In Memoriam: Bonnie

Richard Alvarez posted this announcement on Facebook on October 1, 2013:

"Got word that our noble warhorse Bonnie passed this weekend. She lived a long and wonderful life. She carried many of us through countless jousts. Here she is, enduring the freak snowstorm in Scarborough. She gave me 100 percent in the midst of a miserable day.

You couldn't ask for more.

Rest in Peace Bonnie. Your name is on the honor roll." – Richard Alvarez

Richard Alvarez on Bonnie at Scarborough(photo from Richard Alvarez)

In Memoriam: Oberon, June 1, 2002 - July 14, 2013

Many condolences to jouster Sean Gulick who lost his horse, Oberon (aka "Bo"), to severe gas colic yesterday, on July 14, 2013. What makes this loss even harder is that Sean, who is a geophysicist, is currently working on a ship off the coast of Alaska and was unable to say goodbye to Bo in person. Oberon was not a jousting horse for very long, but he was a great sport about all things jousting from the beginning and was an all around sweet horse. According to Sean's wife, Jennifer Jobst, who also rode Oberon for dressage and fox-hunting, "His time with us was too short and he will be sadly missed."

Sean Gulick on Oberon during jousting practice (photo by The Jousting Life)

Sean posted the following memorial for Oberon on his Facebook account:

"Oberon, aka Bo, was an 11 year old, 16.1hh Standardbred/Percheron cross. He was actually a PMU baby imported from Canada as a weanling. He was my fox-hunting and jousting horse, and was brilliant at both. He was fearless about jousting, but pretended to be terrified of random things like gates, wheelbarrows and manhole covers. My wife and I were fairly certain that he practiced cute/handsome looks in the mirror so he could con unsuspecting passers-by into giving him a treat. It usually worked!

Oberon had a few cases of mild colic, but sadly his life ended with a major case of gas colic (or bloat) on July 14, that caused a section of his intestine to flip on itself. From symptoms to passing was only 12 hours, so he did not suffer much. Jen gave him a last hug from me this morning and swears that he hugged her back. He was a great partner in the tilt and at full gallop in the hunts and I will miss him terribly. I am sure he is in a place with many carrots and endless fields to run. To Oberon, my wonderful steed." -- Sean Gulick

In Memoriam – Ulrich Kiener

The jousting community lost a valiant fighter recently when Ulrich Kiener passed away on January 12, 2013 from complications of liver failure. Ulrich had suffered from liver problems since he was 6 years old. He had two liver transplants before being able to live out his dream of becoming a jouster. He and his wife were well liked in the jousting community for the all too brief time that he was able to joust. He will be missed by those he left behind.

"His life was the riding and jousting and fighting. I´m very proud to have known him, having him as my husband and being part of his life... The same is the pain to have lost him.” – Melanie Sonja Mayr-Kiener

Ulrich's wife, Melanie, created a Facebook page in Ulrich's honor where she shared a message about Ulrich in both her native language, German, and in English. They are printed below along with a few statements made by others who knew and cared for Ulrich.

Mein liebster Ehemann, Freund und Fürst, Ulrich Kiener, ist am 12.01.2013 friedlich von uns gegangen. Wir erweisen Ihm die letzte Ehre am 23.01.2013.

Stattfinden wird die heilige Messe und im Anschluss (gegen 12:30) die Beisetzung.
Genaue Zeit und Ort gebe ich noch bekannt.

Ich bitte, da für mich das alles noch zu frisch und schmerzhaft ist von Beileidsbekundungen am Grabe abzusehen.

