The Jousting Life: Caroline LaBrie

Showing posts with label Caroline LaBrie. Show all posts

Monday, June 15, 2015

Productions Arion has a Busy Season of Jousting and Equestrian Display

Written by Caroline LaBrie of Productions Arion

Summer has not arrived yet, but the Productions Arion team is busy working on several projects promoting and displaying jousting and equestrian shows to numerous horse and medieval enthusiasts.

We began the 2015 season in May with a demonstration at a popular horse fair in Québec, Canada, Le Salon du Cheval, which welcomed about 15,000 horse lovers from everywhere in Québec. We offered a mounted skills at arm display performed by local favorites, Marc Hamel and Patrice Rolland, as well as a joust between Caroline LaBrie, President of Productions Arion, and Alison Mercer, a talented jouster from Alberta.

Jousters Alison Mercer(left) and Caroline LaBrie(right) at Le Salon du Cheval 2015
(photo by Marie-Kirya Duff)

For one hour, the crowd was taken back to the XVth century and enjoyed seeing our horses performing these historic disciplines. In addition to the MSA and jousting display, our partner Equimagie offered a wonderful fire show with a bridleless rider performing with a fire dancer.

For the first weekend of June, we organised and hosted a private event called Le Pas de la Marche Argentée at our boarding facility. It included a cross country gauntlet(a type of mounted skill at arms course), a popcorn joust (beginning jousters using pool noodles), mounted archery parcours(supported by l'Escole du Grand Arc), and of course, a competitive joust performed under the supervision of judges from the Montjoie historical group. Fifteen competitors enjoyed putting their skills to the test at this beautiful location.

Many of the jousters and other participants at Pas de la Marche Argentee 2015
(photo by Pamela Lucas)

The winner of the cross country gauntlet was Jessy Dufresne. Éric Charbonneau won the mounted archery contest, and Genevieve Bond won the popcorn joust. The participants in the competitive joust included: Jessy Dufresne, Stéphane Tremblay, Michel Arsenault and Caroline LaBrie. Stéphane Tremblay won the jousting tournament.

Jousters Stephane Tremblay, winner of the jousting tournament,(left) and Jessy Dufresne, winner of the cross-country gauntlet,(right) at le Pas de la Marche Argentee 2015
(photo by Marie-Kirya Duff)

On June 27th - 28th, Productions Arion has been hired to produce the equestrian portion of the Festival Medieval de Béthanie which will include mounted archery displays and mounted skill at arms competitions (both hunt-based and combat-based), as well as a competitive jousting tournament. The tournament will include jousters Steve R Gagnon, Alison Mercer, Patrice Rolland and Caroline LaBrie. We are happy to include in this festival the comeback of a dressage display called "Le Carrousel des Dames" with ladies of the court performing figures in historical XVth century gowns.

After a quiet July month, some of our jousters will be flying over to Alberta, Canada, in August to compete in or marshal(referee) the jousting tournament at Brooks Medieval Faire. We are looking forward to getting in touch with good friends over there.

Jousters Jean Francois Drapeau of Canada and Nicola Corrarello of Italy at Brooks Medieval Faire Jousting Tournament 2014(photo by Grant Zelych)

We are keeping busy, but that is what passion is made of, isn't it!?

Jouster Caroline Labrie, President of Productions Arion
(photo by Marc-Antoine Jean Photographe)

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.

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)

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.

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)

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)

... 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)

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)

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)

More Favorite Moments coming soon!

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

Monday, November 17, 2014

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

The first of what one hopes will be an annual event, Tournoi International de Joute du Duché de Bicolline was held August 30 - September 1, 2014, in Quebec, Canada. There were a total of sixteen competitors from five different countries. The organizers of the tournament are now ready to announce the winners and make a statement about the tournament:

"Two months ago, we were still on a cloud of blissfulness following the first International Jousting Tournament of the Duchy of Bicolline, a great and colorful event that had gathered professional jousters from all over the world.

