The Jousting Life

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

A Jousting Jingle


A JOUSTING JINGLE
by
Ripper Moore

Jouster Ripper Moore (photo by Allison's Images)
Ripper Moore (photo by Allison's Images) 
Dashing o'er the sand,
On a one horse open... horse,
Down the list we go,
Striking hard of course (of course!)
Lance on breastplates ring,
Making bruises bright,
What fun it is to joust and sing
With a merry Christmas knight!

O! Lances break, lances break,
Breaking every pass.
O what fun it is to watch,
A knight knocked on his ass!
O! Lances break, bodies ache,
I can't recall my name--
Love and bruises, Merry Christmas
We'll keep jousting all the same!

Have a Joust Wonderful Holiday Season from The Jousting Life!


Monday, December 22, 2014

Favorite Moments From 2014: Part Seven

And now, the last in our series of favorite moments from 2014...

... from Jan Gradon of Poland:

In 2014, I was not very active in jousting like in previous years, but still have very good memories and fantastic experiences. First of all, I again co-organized the Tournament of King John III in Castle Gniew.

Jan Gradon, acting as Knight Marshal at the Tournament of King John III, keeps a close eye on jousters Steve Mallet and Jeffrey Hedgecock (Photo by Studio A)
Jan Gradon, acting as Knight Marshal at the Tournament of King John III, keeps a close eye on jousters Steve Mallet and Jeffrey Hedgecock (Photo by Studio A)

This year was a new experience for me as I was asked to marshal the tournament. I got to know that the job is really tough and a heavy responsibility. Sometimes we, jousters, do not recognize how difficult is the judging, both for the scoring judges and the Knight Marshal, and that the decisions are difficult to make. Especially when you are friends with most of the competitors.

Jan Gradon, holding the baton of the Knight Marshal at the Tournament of King John III, Gniew Castle (Photo by Marta Kitta)
Jan Gradon, holding the baton of the Knight Marshal at the Tournament of King John III,
Gniew Castle (Photo by Marta Kitta)

Besides jousting, we had a very good time, and it seems that all the competitors enjoyed their time spent in Gniew, which is most important for me, because, as I have said a number of times, tournaments should be social events. I'm glad that jousters like Gniew and want to return to our tilt yard and party hall.

The second great experience was the Arundel International Tournament. It was my second appearance on the grounds of this beautiful Castle. Last year I was asked by Andreas Wenzel to be his team mate in the Holy Roman Empire Team. This year I was asked to form my own team and joust under the banner of my home country. When we arrived at the castle, I saw two huge banners with my photo from last year hanging on the castle walls and the same photo on the leaflets. This was so cool!

Jan Gradon, in front of Arundel Castle and the banner featuring his image  from the previous year's jousting tournament (photo by Stephen Moss)
Jan Gradon, in front of Arundel Castle and the banner featuring his image
from the previous year's jousting tournament (photo by Stephen Moss)

I came together with my friend and fellow Polish jouster Jarek Struczynski, with whom I made a team that we called the 'Joust Brothers'.

The Joust Brothers, Jan Gradon and Jarek Struczynski, Arundel 2014 (Yes, they are wearing sunglasses inside their helms) (photo by Stephen Moss)
The Joust Brothers, Jan Gradon and Jarek Struczynski, Arundel 2014 (Yes, they are wearing sunglasses inside their helms) (photo by Stephen Moss)

For me it was very touching to follow a banner with Polish White Eagle, and be encouraged by Polish visitors too.

The Polish banner along with banners from the other jousting teams in front of Arundel Castle, 2014 (photo by Stephen Moss)
The Polish banner along with banners from the other teams in front of Arundel Castle, 2014
(photo by Stephen Moss)

I am also happy that I won the Mounted Skill at Arms competition and got a beautiful hunting horn made by Matt Bayley.

Jan Gradon holding the Hunting Horn awarded as the prize for the Mounted Skill at Arms competition, Arundel 2014 (photo by Stephen Moss)
Jan Gradon holding the Hunting Horn awarded as the prize for the Mounted Skill at Arms competition, Arundel 2014 (photo by Stephen Moss)

Jousting in Arundel is always great, due to the fantastic set of people and horses, this year thanks to Mark Atkinson and Nicky Willis. Arundel was also great this year, because I was given a chance to bring my family.

Polish jouster Jan Gradon with his wife and daughters, Arundel Castle, 2014 (photo by Stephen Moss)
Polish jouster Jan Gradon with his wife and daughters, Arundel Castle, 2014
(photo by Stephen Moss)

We all really enjoyed the fact that we could spend a week in the castle together, and it gave me a lot of strength when being watched and cheered for by my wife and daughters. The best session of the whole week was the one on Friday, during a storm and rain! Thunderstruck!

Jan Gradon jousts Phillip Leitch during a storm at Arundel 2014 (photo by Stephen Moss)
Jan Gradon jousts Phillip Leitch during a storm at Arundel 2014 (photo by Stephen Moss)


... from Arne Koets, born in the Netherlands, but living in Germany:

In front of the Riding hall at Bolsover Castle, the residence of William Cavendish, duke of Newcastle, author of a famous riding treatise of the 17th century, I joust for my long standing and good friend Dominic Sewell and against my even longer standing and very dear friend Joram van Essen.

Arne Koets jousts Joram van Essen, Bolsover Castle 2014 (photo by Stephen Moss)
Arne Koets jousts Joram van Essen, Bolsover Castle 2014 (photo by Stephen Moss)

But this is not the most amazing thing I did this year. My actual best moment is this...


Arne Koets beats Wouter Nicolai(with a little help from Tournament Master Wolfgang Krischke) during one of the crest tournaments at Schaffhausen 2014 (video by Felix Walder)

The very end of one of the 'Nachturnier' at Schaffhausen, where (after having fought three 'charges' of the Kolbenturnier) the crests become the target. The riders were very tired by this point, but I am quite proud of my horse Maximilian in this clip.