Ich weiss dass es einige unter Euch gibt die Ihm gerne noch etwas mitgeben wollen auf seinem Weg. Dazu stehen einige Möglichkeiten zur Verfügung:
Ich habe eine Kondolenzmappe auslegen lassen in die jeder mitgebrachte zeilen einlegen kann oder auch etwas einschreiben kann. Desweiteren können die die nicht kommen können aber etwas schreiben wollen gerne eine speziell eingerichtete EMail Adresse nutzen. Ich werde die Zeilen dann mit in das Kondolenzbuch binden lassen.
EMail Adresse: fuerulrich.kiener@gmx.de

Uli war es immer wichtig dass man zusammensteht und füreinander da ist. Damit sollte jeder in diesem Kreis willkommen sein.

Ich habe eine gewisse Anzahl Sterbebildchen drucken lassen. Ausserdem kann jeder der möchte und nicht da ist gerne mir auf die Email schreiben wenn er auch eines will.Das werd ich dann veranlassen.

Ich denke man kann in so einem Fall kein allgemeines Treffen danach machen, daher sollen sich die die den Wunsch haben gerne nach der Bestattung selbst zusammenfinden. Ich selbst weiss ganz einfach noch nicht wie es mir an diesem tag geht, und ob ich mich einer der Gruppen anschliessen will und werde.

Ich danke Euch allen wirklich vielmals für Eure Anteilnahme, im Moment habe ich nur nicht die Möglichkeit Euch allen lieben Menschen zu antworten. Das tut mir leid. Ich hole das nach, ich trage Eure lieben Worte fest in meinem Herzen und sie machen die Zeit wenn nicht leicht dann doch zumindest erträglicher.

Eure Melanie Sonja Mayr-Kiener

Ulrich Kiener (photo by unknown)

My beloved husband, friend and lord, Ulrich Kiener, on 12.01.2013 went peacefully from us. We pay homage to him on 23.1.2013.

After Holy Mass will then (at 12:30) be the burial.
Exact time and place I announce yet.

I ask because for me it is too fresh and painful nor refrain from condolences at the grave.

I know there are some among you who would like to give to him a little on his way. These are some possibilities:

There will be a book of condolonce for everyone who may enroll something. Furthermore,who can not write something because of not coming can write to the dedicated email address. I'll let the rows then bind with the condolence book.
email address: fuerulrich.kiener @ gmx.de

To Uli it was always important that we all stand together and for each other . So everyone should be welcome at the holy mass and the burial

I printed a certain number of memorial card. Who wants and is not there should write me on the email. I´ll manage you will get one.

I think such a case, no general meeting thereafter is possible, so if you have the desire to come togetherafter it please arrange for yourself. I myself would simply not know how I feel on that day, and wheter I want to join and become one of the groups.

I thank you all really very much for your words, right now I don´t have the possibility to answer to all of you lovely people. I'm sorry. I make up for it, I'm wearing your nice words in my heart and they make the time if not easy then at least bearable.

Yours Melanie

"I would like to express how sad I was when I heard the news. I met Ulrich and Melanie at Hackaland 2011 and they were wonderful to me. I was hoping to invite them to New Zealand for a tournament that we may be holding later this year and I'm gutted that this will now not happen.” – Callum Forbes

“I also met Ulrich and Melanie at Hackaland 2011. They sheltered us in their tent when a huge storm came through. Ulrich and Melanie were also kind enough to allow me to stay with them for a week during Grunwald 2012. It was a great opportunity to build a strong friendship. I want to express my gratitude to both Ulrich and Melanie for their kindness. It is so very sad to know that Ulrich has passed on. He will live on, though, through our fond memories and photos that will be shared throughout our own lifetimes. Farewell Ulrich. Melanie, my thoughts are with you at this awful time. Take care. Xx” – Sarah Hay

“Ulrich was an example of strength. Every hour spent with Ulrich and Melanie was an hour of good time and laughs. He will remain my friend forever. My condolences, Melanie.” – Audrius Jankauskas

Ulrich Kiener (photo from Tadas Laurinaitis)

“‎"Von Bruder zu Bruder, bis in den Tod.", du weißt schon Uli...” – Matte Farben

“Mir fehlen die Worte ...
ich bin einfach nur bestürzt und traurig :´(
Warum musst Du so jung sterben?? Das ist nicht fair ... Du hattest Dein ganzes Leben noch vor Dir ...
Tränen fließen im Gedenken an Dich ...