While winter is at our door, it is with a lot of pleasure that we dive back in this festive and warm universe to relive these beautiful moments and share with you the great honors for the winners and the participants of the Sport and Historical divisions. Three Vivat to you all!" – Caroline LaBrie, president of Arion, co-organizer of Tournoi International de Joute du Duché de Bicolline

As mentioned in the statement, there was both a Historical Division and a Sport Division for this tournament, which distinguished between those who make every effort to use armour, clothing and gear that is as historically accurate as possible and those who are either not quite as concerned with historical accuracy or simply have not yet managed to assemble a historically accurate kit. Below are lists of the winners from each division:

Patrice Rolland(left) and Sean George(right), Team Champions of Tournoi International de Joute du Duché de Bicolline 2014 (photo by Eric Dube)

Historical Division:
Team Champions: Patrice Rolland of Canada and Sean George of England
Winner of the Joust: Patrice Rolland of Canada
Winner of the Mounted Skill at Arms: Patrice Rolland of Canada
Winner of the Poleaxe: Darth Rimmer of the USA
Most Chivalrous: Luc Petillot of France

Luc Petillot, chosen as Most Chivalrous at Bicolline 2014(photo by Eric Dube)

Patrice rode to victory on his own purebred Canadian gelding, Porto, and Sean rode a TB cross rental horse named Demande s'y, provided by Phillip Lamarche. Patrice and Sean's team was called 'The Green Machine' (because it was the only team color left). The other teams were 'The Stars and Stripes'(Darth Rimmer and Jeffrey Hedgecock of the USA, red), 'The French Connection'(Luc Petillot of France and Marc Hamel of Canada, blue) and 'The Old-Timers'... ahem... I mean 'The Carvers'(Jezz Smith of New Zealand and Steve Gagnon of Canada, black).

Sport Division:
Winner of the Joust: Damien Martel
Winner of the Mounted Skill at Arms: Marie Baron
Most Chivalrous: Marie Baron

Left: Damien Martel, winner of the joust in the Sport Division, Bicolline 2014
Right: Marie Baron, winner of the MSA and chosen as Most Chivalrous in the Sport Division, Bicolline 2014(photos by Eric Dube)

Tournament co-organizer Caroline LaBrie pointed out that:

"Marie rode a 4 year old Quarter horse that was performing his first joust in front of a crowd. A competent and confident rider can help a horse overcome it's insecurities." – Caroline LaBrie

The prizes for both the Historical Division and the Sport Division were created specifically for this tournament. Marc Hamel did the original carving for the plaques awarded to the winners of the Historical Division. Étienne Grenier and Serge Lavigueur did the molding, and Étienne Grenier did the painting, with some final touches added by Jezz Smith. Marc Hamel and Étienne Grenier also created the prizes for the Sport Division, and the calligraphy was done by score keeper Julien Fontaine.

The prizes for the Historic Division, Bicolline 2014(photo by Eric Dube)

Le Duché the Bicolline, who hired joust coordinator Virginie Frechette, worked with Caroline LaBrie's company Arion to produce the tournament. The Montjoie 1471 reenactment group helped by marshaling the jousts, and the medieval band Skarazula provided music during the tournament. Despite the weather not being the best – it rained Saturday night and Sunday was cloudy and misty – approximately 3000 spectators came to watch the jousting.

Here are some more photographs from Tournoi International de Joute du Duché de Bicolline, provided by Arion and Eric Dube:

Luc Petillot(left) jousts Sean George(right) at Bicolline2014(photo by Eric Dube)

Patrice Rolland(left) and Darth Rimmer(right) during the poleaxe competition at Bicolline2014,
Darth Rimmer won the poleaxe competition(photo by Eric Dube)

Left: Steve Hemphill(left) jousts Jean-sebastien Drapeau(right) during Bicolline 2014
Right: Caroline LaBrie on her purebred Canadian stallion, Skippy, and her boyfriend/squire Étienne Grenier(photos by Eric Dube)

Patrice Roland, on his purebred Canadian gelding, Porto, the moment the lances strike,
Bicolline2014(photo by Eric Dube)