... from Magnus Andersen of Sweden:

The height of happiness is probably the small moments when you become one with the horse. No knight is better than his horse. When it works, it's fantastic. One of the highlights this year was Rikstorneringen 2014 (Swedish Jousting Championship), another was the Mounted Skills at Arms races at Falsterbo Horse Show. Rikstorneringen was incredibly fun, many knights and amazing friends – a competition but also a willingness to help each other to perform at their best and have fun.

Magnus Andersen on his AQH gelding Teals Jayjay, Rikstornering 2014 (photo by Pella Photo)
Magnus Andersen on his AQH gelding Teals Jayjay, Rikstornering 2014
(photo by Pella Photo)

When you start, and the crowd shouts, then you live. Forgetting all the training in bad weather, early mornings and late evenings. One forgets the time, becomes one with the horse and focuses forward – speed and precision, trying to win, to maintain the feeling forever.

Magnus Andersen, jumping his AQH gelding Teals Jayjay, Rikstornering 2014 (photo by Pella Photo)
Magnus Andersen, jumping his AQH gelding Teals Jayjay, Rikstornering 2014
(photo by Pella Photo)

Afterward, a relaxation, satisfaction and gratitude to the horse you love.

Magnus Andersen, tent-pegging with his AQH gelding Teals Jayjay, Rikstornering 2014 (photo by Pella Photo)
Magnus Andersen, tent-pegging with his AQH gelding Teals Jayjay, Rikstornering 2014
(photo by Pella Photo)

Afterward, a relaxation, satisfaction and gratitude to the horse you love.

Many thanks to all the jousters, ground crew and photographers who shared their favorite memories of the 2014 jousting season!

Do you have a favorite moment from 2014? Please share it in the comments.

Related articles:
Favorite Moments from 2014: Part One

Favorite Moments from 2014: Part Two

Favorite Moments From 2014: Photographers Andrew Wickens and Hanno van Harten

Favorite Moments from 2010: The Accidental International Jouster's Tale

Favorite Moments from 2014: Part Five

Favorite Moments From 2014: Epic Moment at Brooks Medieval Faire

Friday, December 19, 2014

Favorite Moments From 2014: Epic Moment at Brooks Medieval Faire

American jouster, Stacy Wasson, shares a lovely and informative essay about her favorite experience of 2014:

Epic Moment at Brooks Medieval Faire
By Stacy Wasson

Female jouster Stacy Wasson at Brooks Medieval Faire 2014 (photo by Grant Zelych)
Stacy Wasson at Brooks 2014
(photo by Grant Zelych)
Last winter in a rare and fortuitous evening of bumming around on Facebook, I was contacted by someone I’d always wanted to meet – none other than Radar Goddard. Although there are countless ladies riding successfully at Renaissance Faires across the U.S. doing various types of theatrical jousting at a multitude of venues, there are relatively few women doing competitive balsa jousting internationally. Of these women, before this summer, I’d only had the pleasure of meeting and riding with Sarah Hay of Australia and one other young Norwegian woman, a protégé of Petter Ellingsen, Lisa Holar. I had heard Radar’s name and seen photos of her on many occasions and wondered what she was like, if we’d have anything in common, would she give me the time of day?

Imagine my surprise when she asked if Jeff and I would like to come to Canada that summer and joust in an international tournament. I had to pinch myself. “Really?” I’d asked her, “You wouldn't tease me would you?” Instant messaging can be a wonderful thing, and Radar was both charming and witty as she put me at ease and told me that she’d always wanted to meet Jeff and I. Arrangements were made, and the wait and wondering began. We had never been to Western Canada before and although most of the competitors were known to us, most of them we had never actually met.

When the appointed time came, we were met at the airport by a vanguard of cheerful Canadians waving heraldic plaques with our devices at the arrivals gate. Radar herself proved to be every bit as funny, friendly and knowledgeable as she’d come across the internet. Over the next few days she introduced us to her little corner of Canada, amazed, we couldn't help but smile at the boundless energy and enthusiasm of the people who surrounded her. Radar had managed to round up eleven experienced jousters.

Jousters Stacy Wasson(left), Nicolo Corrarello(center) and Sarah Hay(right), Brooks 2014 (photo by Grant Zelych)
Stacy Wasson(left), Nicolo Corrarello(center) and Sarah Hay(right), Brooks 2014
(photo by Grant Zelych)

Besides myself, of the internationals there was my ever stalwart and talented husband Jeffrey Wasson, Sarah Hay of Australia, Nicola Corrarello of Italy and Ole Nielsen from Denmark. For her Canadian compatriots, Radar had mustered Alison Mercer, Dale Gienow, Jean-Francois Drapeau, Jean-Sebastian Drapeau and Marc Hamel. Keeping us all in line and presiding over the officiation was the formidable Fred Piraux, while the ever clever Jordan Heron was Master of Ceremonies.

It was a brilliant combination of talent, good humor and cooperation. Preparing for the tourney and getting to know each other better was a real treat, I could go on and on about the skills and superlatives of each and every one of the jousters, as well as the folks on the ground. Included in that number I would be remiss not to mention our own daughter Emma. Emma is not only a talented rider, but after being raised in the shadow of the list like it or not, she has become an outstanding squire.

Emma Wasson hands a lance up to a jouster at Brooks 2014 (photo by Paul Keely)
Emma Wasson hands a lance up to a jouster at Brooks 2014 (photo by Paul Keely)

The tournament was awesome, the heat, the horses, the wildly enthusiastic Canadian crowd. It was a weekend to remember, but for me, the most glorious moment came at the final tourney of the weekend during my match with Alison Mercer. All of the matches consisted of four passes, Alison and I had started our match earlier in the tournament but after two successful breaks, we’d had to stop due to equipment failure. Alison had a strap blow on her ecranche and had gone off to replace it with another. As the other matches continued, I waited and gathered calm about me. I was concerned. These next two passes would be my last for the tournament, the way everyone involved would remember me perhaps forever. Who knew when I might see some of these stellar competitors again?