Dein Körper ist von uns gegangen ...
aber Du lebst weiter ...
in unseren HERZEN.

Good bye, good fellow
Wir sehen uns in einer anderen Welt wieder”
– Uwe Ahrens

“Und so soll unser aufrichtiges Beileid kundgetan sein. Es ist immer der größte Verlust, einen aufrichtigen Ritter dem Herrn überlassen zu sehen. Doch dort wo immergrüne Wiesen blühen, das Himmelslicht gar am schönsten ist, dort soll er weilen und sich sicher sein, dass er behütet sei fortan...

-in memoriam-
verneigt sei unser Haupt........” – Rajmund Bitowsky von Lichtenburg

“It was a honor to meet him in the field...” – Łukasz Dutkiewicz

"This is real fun" – Ulrich Kiener (photo by unknown)

“Ein wahrlich bewundernswerter mann.....wenn es mehr wie ihn gäbe, wäre die welt lebenswerter!” – Ulrich Steinhauser

“Sterben ist das Auslöschen der Lampe im Morgenlicht,
nicht das Auslöschen der Sonne.

“Möge ein Grosser Mann in Friden Ruhen
Herzliches Beileid an Seine Famillie” – Ewan Blakkarsson

“Wir werd in gedange bei euch sein in der schwern zeit in gedangen und in unsern herzen würd er weiter leben” – Ainè Festum

Ulrich Kiener (photo by Viduramziai.Lt)

In Remembrance of Kilvarough -- A Great Jousting Horse

On Tuesday, June 12, 2012, Matthew Mansour's jousting partner the Mighty, Mighty Kilvarough passed away. He was a truly great jousting horse and will be sorely missed by the jousting community.

Brian Clark shared this picture of Matthew Mansour and Mighty, Mighty Kilvarough (referred to as MMK) with the title "King of the Wind".

King of the Wind

"It [King of the Wind] is the title from a book that I read in the fourth grade. MMK always reminded of the story when you two took to the field." -- Brian Clark

"There is a special bond between horse and owner that is even greater between a jouster and his steed. They carry us, we rely on them as they rely on us. Once in awhile though there is a horse that surpasses even the normal bonds of knight and steed. There are those horses that leave an impression not only on the ones who love them but on all who are privileged enough to see them in their glory. One of the best jousting horses I've ever seen has passed. Matthew Mansour, Kilvarough will never be forgotten. We will all miss his beauty, spirit and dedication. May he ride on in the green pastures of the afterlife as his memory will ride on in our hearts. If there were a jousting hall of fame Kilvarough's picture would surely grace the walls." -- Angela Marie Keys Harris

"The joust won't be as magical without Kilvarough" -- Angie Young

"I'm so sad to hear this, seeing Kilvarough own the joust field always filled me with awe. He was a powerful, majestic, beautiful animal. He will be missed by many." -- Kat Brown

"As we connect and bond with our horses, they become part of us, an extension of our souls and spirit. Losing them is like losing part of ourselves. My deepest sympathy goes to you Matt." -- Steve Weems

"Matthew Mansour, you and your family continue to be in my thoughts today. I truly believe that our lives are not complete without the companionship of animals. You were very lucky to find such an amazing friend in Mighty, Mighty Kilvarough. He will continue to live on in your heart and memories until you meet again at the Rainbow Bridge. The loss of his presence will be felt by many. I feel very blessed to be able to have watched him perform for so many years at Bristol. My heart is with you during this time!" -- Anna Batchelder Kaufmann

Kilvarough and his family

"Dean told me today. My heart is breaking for you Matthew, as well as for your whole family. MMK was the most amazing horse--beautiful, powerful, smart, sweet, trusting and trustworthy, and a professional performer. I know a part of you went with him. Love, sympathy, and prayers are being sent from our family to yours. We love you guys. ♥" -- Wendy Murphy Farrington

"So very sorry to hear this. Always hard to see the great ones pass. So glad he got to be your partner for so long. I'll pour some out for him tonight." Richard P Alvarez

This photographic recreation of the famous painting "La Belle Dame Sans Merci" by Sir Frank Dicksee inspired by the poem of the same name was taken by photographer Ron Tencati with Kilvarough, Katie Morgan and Matthew Mansour as the models.

