[Chris Olsen]

as the topic was looking at A&A pieces I would suggest the italian three ring rapier, it is long enough to be used from horseback, relatively well balanced and the long thin blade when sharpened is quite enough to explain to the lead dog that he made a poor choice, or atleast his pack, this combined with thos darn horse hooves.

theres a review of the sword in the reviews section, I own two of them and use the one with the dull edge for 99% of all my rapier work both on stage and in classes. and the sharp one is for cutting of course, never use dit one a dog.

you could also order a cheap polemace or spear from Bud-K and cut it down to size.

[L. Bailey]

I really dont think there is any need for a high-end sword in this case.

There are some great riding swords out there, mostly sabers, that are not only effective but could give you the thrill of feeling like a European Mounted General of old.

http://www.trueswords.com/cold-steel-1796-lig...5d7bccb3cc

http://www.trueswords.com/cold-steel-1830-nap...-2157.html

http://www.trueswords.com/cold-steel-1908-ind...-2155.html

http://www.trueswords.com/cold-steel-battle-r...-2154.html

http://www.trueswords.com/cold-steel-1860-hea...-2150.html

And another piece, not a riding sword but could deinately do some damage:

http://www.trueswords.com/cold-steel-small-sw...-1965.html

"Trueswords" really doesnt sell the best stuff but their prices on Cold Steel is unbeatable.

[R D Moore]

Peter.

She's a beautiful horse! I think the sword is something you fancy. Not necessary but comforting perhaps? She looks smart, Peter. I can see why you like to spend time with her. I'm sure you'll choose the sword that fits you best, but, you don't look like a saber man to me. I really like the looks of that mare. Enjoy her, amigo.

Ron

[Peter Bosman]

[Peter Bosman]

[Konstantin Tsvetkov]

Peter,

I don't think you really need a sword or gun for this purpose. Cold Steel 54" BLACK SJAMBOK or similar long whip would work fine, I suppose.

[Peter Bosman]

[R D Moore]

Peter,

Yes, I follow you. Look at these swords http://www.fredericksantiqueswords.com/html/catalog.html pages 18 through 26 look interesting.

Your stallion has great lines, Peter. The second picture says it all. He's lived a while but he's strong and alert. Another good horse. Pure Lipizzan?


Ron

[Hugo Voisine]

What about one the Albion Squire line swords ?

They are blunt, so there is less chance of accidently cut your horse or yourself, and you won't hurt a dog too much unless you really want to. Plus, they're nice and relatively inexpensive.

Imagine yourself riding at night with this beauty at hand...



I think the key is to look at swords which were meant to be used on horseback. As someone else pointed out, a cavalry saber would be great also...

Too bad there's no good production shop selling copies of Tizona...

[Peter Bosman]

[R D Moore]

Apologies!! Off Topic!!

Yes, the second group of photos clearly show his youth. And I can see the Bard-Arab in his frame. Ahh, sunshine! I miss it dearly!

Now, back to your search for a sword.

[P. Cha]

Okay so no gun(best choice).

And no spear (second best choice)

And no hickory staff (3rd best choice)

And sabers don't appeal to your senses (4th best choice)

Umm at this point, I think any sword you like the look of will suit your purpose. It is a false sense of security as you are basically ignoring MUCH better options for what you feel to be astectically pleasing. I have gone on country rides with a spears or hickory stick and other then what you feel the moment should be(especially the spear since it does feel a bit militant), it is not a hinderance to the actually riding (assuming you secure the spear in a pennant holder...the hickory stick is much easier to deal with...but of little use if you need a last line of defense against running into a boar unexpected...yes it happens, one of my friends is crippled in his left leg for life from a night's ride and running into a nursing sow. Lucky for him that his wife had the good sense to have a .454 casul sidearm). If I was going sword for a practical horseback usage, I would look no further then the calvary sabers. I mean really, the calvary sabers were used by calvary for a reason after all.

Now despite all this, I think you have the right to do what you want so if you like small swords, I think the A&A small sword would work well for what you want. Or something from darkwood armoury maybe? The doge from albion...it's blade is pretty long for reaching those dogs. For me, with your restrictions, I think I'd pick the doge personally.

[Peter Bosman]

[Jean Thibodeau]

Oh, yes I would also recommend the Doge, but I am influenced by the fact that I have one on order.

As to cutting the dog in half: Maybe I was being over dramatic but the capability to do it is part of the continuum of force going from display to vigourous waiving in a threatening manner to actual light hits or cuts. The extreme of going to lethal force being reserved for only extreme danger to yourself and your horse.