To truly appreciate the moment, you must understand that before this particular tournament, I was almost sick with concern over the lances. Go into a room with 5 jousters and you’ll likely get 5 different opinions as to how to design the perfect lance. For those of you who are not familiar – the ideal form for execution of a jousting pass is called “the levée”. It's the slow graceful lowering of the lance, perfectly timed to meet your opponents shield as you cross in the center of the list. After engaging your opponent, with your lance broken or not, you proceed to just as elegantly raise it so that it is in an upright position when you reach the end of the list and hand it neatly to your awaiting, able-bodied squire.

For me at 5’5” and roughly 120 pounds (a featherweight in the world wide jousting line-up) the crux of the lance issue is this, that the fore end of the lance must not be so tip heavy that it plummets forward in the first stages of the levade. Remember that room of jousters? Most if not all of them will be strong men who don’t give a fig that the lance they designed may be tip heavy, they are able to muscle it in place easily and it doesn't concern them. There are ways of designing a lance that create a better balance hence making it more manageable for a variety of riders, but most of these guys aren't engineers and as I said before, it’s not their issue.

So for me, there is always that big question mark when packing for a trip. Who designed the lances? What type of tips are being used, will we get to practice with them? The implications are grave, for someone who does not handle their lance well, the results may be injury to themselves, their opponents or the unthinkable – the horses. Even in the most ideal circumstances, accidents can happen. No packing job is complete without a few roles of chewable antacids and a box of Zantac for good measure.

I won't lie, with their frangible pine tips, the Brooks lances had been on the heavy side for me, I’d been managing but it had not been easy. The heat had been oppressive and keeping hydrated had been a challenge for all of us. Every knowledgeable athlete knows that dehydration is the thief of strength. I took a few deep breaths and visualized a mantle of calm over myself and Willow my young inexperienced mount.

Jouster Stacy Wasson on the horse Willow. It was Willow's first jousting tournament (photo by Twyla Brower Wehnes)
Stacy Wasson on the horse Willow. It was Willow's first jousting tournament
(photo by Twyla Brower Wehnes)

Finally, Jordan called Alison and I to our respective ends of the list. He reminded the crowd of our two successful passes earlier in the tournament and wittily remarked that “Here in Alberta when we say Hit Like A Girl it means Really Hard!” (I thought this was hilarious, even better when Jordan explained to me later it was a reference to a women’s hockey ad campaign – a joke that was obvious to all the Canadians.) At my end of the list, I steadied Willow and received my lance – the salute and take-off was a blur. Willow is small and quick, and so is Alison’s horse Siggy. My target, Alison’s black and gold ecranche approached rapidly and the impact was, as the Canadians are fond of saying “Epic”.

The frangible pine tips had been proving to pack a wallop, and good contact had been having a field day with our knuckles. Somewhere in the back of my mind it registered that my knuckles had been abused, but I was too pumped up to worry about it. Something was very odd about the weight of the lance, but it took a few moments for the primitive-lizard part of my brain to sort all this out as Willow and I came to a halt. Honestly, I don’t know if the crowd was going wild, I just remember the moment I realized that I might have broken the whole lance. In disbelief, I still had to stupidly ask the squire “Did I break it?” as I handed off the remains of my lance and raised my visor.

Stacy Wasson's(left) and Alison Mercer's(right) epic jousting pass(photo by Paul Keely)
Stacy Wasson's(left) and Alison Mercer's(right) epic jousting pass(photo by Paul Keely)

“Are you kidding me?” he asked with a grin, “Take a look at this!” All he had in his hand was the grip and shattered wooden vamplate of the lance. I was still in disbelief. In 12 years of jousting this was a feat that I’d rarely seen, and then, only by men who are surely in the ranks of jousting demi-gods. Was I joining those ranks? Surely not, but no matter --- This no one could take away from me; on this day, in this tournament, at the Brooks Medieval Faire, Stacy Wasson had shattered her entire lance.
This no one could take away from me; on this day, in this tournament, at the Brooks Medieval Faire, Stacy Wasson had shattered her entire lance.
It was a benchmark, perhaps the high point of my jousting career. Our second pass was also a success, although overshadowed by the previous. Alison had broken both her lances as well and we grinned like idiots as we greeted each other for the traditional handshake of honor.

When the final scores were calculated, I was astonished to learn that Willow and I had won that tournament. Even though I had never been concerned with scores and winning, I must admit, to have won a tournament in such company – I was elated.*

Later as we were cleaning up, two young Canadian men approached Penny Pisano (a loyal STALC member) and myself. They presented to me for inspection a section of lance that they had somehow acquired. “Is that a piece of my lance?” I asked them. Oh yes, they assured me – not only was it mine, but it was part of the one that had broken so spectacularly. It had flown high up into the air and come down where they were sitting in the upper part of the grand stand.

“I had to duck,” said the shorter one. “And then I caught it,” chimed in the other. I must have grinned like a double idiot then – not only had I won the tournament, but I’d hit a home run as well.

“Wow... Would you like me to sign it for you?” I heard myself ask. (All this while part of my brain was thanking god nobody got hit,  and at the same time wondering if this was how Babe Ruth had felt.) The response was a resounding affirmative from both young men, who looked as if they’d won a great prize. Wow, Canada --- How could you not love the whole country?

*My win was one of four tourneys that comprised the entire competition; at the end of the weekend, Ole Nielsen of Denmark was the overall Champion.

