Frequently asked questions
Can I come along to see if I like it first?
Yes you can. An individual temporary membership for one weekend costs £16. A family temporary membership for one weekend costs £21. This will give you the opportunity to see behind the scenes at what’s involved and get an idea of if it’s something you’d like to get into before you start spending your money.
How old do I have to be to join?
To join as an individual member you have to be over 18 years old. Children under the age of 18 have to join as family members with the parent or legal guardian.
Can I join even if I’m female?
Yes you can. Approximately half of our troop is female but it's riding ability that counts.
Are families encouraged to join?
Yes, there are many families in The Sealed Knot. Although no one under the age of 16 is allowed onto the battlefield, there are many ways in which children can be involved.
How much does it cost to join?
Family membership is £65, Individual membership £45.
There is also an annual regimental subscription of £10 for riders.
Must I own my own horse?
No. We use contract horses from tried and tested yards and the horses are paid for by the society. We do have some owner riders who bring their own horses, so if you do have your own, you might want to consider doing so yourself but the battle situation is unique so your horse would need to be bomb-proof.
Do I have to be able to ride?
If you want to ride in the battles then yes, it helps!
You will not be allowed to take to the battlefield unless you have passed the cavalry riding and sword tests
which require you to;
Have control of the horse at all paces.
Ride a horse confidently and independently.
Ride with one hand at walk, sitting trot and canter.
Safely use a sword in a battle situation.
Riding a horse in battle is hard work and unlike any other sort of riding. You won't be using classic schooling riding in a battle. Cavalry troopers need to be able to ride safely & securely, so you'll need enthusiasm & confidence.
In battle riding you’ll have a sword in one hand, reins in the other and your horse will be faced with firing cannons, muskets, people shouting and waving flags.
In short, you'll need to control your horse and use a sword at the same time, ensuring that you are not a danger to yourself, the horse, or anyone else on the battlefield.
However, if you don't ride, there are still things for you to do in the regiment. Ground crew are invaluable and essential but a familiarity with horses is definitely an advantage.
How do you ensure safety during the battles?
What we do is potentially dangerous and accidents do happen, but they are few and far between.
Therefore, riders must have passed the cavalry riding and sword tests, for which you will be given training.
During a battle you will be given orders that not only direct the troop around the battlefield but also those that ensure our safety and that of others on the battlefield. Depending on the situation, they will sometimes be given abruptly and maybe in strong language but orders must be obeyed promptly.
If you do something wrong or dangerous, you’ll be told in plain English but if you do get shouted at, learn from it, don’t bear a grudge or get upset, it’s never personal.
How will I know when events are taking place?
The society has a website, issues a newsletter and we also have our own regiment newsletter which keeps us informed of news and upcoming events.
Will I be expected to go to every event?
No. You just do as much or as little as suits you. It’s a hobby to be enjoyed.
What will I need at an event?
You will need a tent, caravan or car to sleep in. All you have to pay for is to get there, feed and water yourself.
We have caterers Portaloo toilets and usually a beer tent provided at events.
What uniform do I need to get started?
The regiment will help you by loaning some essential kit but you will soon find yourself not wanting to borrow regimental kit but to buy your own. You will start to want it. Believe us!! You will want to acquire your own breeches, shirt, boots and gauntlets as soon as possible.
You will also need a buffcoat, lobster-pot helmet, sword and baldrick. Troopers are also expected to acquire back and breastplates.
Will I have to make my own clothes?
No, not unless you want to. Everything you need, and more, is available from the merchants who attend the various re-enactors markets twice a year. You can buy all you need from them, breeches, boots, shirts, helmets, swords, buffcoats. No horses though!! These merchants are all members of re-enactment societies themselves and do their best to help fellow members. If you do want to try your hand at making clothes, materials and patterns are available from merchants. Members of the regiment will also be happy to advise and help.
Is it fun?
Oh yes!!!!
Still interested in joining us?
Then please click here