Riderless Horse Ceremony

History
The Riderless Horse ceremony was conceived as a memorial for those who have passed. The use of a riderless horse within a ceremony as a means to honor those who have passed has appeared in many cultures and periods throughout history.

The ceremony as used has its beginnings within our parent Kingdom, An Tir, where it was first presented at the last court of their Majesties Skeggi and Taisiia, July Coronation, AS 40. This observance now continues within the Kingdom of Avacal where it was first conducted in the last court of their Majesties Kvigr and Svava at June Coronation, AS 53. The ceremony is conducted once per year, at June Coronation.

The Riderless Horse ceremony was conceived of and is administered by the Royal Consorts of Avacal. The Riderless Horse Banner was crafted by the Royal Consorts of Avacal and serves as a central part of the ceremony.

The Riderless Horse Ceremony

 * Herald: Their Majesties ask the populace to stand.


 * Herald: The Royal Consorts of Avacal will now escort the Riderless Horse Memorial into Court.


 * The Royal Consorts of Avacal approach, followed by the Riderless horse banner.


 * Speaker: The Kingdom of Avacal needed a permanent memorial representing our sorrow for those who have passed away. The Royal Consorts of Avacal proposed using a Riderless Horse Banner to represent those who have died, both as a dignified way of marking their passing, and to provide a ceremony that will be instantly and universally understood by those who witness it.


 * Speaker: Today, we bring before you the Riderless Horse Memorial, which will be a constantly evolving piece of Avacal history which is stewarded by the Royal Consorts of Avacal. The Banner has been fashioned lovingly and will continue to be added to by members of the Royal Consorts of Avacal and the populace of our Kingdom. It is right and fitting that members of the populace of Avacal who pass on be remembered and recognized for their presence and contributions to the Griffin Kingdom.


 * Herald: In remembrance of those who have passed the Queen will attach a tassel for each of our fallen friends.


 * The Queen carries a tassel to the Riderless Horse banner.


 * Herald: Hear now the names of those who have passed before us and let them be remembered always.


 * The Herald will read each name. After each name, the Queen attaches the tassel to the Riderless horse banner.


 * Herald: Here is the list of our fallen, let us honour them with a moment of silence as the banner leaves this court.​


 * Royal Consorts of Avacal escort the Riderless Horse Banner out of Court.

Events where Ceremony was Presented

 * Avacal Summer Coronation AS LIII/2018
 * Avacal Summer Coronation AS LIV/2019
 * Fall Crown AS LVII/2022

Frequently Asked Questions

 * Question: How do names get added to the ceremony?

Answer: The Royal Consorts of Avacal are well integrated into the Avacal community and collect names as needed. Names can also be sent to any of the Royal Consorts. If you do so, please include the person's SCA name, the date they passed, and what group they came from. The group isn't required and won't be announced, but it helps for any followup questions. After the ceremony, the Royal Consorts of Avacal shall add the names to the Scroll of Honour - Avacal Remembers


 * Question: When and how frequently is the ceremony conducted?

Answer: The Riderless Horse Ceremony is conducted once per year, at June Coronation. The names of all who have passed in the preceding year are remembered and recognized for their presence and contributions to the Kingdom of Avacal.


 * Question: Can I donate funds?

Answer: Yes, you can, but, at this time, there isn't an official method. Please contact one of the Royal Consorts of Avacal to offer your assistance.


 * Question: Where did the Regalia come from and what is the meaning?

Answer: The banner was designed by Duchess Inga, with material donated by Viscountess Morrigan, Viscountess Evja, Viscountess Sadb, Countess Kiera and Duchess Inga. The sewing and embroidery was done by many members of the Order. The tassels are handmade and donated by the Royal Consorts of Avacal. The golden tassels represent those who have passed, though no tassel represents a specific person. They are identical as we are all equal in death.