Jousters Alison Mercer(left) and Stacy Wasson(right) beaming over Alison’s battered ecranche (photo by Jeff Wasson)
Alison Mercer(left) and Stacy Wasson(right) beaming over Alison’s battered ecranche
(photo by Jeff Wasson)

Editorial note: In case you are wondering; the writing around Stacy's ecranche(which you can see in the photo at the top of this article) is her personal motto, which reads:
"Meme une petite fleur peut mettre a genoux un valeureux"
"Even the smallest flower can bring bring the valiant to their knees."

Do you have a favorite moment from 2014? Please share it in the comments.

Related articles:
Favorite Moments from 2014: Part One

Favorite Moments from 2014: Part Two

Favorite Moments From 2014: Photographers Andrew Wickens and Hanno van Harten

Favorite Moments from 2010: The Accidental International Jouster's Tale

Favorite Moments from 2014: Part Five

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Favorite Moments from 2014: Part Five

A few more favorite moments from 2014...

...from Ivar Mauritz-Hansen of Norway:

The season of 2014 has been my best season yet, and my first season doing shaped solid lances and full contact melee, and because of that, a lot of moments spring to mind when I am called upon to supply my favorite.

Ivar Mauritz-Hansen jousting at St. Hallvard's Tournament 2014 (photo by Renate Skeie)
Ivar Mauritz-Hansen jousting at St. Hallvard's Tournament 2014 (photo by Renate Skeie)

My first tournament of the season was without doubt the most anticipated one this year. Petter Ellingsen, with others, spent years of planning and preparing for the Tournament of St. Hallvard in my home town of Oslo, Norway. After months of training, traveling to Crimea during the referendum to finish my new shoulders and helmet from Roman Tereschenko, and practicing with solid lances and wooden clubs, actually doing the tournament of that magnitude in a local venue was a true blast. To meet so many good people on and off the field really makes a tournament great, even if your merits in the lists themselves are not as good as one would like them to be.

Later in the summer, I once again went to the annual Tournament of St. Olav in Trondheim and had some really good days there with lots of good jousting. No solids this time. At the last day, I let my horse pass on the melee, as we were both tired, and my crew and I were going to Denmark that evening. So we took off all gear and walked back into the lists for the final victory lap after the melee was over. I was on his back without a saddle and my groom was leading him with just a rope.

Jouster Ivar Mauritz-Hansen, riding without gear at St. Olav's Tournament 2014 (photo by Hanne Prøis-Røhjell)
Ivar Mauritz-Hansen, riding without gear at St. Olav's Tournament 2014
(photo by Hanne Prøis-Røhjell)

At the end of the round he just let the rope go, and we cantered out of the arena with no reins, saddle or anything. It is so wonderful to be able to trust one's mount to a degree that you can let go and know that he will take care of you... even if we both know that there is a bucket with feed by the trailer right outside the arena. This truly was a great moment.

Ivar Mauritz-Hansen at St. Olav's Tournament 2014 (photo by Hanne Prøis-Røhjell)
Ivar Mauritz-Hansen at St. Olav's Tournament 2014 (photo by Hanne Prøis-Røhjell)

Then it was on to Denmark for The Tournament of the Golden Chain at the Nykøbing Medieval Center with Arne Koets and Stichting HEI (am I missing someone here?). I was really looking forward to meeting these people again after Oslo, and they did not disappoint me in or outside the lists. Jousting with Arne Koets was like getting jabbed by a bus. It was awesome. But the absolute top moment of the season was getting smashed to bits by Joram van Essen in the melee. You truly never feel alive before your body believes it's about to end. I'm looking forward to crossing clubs with Joram again in the future.

Joram van Essen(left) prepares to smash Ivar Mauritz-Hansen(right) over the head during  the mounted melee at the Tournament of the Golden Chain (photo by Middelaldercentret)
Joram van Essen(left) prepares to smash Ivar Mauritz-Hansen(right) over the head during 
the mounted melee at the Tournament of the Golden Chain (photo by Middelaldercentret)

... from Rozemarijn Keuning, who is on the cusp of becoming a jouster:

My favorite jousting moment of 2014 was of course when I had a lance broken on my shield for the first time! During the show season in 2014 and related training events, I didn't have my own horse with me here in Norway, as he was still in Spain being trained. I was lucky to have such good friends who would lend me their warhorses so I could join the training events.

Rozemarijn Keuning on the experienced jousting horse Misty  during joust training in Norway (photo by Karoline Gudbrandsen)
Rozemarijn Keuning on the experienced jousting horse Misty 
during joust training in Norway (photo by Karoline Gudbrandsen)

I purchased a second-hand armour so I could join the fun while waiting for Luke Binks to create my properly fitted jousting armour. While I was getting help with my equipment, my good friends Pelle (Per Estein Prøis-Røhjell) and Ivar (Ivar Mauritz-Hansen) decided to break some solid lances and produced such a hard hit that it almost unhorsed both of them. I must admit I was wondering why I wanted to do this so badly in that very moment!

Unfortunately, I had some trouble with my equipment rendering myself unable to break a lance on someone else's shield, but at least I had a lance broken on mine, which really was a barrier I needed to cross to proceed with my training. The picture is a still from the GoPro and mostly just a blur, but you get the idea.

Rozemarijn Keuning has a lance broken against her for the first time  (photo by Ivar Mauritz-Hansen)
Rozemarijn Keuning has a lance broken against her for the first time 
(photo by Ivar Mauritz-Hansen)

My other absolute favorite moment of the show season in 2014 was at the tournament in Trondheim. The St. Olav's Tournament is always well organized and great fun. I was squiring for Pelle and his wife took care of his horse. Of course we were very happy to get a phone call from Arundel hearing he'd won the tournament together with Ben van Koert. But best of all was that he flew straight from Arundel to Trondheim, and even though he lost a day of gathering points due to his armour getting lost on the way, he still managed to win this tournament as well! Veni Vidi Vici! Very cool.

