Can't say I'm likely to participate in anything where the barrier to
entry is iPhone acquisition, but as I happen to believe many current
equestrian disciplines are the ossified remnants of what was
previously useful at different epochs in mounted combat, you might
just tempt me, if you can provide interesting enough samples[0].
We've started playing around with sabers and bows recently. The
difference between being "in the saddle" in polo and in saber is that
in polo one wants to be a little ahead and to the right of one's man,
while in saber one wants to be a little behind and to the left[1]. I
find nocking with a thumb release much easier at gallop, but Kassai
apparently uses the pedestrian release, and he maintains an
impressive rate of fire; this may matter more at higher draw weights.
The biggest disappointments I've had in searching for mounted games
have been overly[2] constrained situations and lack of speed[3].
After all, for most antagonistic endeavors, footwork and timing are
key, even if (especially if?) the footwork isn't with one's own feet...
-Dave
[0] even if the state of practice weren't necessarily at the level of
this garrocha kata: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9Y1F_f87F0
[1] this folk wisdom no doubt predates RAND corporation pursuit-
evasion contours by millennia
[2] Patton, in his cavalry manual, notes with understatement that T-
boning, however effective in melee, is not easily practiced
[3] notable exceptions thus far being portuguese bullfights and crazy
turks playing Cirit
