FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I join the Warhorse Challenge Association?
A: Print out the Registration form from this site. Fill it out, and mail it with check or money order for the appropriate amount, made out to Warhorse Challenge Association:
Warhorse Challenge Association 20330 60th Ave SW, #215 Lynnwood, WA 98036
Since WCA is a new organization and official functions will not be as numerous this first year, members who register in 2007 will be automatically registered for 2008 free of charge. Two years for the price of one!
Q: How much does it cost to register?
A: Registration fee is $50 per person, $35 for one horse, $50 for two horses, and $75 for three horses. You may register up to three (3) horses. Once you are a member, you may compete in any WCA event on any horse that is also registered with the WCA, for which you are registered as a rider. See Competitors .
Q: Do I have to be a member to participate?
A: Since the WCA is just starting up, we realize prospective members may want to try out these activities before joining. Ergo, anyone may participate in a WCA clinic or workshop without being a member. However, members receive a discount not available to the general public. Clinic participants may also participate in the competitions at the end of each clinic, but only WCA members' scores will count toward their High Point scores. For official shows, you must be a member in good standing and your mount must also be registered with the WCA in order to participate.
Q: What do I get for joining?
A: Along with being able to compete in official WCA shows, upon joining the WCA as a full-fledged member, you will receive:
* Access to the complete rulebook, including a breakdown of each event, how it is performed, and how it is scored. Includes helpful hints on how to increase you time and accuracy.
* Access to plans, instructions, and diagrams of the equipment; everything from stanchions and quintains to lances and swords.
* Access to a list of venues and suppliers where you can shop for costuming, weapons, and tack.
* Membership discounts on all official WCA clinics and events.
* Email updates and notifications of upcoming events and WCA news.
More benefits will be forthcoming as the organization grows.
Q: I don’t have a horse of my own. Can I still compete?
A: Absolutely! Any horse registered with the WCA can be ridden by up to two (2) riders per event, as long as they are both registered with the WCA and are in separate Age Categories, Competition Levels, or Weight Divisions. Competitors
Q: I’ve never done any of these kinds of things with my horse. How do I practice for an event?
A:
Upon joining the WCA, you will receive access to the complete Members' Rules, Regulations, and Responsibilities, which includes a detailed breakdown of how each class is run, plus access to Equipment Diagrams and Designs, which includes practicing tips, specific height/length requirements for equipment, and how to construct the kind of equipment you will need to practice these events. You will also receive a list suggested markets where you can find costumes, weapons, or other equipment, if you cannot make them yourself.Also, keep an eye out for a WCA clinic in your area. At the clinics, a qualified instructor will show you the basic techniques, let you try out some of the equipment for yourself, and give you a solid start so you can practice on your own or with friends safely and with confidence.
Q: My best friend has an Arabian. I have a Percheron. Will we be competing against each other?
A: Only in non-timed events such as costume classes. Otherwise, you will most likely be in different weight divisions, which will enable you to compete on a more equal basis. Weight Divisions
Q: I don’t sew, and I don’t know much about history. Do I have to wear a costume?
A: Costumes are strongly encouraged and will earn you bonus points in most events. Scoring But while they add to the spectacle and the overall fun, they are not required. Costumes & Armor
Q: I want in on the fun, but I live outside the region. How can I be a part of this?
A: WCA plans on becoming National and International as soon as membership achieves sufficient numbers. The good new is, any member of the WCA can host an event. Be the first in your region!
Q: How do I know what region I’m in?
A: If you’re in Washington State, Oregon, Idaho, or Northern California, you’re in Region One. Regional boundaries will be decided based on membership populations.
Q: How do I hold a WCA event in my area?
A: Contact the WCA. We will be glad to get you started. Judges, assistants, and almost everything else you need are available through the WCA.
Q: I don't usually do horse shows. Does my horse need shots? Are there vet checks?
A: Yes. Rules & Responsibilities
Q: Does my horse have to have shoes?
A: Your horse's equipment should match the time period and culture of the rest of your costume. Many cultures did not put shoes on their horses. But these are choices for the individual horse owner. Be aware that attention to that kind of detail may be a tie breaker in costume classes.
Q: Do I have to use real weapons? I'd feel more comfortable sticking to wood.
A: For Intermediate level and Adult classes, the use of the real weapons is required. Do not enter those classes unless you've practiced with the real weapons. If you are uncomfortable using an edged weapon, choose a culture and time period which used weapons with which you are more comfortable. Weapons
Q: If I'm the only competitor in a class, do I automatically win?
A: Probably, but if you're unable to perform the task, you would still be disqualified. Also, being the only one is no fun! Encourage your friends to join so you can compete against one another.
Q: Can I compete in more than one region?
A: Yes! However, your points are accumulated for that region only. You might be going for High Point in two different regions!
Q: Can I compete on my stallion?
A: Yes! However, your stallion is expected to behave as well as any gelding or mare. Unruly horses of any gender may be disqualified.
Q: Can I compete on my mule?
A: Yes. WCA allows mules, asses, donkeys, ponies, and even miniatures to compete in WCA events, as long as they’re in appropriate classes (i.e., costume or driving events, etc.). We do not allow llamas, camels, elephants, ostriches, war buffalo, long-horned steer, or bovines of any type. There have to be limits somewhere.
Q: My horse, Buddy, doesn't like other horses. Are there classes where he doesn’t have to be in the ring with other horses?
A: In most WCA classes, the horse and rider are in the arena by themselves. There are some exceptions, such as costume class, etc. If your horse can't behave himself, perhaps you should retrain him, find another mount for those classes, or stick to classes where you don't need to come near other horses.
Q: My dog always runs along with Buddy and me when we play Mountain Man. Can he come too?
A: For safety reasons, we do not allow dogs to participate, even when it may be appropriate to the costume/culture you are choosing to portray. If your pet is on a leash, or in a crate or kennel, it may be at the events, but only at your truck/trailer. Loose animals are not allowed and may lead to the owners being disqualified from the event.
While we’re on the subject, small children (6 and under) should not be running around unattended either, for the aforementioned safety reasons. Many horses will kick if startled, and most children have a natural gift for startling them. Please avoid qualifying yourselves or your offspring for a Darwin Award nomination by keeping them under supervision while you are at the event.
Q: How authentic does my historical costume have to be? Can I use a sewing machine?
A: Yes. But be warned: at some competitions, hand-stitching may be the tie-breaker.
Q: Armor is really heavy. Can I use knitted chainmail?
A: Yes, but you won't get any of the armor bonuses, and knitted maille won't cut it in a costume class. Scoring Be aware that armor does affect your balance; practice riding in it several times before attempting to wear it in competition. See Rules & Responsibilities and Costumes & Armor
Q: My friend built a Celtic war chariot. I made myself a Roman chariot. How do we make sure there’s a chariot class of some kind at our local WCA event?
A: While some competitions will be standard at all WCA events, others may depend on the interests of local horsemen and the number of interested competitors. Contact the event coordinators. Most will be happy to accommodate local members’ wishes and interests, if they are aware of them. If you belong to a driving organization, make sure your local WCA is aware of it, so driving events are included in WCA events in your region.
Q: I want to try jousting! How can I make sure a jousting competition is offered at WCA events in my region?
A: Jousting will probably not be offered at all events; it is a dangerous sport, and requires special considerations. If you’re serious about crossing lances with other beginners, contact the WCA and the coordinators of your local events and inquire.
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