Rozemarijn squires for Pelle(Per Estein Prøis-Røhjell) during  St. Olav's Tournament 2014 (photo by Odd Røhjell)
Rozemarijn squires for Pelle(Per Estein Prøis-Røhjell) during 
St. Olav's Tournament 2014 (photo by Odd Røhjell)

Also, Pelle finally got to ride his own horse Promyk, and of course I cannot speak for him, but I believe this was the first tournament where he did not need to spend all of his energy on his horse and could rather focus on the competition. Good training pays off, and Promyk was a star! He would do the job regardless of what was happening.

The reason why this is awesome you've probably heard before, as Promyk has a history of being dangerous to people. He ended up at Pelle's place kind of as a last resort, and if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I would probably have trouble believing the total change he went through during his stay. Both his body and mind needed some serious fixing, and from directly attacking people to a very reliable warhorse in such a short time is truly a great achievement. Luckily he gets to stay, and I hope it will be to the end of his days.

Rozemarijn Keuning watches Pelle compete on his jousting horse Promyk during St. Olav's Tournament 2014 (photo by Ragnhild Krogvig Karlsen)
Rozemarijn Keuning watches Pelle compete on Promyk during St. Olav's Tournament 2014
(photo by Ragnhild Krogvig Karlsen)

While writing this, I realize how lucky I am to have such great friends and teachers to train with, and I'm very much looking forward to the day I will be able to compete myself!

“Life before death, strength before weakness, journey before destination.” – Brandon Sanderson in The Way of Kings

So, these were my best jousting moments of 2014.

Cheers, Rose

... from Joel Evans of the UK, who acts as ground crew for the jousting troupe Destrier

I was unfortunately only able to attend two events this season due to work responsibilities, but of those two, Bosworth was my favourite. We often have the opportunity to hold jousts in some really spectacular castles and historic properties, and as a bit of a fan of medieval architecture, this aspect appeals to me. It makes the entire joust far more evocative and atmospheric. However, as you're probably aware, Bosworth doesn't have that draw – it's just a field in the middle of the countryside. It is, of course the site of the Battle of Bosworth, and that is something very special, which added to the experience of the event.

The joust itself was a real challenge, with adverse weather, difficult horses and very tight timing for setting up and taking down the arena, which therefore made it difficult for all members of Destrier – from the knights (and King) to the ground crew guys such as myself. But I think that was what made it so satisfying. We were able to put on a joust that ran to a successful conclusion, was enjoyed by the public and also by the other re-enactors at the event. It was hard work for everyone involved, and a lot of running backwards and forwards on my part (the lot of the ground crew!), but it's always a great feeling when everything works out a success in the end.

The Destrier Team at the Battle of Bosworth 2014 (photo by Christina Pearn)
The Destrier Team at the Battle of Bosworth 2014 (photo by Christina Pearn)

Do you have a favorite moment from 2014? Please share it in the comments.

Related articles:
Random Pic: Practicing for St Hallvard's

POV Video of the Last Six Jousting Passes at St Olav's Tournament 2014

The Tournament of the Golden Chain at the Middelaldercentret 2014

Interview with Per Estein Prøis- Røhjell, Team Champion at Arundel and Individual Champion at St Olav's 2014

Monday, December 15, 2014

Favorite Moments from 2010: The Accidental International Jouster's Tale

Favorite moments from 2010?? Wasn't this series about sharing Favorite Moments From 2014? Apparently some people don't follow directions very well, but when they go astray this brilliantly, who can object to taking a detour? Here is Australian jouster Andrew McKinnon's favorite memory from the year 2010:

THE ACCIDENTAL INTERNATIONAL JOUSTER’S TALE

written by Andrew McKinnon

In the hot summer of January 2010, I was excited to be packing for the flight from Sydney to New Zealand for the Taupo International Joust Tournament. I was new to jousting, and my job was as team squire, with an opportunity to ride in the mounted skill at arms. I was going to be able to catch up with some new Kiwi pals I had met in the few years before, when I was a wide eyed squire watching these very cool dudes smashing it up together in the lists. I had been training with my sensei Rod Walker for a couple of years and finally felt ready for a bit of melée and the opportunity to murder some fruit with a sword.

Andrew McKinnon(right) breaks his first lance against his instructor Rod Walker(left), Joust training, Father's Day 2009 (photo by Garry Davenport)
Andrew McKinnon(right) breaks his first lance against his instructor Rod Walker(left),
Joust training, Father's Day 2009 (photo by Garry Davenport)

On this trip, I was looking forward to catching up with Callum Forbes, Graham Nixon – whom I had crossed lances with in jousts in Australia previously – and finally meeting this curmudgeonly wrinkled, silvery haired, opinionated, Scots Kiwi, formally known as Jeremy ‘Jezz’ Smith, with whom I had established we shared a mutual love of history, jousting and general piss-taking and tomfoolery washed down with a taste of something slightly alcoholic. Jezz was always very encouraging and gave me lots of tips and motivational gems, interspersed with liberal doses of profanity.

One of the real moments in my jousting career was Jezz, prior to my departure, saying whatever happens, pack your harness, and whilst you are here, I will take you out into a park, and we will have a joust. I was gratified I would finally get to break a lance outside training!

My excitement level was high as we hit the deck at Auckland, passed through customs and jumped in the minibus to drive to Lake Taupo. There were several ratbags of the highest order for company. Justin Holland, the nominal captain of the team, a man of few words and a capacity for libations unsurpassed in another jouster. Amongst the other fine fellows and lassies was Sir Phillip Oliver, whose schtick was to wrap himself in a bright yellow tarpaulin, don an eyepatch and attempt to convince the general populace that the rubber chicken he had gaffe taped to his yellow cape was in fact a falcon named “Allan”. This is in itself worthy of it’s own tale, but that shall have to wait until another time. Suffice to say the hills of Lake Taupo still ring to the sounds of Sir Phillip yelling “Allaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan” triggering the locals to duck down suddenly for fear of being struck by the diving raptor.

