Equerry
An equerry is an associate of an Equestrian Peer or Grant Level member of the Society recognized for their prowess in the equestrian arts (e.g., the Lion et du Lance ). Within the greater SCA community, the role may be considered under the broader term of belted student ¹; equivalent roles are squire (Order of Chivalry) and arcuarius (Order of the Grey Goose Shaft). An individual becomes an equerry by entering into a formal student-teacher relationship with an accomplished SCA equestrian.
=History
The practice of taking equerry was started by the late Viscount Jerald of Galloway. These "equestrian squires" acted as retainers focused upon the equestrian arts. According to The Æthelmearc Gazette, "It was his desire that others continue this tradition and that Peers or recipients of Grant Levels awards who had achieved a level of equestrian excellence pass their knowledge onto others and further develop their equestrian skills."¹
Equerry-Teacher Relationship
In the Known World Handbook, 4th ed., Sir Nikolai Grigorevich Petrov (MKA Crai Israel) provides the follow three tips for all belted students¹:
- Don't be in a hurry - This is a serious commitment, and a hasty decision can have a substantial negative impact on one's SCA involvement.
- Define the relationship - Provide a clear concept of what the relationship is for both individuals upfront, including make-or-break details.
- Monitor the relationship - Maintain clear communication with one another, especially in regard to concerns.
Customs
Within the greater SCA, equerry may represent their role by wearing a gules and or checque with the teacher’s personal device on the tip of the belt¹. However, the Kingdom of An Tir makes no mention of such in its current Kingdom Laws for An Tir (PDF). See Sumptuary Laws for more information on apprentice belts.
The role of equerry is not officially recognized within An Tir's and the Society's Order of Precedence. It provides no rank and no official privileges.
References
¹ Gozen, Mistress Shishido Tora.(2015, January 16). "The Taking of an Equerry". The Æthelmearc Gazette Retrieved from http://aethelmearcgazette.com/2015/01/16/the-taking-of-an-equerry/ ² Petrov, Sir Nikolai Grigorevich (Craig Israel). "On Being a Belted Student in the SCA". Known World Handbook. 4th ed. Hanna, R. Wesley, ed. Milpitas: Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc., 2010. 18-19. Print.
External Links
Equestrian activities in the Kingdom of An Tir