In large part I think it's the pleasure of wearing a sword in itself plus having it just in case: The point being that wanting to do something is reason enough to do it as long as there are no practical reasons not to ! ( Legal, moral or logical ).

I completely understand that doing serious harm to a dog is the last thing you want to do, but you want a means to do it if unavoidable.

Other options, the Coldsteel city sticks are very strong and fast if using it holding near the steel head and mace like if held at the end or middle of the shaft. Fibreglass construction makes them very much indestructible:
http://www.coldsteel.com/citystick.html

Where legal to own or carry or where the laws are applied " intelligently " as you mentioned the sword cane versions might be good for you: http://www.coldsteel.com/88scm.html

An antique sword cane would also worth considering.

[Bram Verbeek]

are you living in the same country I am? Still, my behind sores on the lack of a nice stallion/mare/gelding to go through the woods, I wish I would have your spot of trouble...

[Peter Bosman]

Buenas P.Cha, your observations have foundations that mostly do not apply.
P.e. th spears I have are custom made by myself and can do just about everything carrying one. In hand as a holder does releive the weight but also fixates the stirrup and the position of the spear both of which is unacceptabe cross country.
The weight of my spears is a well balanced 350 and 660 grammes so no problem to hold them in hand. The biggest challenge is to take both real wind and relative wind into account and mind the low growth or the branches. You have to anticipate this as you are too late if you find you have the position wrong slowing down, out of a strong headwind riding into an olive grove

My training of the horses is all about them thinking for themselves. I ride with confidence in mooless nights as they will inform me well in time of boar and ganado bravo (fighting bulls) allthough my nightly rides are into the mountain nature where only goats roam. Mountain goats too btw; VERY impressive and even more shy but I do occasionally see them early in the morning.
The dogs are a bit of a problem as those move swiftly, fouraging. The horses will nevertheless spot them and I will notice they did both except in wooded areas where it is most inconvenient. That's Murphy I guess.....

However much I like the smallsword, it is only good for poking at things and it has less effect that a slash with even a blunt heavier blade.
However much I like the jian the wel made ones are, as traditionally, too short. The wellmade han-jians are beyond my budget otherwise my choice.
This one has a 80 cm blade and a p.o.b. at 8 cm. weighing just under a kg:
http://www.zheng-wu.com/jian/08hanjianls.htm

Many sabres are very apt for both slashing and poking even if most are on the short side as intended for war = human = far taller targets. I simply do not like the feel and look of most. If I would encounter a wellmade, relatively straight mamluk sword with a false edge and lively p.o.b. I would be seriously tempted.

As it stands the choice is between restoring an old jian blade into a sword of to buy a quality replica.....

peter

[P. Cha]

Well, like I said, with your limitations, I'd pick the doge. I like how it looks (not a saber man myself either) and it is long enough for what you need it for. I don't know exactly what it's like where you ride, so I'll take your word for it that the spear is just to unwieldy (I have no problems in california's sierra nevada...but it's not the same as spain after all )...but that does not negate it as a better option in general. Anyways take a look at the albion's doge and see if you like how it looks.

[Martin Whalen]

I doubt you'll find an attractive and solid antique for a good price. I would look around A&A, as has been suggested many times before, it seems the best option. I'm not a huge fan of A&A because they don't have many older styles, but for what you want, it's the perfect company imo.

[Peter Bosman]

I mentioned A&A because I have asked (and promptly received) a quote on a custom piece. Yes they are on the short list.

I do not know what country you live Bram; I live on and off an old river cottage in the mountainous heartland of andalucia.

You hit the nail Jean and I want the ' because I might' to add a feel good not crude

As I live in inner andalucia it is not at all out of the ordinary to carry a machete or ride with a garrocha (long pole). Also this is one of the few places in Europe where a bow is not illegal for hunting.
In this village specifically the blunderbuss types are ' welcomed' as the name of it is Villanueva del Trabuco, 'trabuco' being the blunderbuss and this area was a stronghold for the bandoleros for many centuries untill very recent.
In just about every other local family there is a trabuco replica in the house, most non-functional. A furniture shop in town has a stand with two dozen different models for sale
We have one on the wall of the holiday house we let.
Now, I would not think of it but IF I would happen ride through town with my flintlock saddle gun everybody will assume it is one of those fakes.

One of my priorities is to make a protective leather sheeth for the spearhead so as not to offend tourists. I am still figuring a way to secure it in a way that can be swiftly undone.
I am also still deciding on a way to attach a cord. I like the chinese cord wrap but have not yet acquired the right skill to prevent it slipping. Writing about is now however has as so often....

peter

[Hugo Voisine]