Anyway, pray, let us continue the tale. The Australian Team arrived at our accommodation, which we immediately festooned with appropriately cheap plastic Australiana items. We were wild and free and damn! we weren't backward in sharing our festive and rather theatrical fervour. Again Sir Phillip was the instigator of much mirth and diabolical merriment. His antics in the celebrity hot tub with his wily moustache and a gold lamé g-string are again, the stuff of legend.

We mustered on the first day and went through the plans for the tournament, including matching riders with horses, session times, program, etc, etc.... Heady stuff, and the whole time I think my grin was at about the ‘epic’ setting.

At some point, Callum came up to me and said, “Listen, we are a rider short, Andrew. What do you think about harnessing up and being a target, so one of the others doesn't have to ride twice?”

I was thrilled. “Absolutely!” was my reply. How good is this? I thought to myself, being in armour and riding in a real tournament!

Andrew McKinnon in armour with Kym Louise O'Connor at the Taupo Joust 2010 (photo by Scott Marks)
Andrew McKinnon in armour with Kym Louise O'Connor at Taupo 2010
(photo by Scott Marks)

Shortly after that Callum approached me and said, “Hey Andrew, Why don’t you at least present a lance for the crowd, so it looks fair dinkum?” I thought, man at least it will look real in the pics. Riding with a lance and getting hit in an international tournament! Awesome….

Andrew McKinnon cantering down the tilt with a lance at the Taupo Joust 2010 (photo by Donna Burt)
Andrew McKinnon cantering down the tilt with a lance at the Taupo Joust 2010
(photo by Donna Burt)

At this point Callum interrupts my triumphant reverie with, “Hey Andrew, why don’t you just hit them?”

So there I was, parachuted into my first international tournament. One of the most memorable and satisfying moments of my jousting career even still. The best part was I wasn't nervous, because I had no anticipation of the event. Bang! There I was. Jousting. My first pass was with Jezz, and I broke my first tournament lance on him.

Jezz Smith(left) jousts Andrew McKinnon(right) at the Taupo joust 2010 (photo by Scott Marks)
Jezz Smith(left) jousts Andrew McKinnon(right) at the Taupo joust 2010
(photo by Scott Marks)

As I rode off, I heard Graham Nixon say, “That was very tidy man.” I think I had to get the smile on my face surgically removed after about a fortnight.

So there it is. The tale of the accidental international jouster. Our joust careers are filled with stories like these. Opportunity, skill, humour and mateship. This is what keeps me going – the people you meet and the adventures you have with them. Normal folk just wouldn't understand.

Then there was the tale of Team America, the ‘Special’ Bus and speaking Khazakh, but that tale must wait for another time…….

Andrew McKinnon at a jousting practice held on Father's Day 2009 (photo by Garry Davenport)
Andrew McKinnon at a jousting practice held on Father's Day 2009
(photo by Garry Davenport)

More tales from the Accidental International Jouster coming... maybe...

Friday, December 12, 2014

Favorite Moments From 2014: Photographers Andrew Wickens and Hanno van Harten

Without photographers, there would be no way for anyone who was not actually at the tournament to see what happened(or to record favorite moments for the participants to look at and later share). So even though they are not directly involved with jousting, they are very much involved with The Jousting Life. And I am extremely grateful for every photograph they allow me to use.

In this installment of Favorite Moments from 2014, a couple of joust photographers share their favorite memories of the 2014 jousting season.

Although he takes beautiful photographs of castles and landscapes, Andrew Wickens of ARW Photography in the UK, also takes fantastic photos of jousting. He chose to share a few photographs from his favorite tournament this past year:

Having to choose my most memorable moment of the 2014 jousting season is a rather tall order. It has been an amazing year, thousands of images from loads of events and meeting lots of new people from the jousting world. The one that stands out above all the rest for me as a photographer is the Medieval Festival at Leeds Castle with Destrier. The beautiful location of Leeds Castle with six days of competitions being highlighted by the Grand Tournament at the weekend.

Jousters L-R: Mark Caple, Andreas Wenzel and Benedict Green at Leeds Castle 2014 (Photo by ARW Photography)
Jousters L-R: Mark Caple, Andreas Wenzel and Benedict Green at Leeds Castle 2014
(Photo by ARW Photography)

The members of Destrier were already weary after three hard days at Herstmonceux Castle with all that the elements could throw at them. Still the shows were as thrilling as ever. The team put on what I believe was the first historically authentic mounted melee in the area – two teams using amazing horsemanship to block their opponents from scoring hits to their armour. This for me provided some extraordinary close-up's and great angles of the knights and their horses to photograph. Although sometimes it got a little too close....

Jouster Andreas Wenzel during a mounted melee at Leeds Castle 2014 (Photo by ARW Photography)
Jouster Andreas Wenzel during a mounted melee at Leeds Castle 2014
(Photo by ARW Photography)

The Grand Tournament was the highlight of the event, with the usual hard hitting action in the lists, although the action proved a little too extreme for two of the jousters with injuries to both Jason Kingsley and Mark Caple, both resulting in broken bones. Although Mark Caple went on to win the Tournament with his team member Andreas Wenzel.

Andreas Wenzel(left) jousts Stacy van Dolah-Evans(right) at Leeds Castle 2014 (Photo by ARW Photography)
Andreas Wenzel(left) jousts Stacy van Dolah-Evans(right) at Leeds Castle 2014
(Photo by ARW Photography)

As a photographer I get to see the action up close through the lens, and sometimes it's too easy to forget just how intense the action actually is. A truly great event and one I believe may be repeated next year. Keep an eye on events calendars. Put it on your must do list.

