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)

Related articles:
Favorite Moments From 2014: Part Two

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

On The Road to Bicolline

Le Pas d'Armes du Papegault 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 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 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.

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

On The Road to Bicolline

The first Tournoi International de Joute du Duché de Bicolline begins this weekend, August 30 - September 1, in Quebec, Canada. Several of the jousters are already in town for the tournament and have been doing some promotional appearances. Photographer Eric Dube was there to capture some fun photos of the four jousters who all happen to wear black armour – Jezz Smith, Marc Hamel, Patrice Rolland and Steve R. Gagnon. Here are a few of the pictures:

Bicolline Road? with Patrice Rolland, Jezz Smith, Marc Hamel and Steve R. Gagnon
(photo by Eric Dube)


The Four Jousters! with Steve R. Gagnon, Jezz Smith, Patrice Rolland and Marc Hamel
(photo by Eric Dube)


Bar Fight! with Patrice Rolland, Marc Hamel, Jezz Smith and Steve R. Gagnon
(photo by Eric Dube)


Et tu, Jezz? with Marc Hamel and Jezz Smith(photo by Eric Dube)


Heavy Metal! with Steve R. Gagnon, Jezz Smith, Patrice Rolland and Marc Hamel
(photo by Eric Dube)

Click on these links to see the photo album of these promotional pictures on the Tournoi International de Joute du Duché de Bicolline Facebook page.

Related articles:
Le Pas d'Armes du Papegault 2014

Les pas d'armes du Papegault Takes Place This Weekend in Quebec

Guest Writer, Jouster Marc Hamel: Acts of Valor

The Jousters for the Brooks Medieval Faire Jousting Tournament 2014

The Brooks Medieval Faire Jousting Tournament will take place this weekend, August 9 & 10, in Brooks, Alberta, Canada as part of the 11th annual Brooks Medieval Faire. A number of international jousters will be competing and a local news show interviewed Australian jouster Sarah Hay and Danish jouster, Ole(Will) Nielson who are already in town preparing for the competition.

Interview with jousters Sarah Hay and Ole Nielson(video from globalnews.ca)

The other jousters who will be competing include:
Canadian jousters:
Alison Mercer from Calgary
Dale Geinow recently transplanted to Alberta from Ontario
Dale Thwaites from Calgary
Jean-Francois Drapeau from Stoneham Quebec
Jean-Sebastian Drapeau from Stoneham Quebec
Lacey Hadford from Medicine Hat
Marc Hamel from Quebec
Radar Goddard from Calgary

International jousters:
Jeffrey Wasson from New York, USA
Nicola Corrarello from Rome, Italy
Ole Nielson From Vyborg, Denmark
Sarah Hay from Australia
Stacey Wasson from New York, USA

Sarah Hay and Stacy Wasson strike tip to tip during the Grand Tournament of St Charles 2013(photo by The Jousting Life)

For more information, check out the jousters page on the Brooks Medieval Faire website and the Brooks Medieval Faire Facebook page.

Jarek Struczynski Wins the "Tournament of the Phoenix 2013"

Editor's Note: My deepest apologies for the lateness of this article, and my sincere thanks to everyone who provided information/pictures for it. They were prompt in delivering their help; I was late in delivering the article. My life was a bit complicated for a while.

This year's annual "Tournament of the Phoenix" was held the weekend of October 18-20 near San Diego, California, USA. The jousting competition included six competitors from five different countries: Jezz Smith of New Zealand, Wouter Nicolai of the Netherlands, Jan Gradon of Poland, Jarek Struczynski of Poland, Jeffrey Hedgecock of USA and (as a last minute replacement for the injured David Young of USA) Marc Hamel of Canada. In addition to the tilting(what most people think of as the actual jousting) competition, there were also a mounted melee and pole axe duels as part of the overall tournament competition.

Jarek Struczynski, Tournament Champion(photo by Clarence Alford Photography)

Polish jouster Jarek Struczynski earned the title of tournament champion, just beating his fellow Pole Jan Gradon by three points. Here is what Jan had to say about the tournament:

"I was invited to the TotP["Tournament of the Phoenix"] for the second time. I won the tournament back in 2011, and was very happy to come back together with Jarek Struczynski. I was really looking forward to jousting there as I really enjoyed the joust in 2011. I knew I was going to ride again on Petrus who is a great horse. I knew all the competitors except David Young, whom I never jousted before. Unfortunately, he damaged his hand prior the event and couldn't compete. Marcus Hamel, who was to be the Knight of Mercy stepped in.

Prior the tournament, we had a great time in California. We rode a cowboy trail with Chad Waldhauser, who also provided horses for the TotP, had some roping practice, and did a trail in Grasslands preserve. We also did some kayaking in the ocean, and organized probably the first kayaking joust ever.

