ESL Lesson: The Adventures of the Twin Knights! Part 2

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Reading Activity: (20 minutes)

Chapter 2: Horse and Lance

The dust had barely settled from the troll incident when Sir Galliant called Mady and Mason to the training yard. Today’s lesson was different. It wasn't the usual swordplay or hand-to-hand combat. Instead, their horses were saddled and waiting.

"Today," Sir Galliant began, his voice booming across the yard, "we learn the art of mounted combat."

Mady and Mason exchanged excited glances. They both knew how to ride, but fighting from horseback? That was a whole new challenge.

Sir Galliant started with the basics. "First, the equipment." He pointed to the saddles. "This is your saddle, where you sit. It must be secure, or you'll find yourself on the ground." He then held up a long, pointed pole. "This is a lance. It's your weapon when charging on horseback." He showed them spurs, small metal points attached to their boots. "And these are spurs, used to encourage your horse to move faster." He went on, naming other important pieces of equipment like the bridle, reins, and stirrups.

Next came the actions. "When you ride slowly, it's a trot," Sir Galliant explained, demonstrating on his own horse. "A faster pace is a canter, and the fastest is a gallop." He had them practice each gait, getting used to the feel of the horse beneath them at different speeds.

Fighting on horseback proved to be as challenging as Sir Galliant claimed. Sir Galliant showed them how to hold the lance steady while moving, how to balance in the saddle, and how to aim. It was much harder than it looked. Mady struggled with the weight of the lance, her arms tiring quickly.

As the lesson ended, Trevor, a boy squiring under another knight, sauntered over. "Having trouble with that toothpick, Mady?" he sneered, pointing at her lance. "It looks too heavy for you."

Mady bristled. "I'll get the hang of it," she retorted.

"Sure you will," Trevor chuckled, but before the argument could escalate, Sir Galliant and Trevor's knight stepped in.

"Enough," Sir Galliant said firmly. "A little friendly competition wouldn't hurt, though."

And so, a three-part horse-riding competition was arranged. The first part was a jumping competition. Mady, light and agile, guided her horse expertly over the obstacles, winning easily.

The second part was a joust. Mady, still struggling with the lance, was knocked off her horse by Trevor, losing that round.

The third and final part was a race. It was a close race, neck and neck, but Trevor’s horse started to tire out at the end. Trevor was bigger and his riding style was aggressive, while Mady’s horse had more energy. Mady won the race and the competition!

Despite her victory, Mady knew she still had much to learn, especially with the lance. But she was determined to keep practicing and become the best knight she could be.