Finally, I would like to thank Andreas Wenzel and all the members of Destrier for an action packed and fun filled 2014, and to wish the jousters and crew all over the world a safe but hard hitting 2015. See you in the lists. And not forgetting the hard work from Zhi Zhu keeping us all informed with The Jousting Life. Keep up the good work. [Thank you, Andrew]

The jousters and crew of Destrier at Leeds Castle 2014 (Photo by ARW Photography)
The jousters and crew of Destrier at Leeds Castle 2014
(Photo by ARW Photography)

Hanno van Harten is one of three official photographers for the jousting group Stichting HEI in the Netherlands (the others are Vera Bos and Isis Sturtewagen). He shared several of his favorite pictures from the White Bear Tournament at Nyborg Slott 2014 and the stories behind them:

Ground crew member Nikky Kennedy at Nyborg 2014 (photo by Hanno van Harten)
Ground crew member Nikky Kennedy at Nyborg 2014 (photo by Hanno van Harten)

It was at the end of the show at Nyborg, and there was Nikky with all the stuff in her hands and in her own world, thinking about what has happened in the show. Taking that picture was a special moment for me. The crew works hard to put on a good show. Nikky is especially good with the horses.

Andreas Wenzel(left) and Dominic Sewell(right) Nyborg Joust 2014  (photo by Hanno van Harten)
Andreas Wenzel(left) and Dominic Sewell(right) Nyborg 2014 
(photo by Hanno van Harten)

It was the start of the parade in Nyborg and I see Dominic Sewell fixing something behind Andreas, and I think,”Yes, that is a nice moment.” ;)  I prepare to take the photo, and Andreas looks up at that moment and calls,”Noooo!”

Andreas Wenzel comes off his horse during a mounted melee at the Nyborg Joust 2014 (photo by Hanno van Harten)
Andreas Wenzel comes off his horse during a mounted melee at Nyborg 2014
(photo by Hanno van Harten)

During a melee at Nyborg, there was this funny small battle between Andreas and Joram. They are being crazy and trying to take their melee clubs from each other. The action is going up and up, and in the end Andreas falls from his horse, and the audience is reacting with “Owwww's” and “Ahhhh's” and clapping.

Siebren Doolaard, videotaping the action at the Nyborg Joust 2014 (photo by Hanno van Harten)
Siebren Doolaard, videotaping the action at Nyborg 2014
(photo by Hanno van Harten)

That's Siebren, when were making the video for the Stichting HEI teaser. It was great to work with him, and the result was so great! I'm proud of myself about that job.

Andreas Wenzel(left) jousts Joram van Essen(right), Nyborg Joust 2014 (photo by Hanno van Harten)
Andreas Wenzel(left) jousts Joram van Essen(right), Nyborg 2014 (photo by Hanno van Harten)

It's Always nice to hear the sound of breaking lances, and then the moment that I looked on the screen from the camera, and... YES! I have the full hit! And this was a double lance break. It was a great moment for everyone.

Do you have a favorite moment from 2014? Please share it in the comments.

Related articles:
An Interview with Andreas Wenzel, Chairman of the Destrier Jousting Troupe

Stichting HEI Posts about the White Bear Tournament in Nyborg Slott

Historical Jousting Tournament at Nyborg Slot in Denmark

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Favorite Moments From 2014: Part Two

This is the second of a series of posts where jousters, ground crew and photographers share their favorite memories of the 2014 jousting season. You can see Part One by clicking on the link.

Female jouster Alison Mercer (photo by Azul Ox)
Alison Mercer (photo by Azul Ox)
Canadian jouster Alison Mercer of Calgary shares her favorite memories of the 2014 jousting season:

In a wonderful season of tournaments, it can be challenging to choose a moment that sticks out.

For me, I can trace it back to a morning in January when I got a message out of the blue from Justin Holland in Australia, with an invitation to ride at the Abbey Medieval Festival Tournament in July. It was a surprise; apart from Lysts on the Lake in Texas 2012, I had never ridden outside of Canada and didn't expect to again so soon. On the heels of Justin’s note, came a message from Sarah Hay with an invite to her tournament one week prior to Abbey.

Seven short months later, I was on a plane headed across the Pacific, armour in tow, with snippets of advice from friends: “Don’t pet the insects,” etc... After riding Sarah’s splendid Tournament Australis, we packed up and started the trek to Abbey Festival outside of Brisbane.

Abbey was an absolute delight. The tournament was spectacular – clockwork organization, excellent venue, wonderful crowd, and an MC that made you feel like a damned celebrity. Integral to this all were the ground-crew, who knew their business inside out. It was a lightening fast, hard-hitting tournament and while jousting constitutes the ‘meat’ of these experiences, it was the people who really made the trip for me.

Watching Justin ride, precise and deadly, was one thing. Working with and getting to know Sarah over two and a half weeks was another. From my introduction to the sport in 2010, I always thought she was the bees-knees – fine rider, brave, determined, and with very nice kit. But If I had to pick a specific moment, it would have been on the road between Sydney and Brisbane when we stopped for the night at the Grafton fairgrounds. After the horses were settled, I remember looking up at the Southern Cross and thinking, for the first time, just how far this sport had brought me. (Getting to know a certain MH at Brooks Medieval Faire was an added bonus…)

Looking forward to 2015!

Alison Mercer(left) jousts Sarah Hay(right) (photo by Dreamcoat Photography)
Alison Mercer(left) jousts Sarah Hay(right) (photo by Dreamcoat Photography)

Another Canadian jouster, Marc Hamel of Quebec, talks about his favorite moment:

I could say that winning the Scrothym Cup at Revel Grove was an amazing moment, but my favorite of the season was at Brooks Medieval Faire International Tournament (Alberta,Canada). Got myself injured on the first day and was done for the tournament.... However ... I was fraternizing with a fellow jouster, Alison Mercer, and discovered that we had more in common than just the jousting. I can proudly say that meeting her was a revelation and truly my favorite moment of my jousting season.