Top Left: Radar Goddard breaks her lance against Stephenie Campbell
Bottom Right: Steve Gagnon(left) jousts Darth Rimmer(right), Bicolline 2014(photos by Eric Dube)

Stephane Tremblay waits at the end of the tilt, Bicolline2014(photo by Eric Dube)

The jousters and crew for Tournoi International de Joute du Duché de Bicolline 2014
(photo by Eric Dube)

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Le Pas d'Armes du Papegault 2014

Text and photos provided by Caroline LaBrie
Edited by Zhi Zhu

A brand new event took place on June 7 and 8 at popular LARP site Le Duché de Bicolline. Les Pas d'Armes du Papegault is an invitational tournament featuring mounted skill at arms(MSA individual skills-quintain, rings, cut and thrust), mounted hunting skills (archery and javelin) and, of course, jousting. The event brought together 14 participants from all over Quebec.

Michel Arsenault, Jean-sebastien Drapeau, Jessy Dufresne and Stephane Tramblay are just a few of the competitors at Les Pas d'Armes du Papegault 2014(photo by Eric Dube)

In the morning, guests chose between a mounted archery clinic led by master archer Patrick Doiron (Escole du Grand Arc) or a weapons training clinic offered by Marc Hamel, international jouster (pollaxe, javelin and lance). Brand-new equipment and lots of new mounts were put to the test and performed brilliantly.

Ann Titley participates in the archery clinic at Les Pas d'Armes du Papegault 2014
(photo by Eric Dube)

Later in the day, under a bright blue sky, the riders competed in a friendly competition organized by Productions Arion. Reenactment group Montjoie served as marshals, while our herald, Jean-François Blais, better known as "Jactance," entertained the crowd with colourful facts about jousting and skills at arms.

Jean-François Blais heralds Les Pas d'Armes du Papegault 2014(photo by Eric Dube)

Results for the first edition of Les Pas d'Armes du Papegault held at Le Duché de Bicolline on June 7th & 8th 2014:

Mounted Skill at Arms:
1st Jean-Sébastien Drapeau 14pts
2nd Jessy Dufresne 12pts
3rd Alexandre Marcotte 11pts

Jean-Sebastien Drapeau, winner of the MSA competition at Les Pas d'Armes du Papegault 2014
(photo by Eric Dube)

Saturday Joust:
1st Jessy Dufresne 16pts
2nd Jean-Sébastien Drapeau 15pts
3rd Michel Arsenault 14pts

Jessy Dufresne won the Saturday Joust at Les Pas d'Armes du Papegault 2014
(photo by Eric Dube)

Mounted Hunting Skills:
1st Jessy Dufresne 12pts
2nd Hélène Lacombe 10pts
3rd TIE between Patrick Doiron and Jean-Sebastien Drapeau 9pts

Jessy Dufresne also won the Mounted Hunting Skills competition at Les Pas d'Armes du Papegault 2014(photo by Eric Dube)

Sunday Joust:
1st Stéphane Tremblay 25pts
2nd Jean-Sebastien Drapeau 23pts
3rd Marc Hamel 12pts

Stephane Trembley, first place Sunday Joust, jousts Jean-Sebastien Drapeau, second place Sunday Joust, during Les Pas d'Armes du Papegault 2014(photo by Eric Dube)

It was exciting to test the new set-up, as competitors will soon be flying in from England, New Zealand, France and the United States for the Duché de Bicolline International Jousting Tournament on August 30, 31 and September 1. For the event, 16 competitors will face off in this wonderful and unique environment.

This second edition of Les Pas d'Armes du Papegault (IJL affiliated) will welcome eight competitors, and the first Tournoi International de joute du Duché de Bicolline will unite eight well-known jousters from around the world (Worldjoust affiliated). The event will feature incredible displays of jousting, mounted archery, mounted skill at arms and ground combat, as well as reenactment camps, jesters, craftsmen, historians and presentations for all ages.

Don't miss this incredible event on August 30, 31 and September 1!