. Or a custom protector which has different size eye cups (sm,med,lrg,xl), different closer types (hook and rings or velcro) and different colors ( base and trim ) for 185 plus shipping. (see attached photo horse eye protector).
Cool! Are those the Estoc ones? Or a regular pelling?
Cool! Are those the Estoc ones? Or a regular pelling?
Neither are from France. Both are US made to protect the horses eyes and pacify the horse.
Originally Posted by Ken Mondschein
Yes, I'm planning on fencing on horseback
Is this SCA related or actual dry sabre on horseback?
If dry sabre how have you considered protecting the back of your head, the horses neck and shoulders?
If dry sabre how have you considered protecting the back of your head, the horses neck and shoulders?
What he said. Protecting the eyes is great, but a missed cut hitting the horse's neck isn't going to go over well if there's not some kind of protection.
If dry sabre how have you considered protecting the back of your head, the horses neck and shoulders?
Yes, I've been pondering that, since I want the bridle hand to be a target.
No, it has nothing to do with the SCA, though, as it turns out, they use pellings for their activities, too. I study old-school Italian saber, and my dressage teacher wants to try saber on horseback. I want to use heaver sabers, like the Hanweis (even though the quality is crap compared to FIE blades).
Ken, how many people do this as a sport, and what kind of horse do you use?
A small but definitely nonzero number. I know that people do it in Brittany in France (as a sport, with wireless electric scoring), and I want to start doing it in the U.S.
A small but definitely nonzero number. I know that people do it in Brittany in France (as a sport, with wireless electric scoring), and I want to start doing it in the U.S.
Originally Posted by Swordmaster 