Jousters Alison Mercer(left) and Marc Hamel(right) at Brooks Medieval Faire 2014 (photo by Grant Zelych)
Alison Mercer(left) and Marc Hamel(right) at Brooks Medieval Faire 2014
(photo by Grant Zelych)


Caroline LaBrie helps Nicola Corrarello with his jousting armour, Brooks 2014 (photo by Twyla Brower Wehnes)
Caroline LaBrie helps Nicola Corrarello
with his armour, Brooks 2014
(photo by Twyla Brower Wehnes)
Jouster Caroline LaBrie(also of Quebec, Canada), has fond memories of acting as ground crew for the Brooks Medieval Faire International Tournament:

Summer passed by so fast. I was caught pretty early at the beginning of the year in the organization of both Les Pas d'Armes du Papegault and the Tournoi International de joute du Duché de Bicolline.

During my numerous exchanges with other competitors, my "Facebook friend" Radar Goddard (whom I had never met in person at that time) was also taken by the organization of the Brooks Medieval Faire International Tournament. Due to a cancellation, they were missing a judge, and we spontaneously arranged a trip for me to Alberta, where I would discover a different part of the country – as well as other fellow jousters – and reunite with old friends.

These were my only days off from work, and it was such a pleasure to help out the best I could in a tournament environment. It was simply amazing to meet others who shared my passion and to develop strong bounds with some persons. It reminds you every time of why we are doing this hobby, and why we are attracted by the middle ages and some of its romantic symbols. Within the whole wide world, a community sharing the same passion and similar values, the creation of a faithful bond between such quality persons. It does make a big world smaller. Again, I would like to thank Radar and STALC's wonderful crew for this precious opportunity!

Some of the crew and jousters of Brooks International Jousting Tournament 2014 (photo by Twyla Brower Wehnes)
Some of the crew and jousters of Brooks International Jousting Tournament 2014
(photo by Twyla Brower Wehnes)

Patrice Rolland holds aloft the Prize for Chivalry, Arundel 2014 (photo by Stephen Moss)
Patrice Rolland holds aloft the Prize for Chivalry,
Arundel 2014 (photo by Stephen Moss)
Continuing with our Canadian jousters, Patrice Rolland of Quebec shares his favorite memories of 2014:

Last December I moved with my wife into our new place, a hobby farm, so finally our horses will be home, what a new challenge! But in July there was a bigger one, my first overseas trip; to Arundel Castle with my teammate Steve R. Gagnon. We were representing the French team for the tournament held at the foot of the castle. We lived there for one week, a dream come alive. What an experience! To top it all, the Lady of Honour chose to give me the Prize of Chivalry. What an honour!

As if this was not enough, coming back to Quebec to get ready for the first international tournament produced by Arion at the Duché de Bicolline, with seven nights, four teams and a big, big happening. A first for my Canadian horse Porto. Together we managed to win the Master Jouster 2014...

Patrice Rolland holds the prize for winning the jousting competition at Bicolline 2014 (photo by Eric Dube)
Patrice Rolland holds the prize for winning the jousting competition at Bicolline 2014
(photo by Eric Dube)

... and also the Team Championship with Sean George as my teammate.

Patrice Rolland and Sean George Team Champions for Bicolline 2014 (photo by Eric Dube)
Patrice Rolland and Sean George Team Champions for Bicolline 2014
(photo by Eric Dube)

A wonderful time, a great tournament, a great year!

To conclude, well, there's nothing like home, and when I joust I feel like home! I hope that the next year brings all kinds of new memories and new challenges.

We go from Canada to the UK to hear from Patrice's teammate at Bicolline, Sean George:

I would firstly like to thank The Jousting Life for the continued support and interest in this fine arena of Jousting! We appreciate it! [Editorial note: Thank you, Sean!]

For me, 2014 was a fantastic year of Jousting! I have many fond memories, some great events and a lot of camaraderie amongst my fellow Jousters, both on the Jousting Circuit and also with my teammates from Destrier at Bosworth Battlefield.

I have a couple of fine moments that really shine for me, and both of them were abroad at WorldJoust Tournaments.™ One was at Tournoi International de Joute du Duché de Bicolline in Quebec. We were welcomed and treated well by our hosts, and along with my fine teammate, Patrice Rolland, we became Team Winners!

Patrice Rolland and Sean George Team Champions for Bicolline 2014 (photo by Eric Dube)
Patrice Rolland and Sean George Team Champions for Bicolline 2014
(photo by Eric Dube)

My other very fond memory and overall fantastic experience was at the Tournament of King John III - Gniew Castle in Poland. Both myself and my good friend Steve Mallett as Team England became Team Winners!

Sean George and Steve Mallet, Team Champions at the Tournament of King John III Gniew Castle 2014 (photo by Studio A)
Sean George and Steve Mallett, Team Champions at the Tournament of King John III Gniew Castle 2014 (photo by Studio A)

We had amazing hosts who really took care of us all and made our visit a fun and cherished memory.

– Seán George, Jouster

Sean George jousts Wouter Nicolai at Gniew 2014 (photo by Studio A)
Sean George jousts Wouter Nicolai at Gniew 2014 (photo by Studio A)

More Favorite Moments coming soon!

Do you have a favorite moment from 2014? Please share it in the comments.

Related articles:
Burgundian Alliance Wins Team Championship at Arundel International Tournament 2014

Patrice Rolland and Sean George Win the Team Championship of Tournoi International de Joute du Duché de Bicolline 2014

Interview with Sean George, Half of the Winning Team England at the Tournament of King Jan III at Gniew Castle 2014