La Belle Dame Sans Merci featuring the Mighty, Mighty Kilvarough

"Sometimes...there are no words...only shoulders to lean on, hands to hold onto, and hugs to comfort you as best as they can. Sending Deepest Sympathy to You and your Family. Mighty Mighty Kilvarough will be missed. And his memories will live on in all our hearts." -- Stacey Lee Matthew

"The Mighty, Mighty Kilvarough sleeps. Go knowing you are loved and will be missed. My condolences to you Sir. Raise a cup of oats with his mates for me." -- Carl Kyle F

"Goodbye to the mighty war steed Kilvarough. I am so sorry for your loss my friend. An enormous hole was punched into the world of jousting today." -- Pamela Morgan

"I learned to ride on MMK. I remember the day all of my lessons hit me at once, it felt as though my body extended through his front legs and we were one. It was one of the most amazing feelings I've ever had and I'm sure I experienced it because he was working with me. He was such an amazing animal and I am sad to see him go." -- Timothy Allen Noel Chadwick

"My heart goes out to you and your family! Kilvarough was the mightiest war horse and the gentlest giant! Every life that soft muzzle has touched is fortunate and honored to have witnessed such a jousting team. There will never be another. RIP Kilvarough" -- Hannah Lynne

Savannah on Kilvarough

"MMK sure seemed to love jousting, the applause from the crowd and especially skimming that tilt rail like no other horse I've ever seen. You could tell also how much he loved you and your family and especially loved Savannah walking him out in the arena after the joust...he was always so gentle with her. I consider myself very fortunate to have had the pleasure of meeting (treating) and watching MMK in action, especially after all of the amazing stories I had heard about him. Much love to all of you!" -- Alison Gifford

Savannah on Kilvarough

"Kilvarough will always be remembered." Eileen Gifford

"Rest in peace, Mighty Mighty Kilvarough. May you run in forever green pastures with carrots that grow on trees. Our thoughts and blessings are with the Mansour family. We will remember him for the years to come." -- Hayl Daugherty

"He was a steed of unending might and great beauty. His memory will be proof of that, because none of us will forget him." -- Kate Biggerstaff

"I learned how to ride, and joust with Kilvarough. He was the first horse I 'felt' the connection with that made riding magical. Jousting opposite of him made everyone look better. I'm so sorry. Hugs." -- John Gruber

"Sorry to hear about Kilvarough. He was a joy to watch, an absolute beauty and always an inspiration even on the hottest Georgia days. RIP." -- Sarah Craig

"I was briefly given the privilege of feeding and mucking the stall of this gorgeous horse. He used to eat M & M's out of my shirt pocket. He'll be missed Matt. So sorry for your loss...but he leaves behind a tremendous legacy." -- Morgaine Taith

"I'll drink to him tonight. A damn fine friend, that horse. Shame I couldn't get one more headbutt from him." -- Alan Vuchichevich

"Ah, Matthew, we know what it is to lose a partner in this Ren life. When it's someone with whom we create the beauty that we throw into the crowd, it leaves a hole. May you keep him in your heart with gratitude, may you move forward with compassion." -- Susan Hickey Csikos

"I took this last year at Bristol. So sorry to hear about your loss, Matt. He was truly a beautiful, amazing horse. My thoughts go out to you and your family. Stay strong buddy!" -- Crystal Hanson

Photo by Crystal Hanson

"I am sorry to hear that my brother. The great injustice in our world is that our animals don't share our entire life.

