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Have you met the Sidesaddle Encampment with Dark Horse Aside

Rat pucking had just ended and we turned to wander the lanes of faire in the late afternoon. The sounds of the whips cracking drew my attention to the roped off area where two men were “playing” at a serious game. Six-foot bullwhips cracked then took to the air like gyrating snakes as the opponents tossed them back and forth, each trying to catch and crack first. I watched, mesmerized, as the younger played with the whip, wrapping it around his body, coiling and writhing, only to be caught and cracked, then tossed again. In the background, a man sat astride a quarter horse watching and encouraging the demonstrators, occasionally adding his whip to the combinations. Stepping to the side, I caught a glimpse of tall blacks in the staging area with several women working them. A sidesaddle, obviously made for a Lady to ride, encircled the taller of the two. Let me introduce you to the Sidesaddle Encampment with Dark Horse Aside.

In front: Stepanie Cons and trick mini “Flea” (L-R): Mary Rivers and “Imke” the Friesian stallion, Deke Rivers – whip artist, Me with “Dusty” and “Spanky”, our friends Jen and Deanna with “Monte Carlo” and Paul Vance

The group—consisting of two Friesians, two quarter horses, a miniature horse, and a multitude of riders and handlers—is based out of Ocala, Florida. The specialized sidesaddle and trick-riding act performs at fairs, rodeos, and equine shows all over the contiguous United States as well as such far-flung locations as Alaska and Puerto Rico. When I expressed surprise, they explained that they fly the horses to the more distant destinations. In addition, they have a breeding program for black horses and take on apprentices to learn sidesaddle riding and trick training.

Mary Rivers-Downey, owner of Dark Horse Aside, is one of the premier sidesaddle and trick instructors in the country. Her farm in Ocala specializes in breeding blacks, with a goal of conformation and retention of the black coloration. Imke, the fourteen-year-old Friesian stallion she rides, is an absolute joy to watch. Sitting the sidesaddle with ease, she worked him through various tricks, waving, backing, moving to the side, and bowing. The tone of her voice as she praised each correct movement clearly showed how much she enjoyed the big black horse. If I had not been watching and listening closely, I would have missed the signals she gave for his moves and thought that he performed by voice command alone. Sitting so tall, leg looped over the saddle horn, her Lady’s garb flowing, Mary looked the part of the medieval courtier she portrayed.

Deacon “Deke” Rivers was one of the whip wielders who had originally drawn my attention. A third generation showman, Deke has ridden since he was old enough to be astride. These days, when not traveling to shows all over the country, he trains Brahma bulls for the rodeo circuit at his ranch in McIntosh, Florida. Performing with the horses is what he loves to do though and what he always comes back to. “Once a horse is trained to do the tricks, it’s just a matter of the performer making a few costume changes to adapt to the show,” he told me, explaining how it’s easy to move between different venues.

Denny Chapman, the mounted horseman, is a seasoned performer, trainer, and announcer. When the whip demonstration was finished, he brought out the second quarter horse and gave a Roman riding (standing atop two horses) exhibition. The pair moved easily through their paces, making it look so easy as they took their bows.

Stephanie Cons of Ontario, Canada, has ridden since she was eight and started traveling with the drill team when she was 16. She attended a training clinic given by Mary Rivers and was the recipient of an apprenticeship for further training. Having completed the first six-week program, Stephanie arranged for a second apprenticeship, this time working on her trick training. During the faire, she worked with Flea, the miniature horse, having him hind leg walk across the ring before moving to the pedestal where he stood and “smiled” for the watching children.

Paul Vance, the second whip wielder, and Deanna Hanson, who rode the other Friesian, rounded out the group performing at the Hoggetowne Medieval Faire.

This was Sidesaddle Encampment with Dark Horse Aside’s second year to appear at Hoggetowne, the only faire they have done. Located just inside the entry gate a little off to the side, they had plenty of traffic. All the horses were friendly and welcomed greetings from young and old alike. Imke, the big Friesian stallion, would lower his head to allow even the smallest child a chance to pet him. Mary and Denny both expressed an interest in doing more faires, saying that the chance to put the horses through their paces in the faire environment had been a pleasure.

Websites of Performers and Faires included in this article:

Denny Chapman’s Wild West Entertainment

February 13th, 2008 Posted by Escarlata | Have You Met? | 4 comments