A friend of mine once told me her theory is that they go first so that when we die we see them first, and because there is complete trust, we are not afraid.

I hope that is true..." L Dale Walter

"Sometimes it seems like we cannot tell our animal friends how much they mean to us, and this can make losing them very hard. But they do understand when they are loved, even without words, they understand." -- William Dezoma

Matthew Mansour and Kilvarough

"I still remember that day last year where the two of you were back behind the globe and you were sitting on a picnic table, and you put your head on his, and it was one of the coolest most moving moments I've been privileged to witness!" -- Robert Thomas Schmeling

"Rest in Peace, Mighty, Mighty Kilvarough. Beloved steed of Matthew Mansour , aka Sir Maxmillian, the jousting Earl of Braden. It was an honor to watch Kilvarough participate in the jousts of the Carolina Renaissance Festival. He possessed the body of a horse - but the courage of King Arthur." -- Ron Tencati

Matthew Mansour and Kilvarough

And from Matthew Mansour:

"I have read each and every post and email which has been sweet yet incredibly difficult. Kilvarough touched so many lives and in such a positive fashion.

He never faltered. He could be a wicked devil and an angelic teacher, all within the same 20 minutes. He could peel an experienced rider off on a tree yet my kids could effortlessly ride him bareback.

I loved that horse more than I could ever possibly say and I have lost a part of my heart. However I was so blessed to have found him as a coming 4 year old semi-wild punk. What adventures we have had!

He lived an amazing life. He traveled from coast to coast, performed for thousands and was adored by all, even the morons who seriously thought he was "half mule"...

He never got sick, never went lame. Once I brought him in for shoeing and as the farrier was working I notice some fluid inside his left hind leg. I go to check and he had impaled himself on 12 inches of a branch way up in his groin area while in the pasture. He did not even limp. Two weeks of antibiotics and it was like it never happened. "Tough as nails" does not even do him justice.

He suffered inept riders, endless miles of trailering, great variants in feed, crazy environments, 4 shows a day runs, 3 shows a day runs, 36 weekends of show seasons, heat waves, frost jousts, costumes, parades, millions of pets to his nose, and ME. He did it all with grace...if you had carrots.

He lived to the magnificent age of 24. He was a powerhouse to the very end. Classic Kilvarough where just a few weeks ago he performed brilliantly and yet gave me no ends of attitude, just like his whole life.

Rock star. Smart Ass. Partner. Friend. I am in your eternal debt for the sheer and utter joy you have brought me. Shag those mares and rest Mighty, Mighty Kilvarough, I love you." -- Matthew Mansour

The Mighty, Mighty Kilvarough

In Remembrance of Titan – A Great Jousting Horse

“This is the horse Mike Beaman rode when he performed with New Edge Adventure Theatre in the 90's. He had "North" written on his stall in every faire he performed at because Mike is from New Hampshire. There is a song by an 80's British hair band called Manowar where a small boy asks his grandfather to tell him a story. The grandfather tells of 4 riders who go to battle (north, south, east and west). Titan And Mike were North. If Mike had fruit loops in his pocket you could be sure that Titan was right behind him. He ran straight and true. He died of old age peacefully in pasture in Colorado.” – Paula Beaman

“The fruit loop luvin', big goof of a horse on whom I was honored to ride for several years at the end of his long career. He truly was the last of his era. The others, Thumper, Gareth, Argus, Dearborne, Shadow, Guinevere, Caesar, are all passed.” – Michael Beaman

If you knew Titan and have any stories or pictures that you would like to add, please email me or post them in the comments section.

In Remembrance of Duke -- A Great Jousting Horse

A few days ago, the sport of jousting lost one of its beloved horses due to complications of cancer. Duke was a big beautiful Belgian, owned and trained to joust by Steve Weems. Many people involved in the sport of jousting will miss this wonderful horse.

Steve Weems riding Duke

In December, 2011, Steve Weems wrote:
"After almost 12 years of loyalty, I am sad to announce that Duke has been retired from Jousting this week. He has been one of the most solid horses I have ever had the pleasure of riding. He came to me in 1999 from a guy up in Angels Camp, CA who used him for nothing else but hauling his beer kegs to campouts. He had never had any kind of medical care and most likely no foot or hoof maintenance and he was 10 years old.

After bucking off Patrick Lambke and breaking Patricks leg, I figured Duke was a good judge of character and that he should come home with me. After living in my care for seven months he did his first Joust in a Azure Cross show at the Kearny Renaissance Faire when Beltain Lamed up. Duke was flawless and has not faltered a single time in the list ever.

He became known as the automatic transmission because he was so dependable and would more so than not carry the less experienced knights down the list. From 2002 to 2005 he was the quintessential Gold horse as part of the gold team of Knights of Avalon. After that he even put up with Patrick Lambke during performances. In 2005 I took him to the Sheridan Hughes Tournament in Calgary where he received the award for "Best Horse". He has performed in a couple of movie shoots and tv appearances. One was "Americas Most Wanted" where he carried a 12 year old actress through banks of fog to his marks. The Director said he was the best animal she had ever worked with.

This year at approx. 24 years old, Duke traveled over 4000 miles and carried several knights down the list for "The Knights of Mayhem". He finished his career doing what he does best. Being loyal, Dedicated and Dependable. He is now with "Above and Beyond Ordinary" taking care of Handicapped and disabled children and receiving top care so that he can finish out his years in comfort." -- Steve Weems

Steve Weems and Duke

"To Duke,
Never Faltering, Ever Steady, Always waited patiently at the end of the list until I was ready. You were the heart that keep me warm with your soft cheek against my face and your calming breath on my neck, and you always watched for me to show you what was next. We put our faith in each other, and though that we gained strength & trust, building a bond such as no other. Now that you have taken your leave with an eternal rest, I will always remember you as one of the best.
May you rest in peace my most dedicated Friend, Companion, and Partner" -- Steve Weems

Steve Weems on Duke jousting Cliff Bassett

‎

"...Give angels wings to horses here
Who tarry on and show no fear
No sabre, shot nor cannons roar
Should still the hearts who can’t give more

Lay down the steeds in pastures green
Where smoke and fire are never seen
Quiet ears and eyes that know such hell
Till in your heavens they may dwell..."
-- excerpt from "A Calvary Soldier's Prayer" by Robin Shields, 6th Ohio Calvary
(posted by Jeff Cavazos in regards to Duke's passing)

Talon McKenna riding Duke

"Here is Duke, loved this horse" -- Talon Mckenna

"Oh, what a loss for the jousting world. He was a good horse." -- Mary Taylor

Brian Stephenson on Duke at the Sherwood joust

"I was a quintain for Duke's very first public joust. And I think Weemsies too. I dunno who was more green broke at the time. But I'll always love Duke for trying so hard to avoid running down the skinny kid with a ring in his hand. Condolences to his family and riders who loved him." -- Maeve Kelly

Jay Thompson and Duke

"Steve Weems rescued Duke and not only gave him a second chance, he gave him a life! Duke traveled all over North America jousting and retired with teaching mentally challenged kids how to ride and have a good time. Eleven years of blood sweat and beers later, it is an honor to have ridden him, been his friend, walked him in the middle of the night because of colic, and he is, and always will be a friend." -- Jay Thompson

Steve Weems and Duke

"Duke was the first horse that I befriended when I came to The Knights of Avalon. I loved him. We seemed to have a bond. Thanks Duke for making me understand you and the others. I will always love you!" -- Nancy Vasquez

Duke

If you knew Duke, feel free to comment about your experiences with him below. If you have other pictures of Duke that you would like to have posted on this page, just send me the link, and I will add them.