Left to right: Jezz Smith, Wouter Nicolai, Jan Gradon and Jarek Struczynski - kayak jousting
(photo by Leslie Chappell Britt)

The competition at the TotP was very fierce, with many hard hits. For most of us, the weather was the challenge, as most of the Competitors came from much colder weather. For me, the foot combat was the most tiring event. After having fought 3 duels. I couldn't continue as I couldn't catch my breath, and this is when Marcus Hamel became my champion and fought my last duel and won for me. I'm very happy, that through the whole tournament, me and Jarek were very close in points and ended up on 1st and 2nd place. Of course I hoped to win the TotP, as it would be the first time that someone got the Phoenix prize twice, but still I'm very happy with Jarek's victory as he deserved it." – Jan Gradon

Jarek Struczynski(left) and Marc Hamel(right) joust(photo by J. Javier Camacho)

Jan Gradon(left) and Jezz Smith(right) jousting(photo by Brad Holderman)

More photos of the tilting by J. Javier Camacho(click to embiggen):

Photos of the tilting by Brad Holderman(click to embiggen):

During the course of the tournament, Marc Hamel, who had originally traveled to the event with the intention of being the non-competitive Knight of Mercy, ended up competing in the place of several jousters in both the tilt and the Pole Axe duels. Marc was already in California when David Young notified TotP that he was not going to be able to compete due to an injured hand. Marc had not brought his own distinctive armour, but was willing to compete in David's place if a suit of armour could be found to fit him. Fortunately, one of Jeffrey Hedgecock's old sets of armour fit Marc quite well, so he was able to step in and take David's place as a competitor.

Marc Hamel in Jeffrey Hedgecock's old jousting armour and shield(photo by Brad Holderman)

Later, during the pole axe combat, he not only fought his own/David's duels, he also stepped in to fight in place of Jan Gradon and Jezz Smith when they were unable to continue. Marc tied for first place in the pole axe competition with Jarek Struczynski and Jan Gradon(Marc obviously did a good job as Jan's champion).

Jarek Struczynski(left) and Marc Hamel(right) in a pole axe duel(photo by J. Javier Camacho)

More pictures of the pole axe duels by J. Javier Camacho(click to embiggen):

Here is what Marc Hamel had to say about the tournament:

“It was a great tournament. David Young let me ride his horse Hardy in his place, and the first session was excellent. We went for the poleaxe session – I was trying to forget that famous hit in the face that I received last year. I made all my 4 duels plus 2 others for Jan Gradon and Jezz Smith (they were too exhausted). Let's just say that I didn't rest much.

The second session of jousting was more tough. Jarek and I hit on each other like trains, and I injured my hand seriously and had to withdraw for the remainder of the session. The second day was good as well. Jarek and Jan were at the top of their game. As for me, I couldn't break my lances with efficiency, but I kept going because I could still provide a good target for my opponents.

A lance shatters against Marc Hamel's ecranche during the joust(photo by J. Javier Camacho)

I want to raise my lance for Wouter Nicolai. On the scoring board he may have finished last, but he rode a horse who was not easy to ride and never took any chances to break his lances unless it was perfect. I think of him as an excellent technician, with a great sense of honor, with clean runs every time. Jarek won the tournament with grace and humility, and I hope to be like him one day.” – Marc Hamel

Based on his honourable behavior throughout the tournament, Wouter Nicolai of the Netherlands was chosen to receive the Chivalry Award for 2013.

Wouter Nicolai, Chivalry Award(photo by Clarence Alford Photography)

Here is what Wouter had to say about the tournament and winning the Award of Chivalry:

"Participating at "The Tournament of the Phoenix" was a very good experience. I found it both a fun and a high quality event. I found it very difficult to adjust my riding style to a western horse(Spot). Despite my problems riding Spot, I found him an exceptionally good horse for jousting and melee. He is brave and responds well. While I enjoy doing jousting competitions, I am not really a competitive jouster. The reason that I joust is because I like the history of the tournament. I try to get as close as possible to experience a 15th century tournament. This makes the Chivalry Award for me personally the most significant prize. I am greatly honoured to be chosen to receive it." – Wouter Nicolai

As part of the overall tournament competition, there was also a mounted melee which was fought using wooden clubs. Jeffrey Hedgecock earned the most points during the mounted melee.

Jarek Struczynski(left) and Jeffrey Hedgecock(right) exchange blows during the mounted melee
(photo by Brad Holderman)

More pictures of the mounted melee by Brad Holderman and J. Javier Camacho(click to embiggen):

A short video of the mounted melee:

Post by Tournament Of The Phoenix.

Tournament of the Phoenix 2013: Mounted Melee(video from the Tournament of the Phoenix Facebook page)

The final scores of "The Tournament of the Phoenix 2013"
(photo from the Tournament of the Phoenix Facebook page)

The jousters of "The Tournament of the Phoenix 2013"
Left to Right: Wouter Nicolai, Jezz Smith, Jan Gradon, Jarek Struczynski, Jeffrey Hedgecock and Marc Hamel (photo by Brad Holderman)

In addition to the six jousters who competed in the main jousting tournament, there were six other competitors who participated in a Mounted Skill at Arms competition. Joel Hill of USA won the MSA competition.

Joel Hill stabs the "pig" during the MSA competition(photo by J. Javier Camacho)

Here is what Joel Hill had to say about the Mounted Skill at Arms competition:

"The competitors[main jousters] did not participate but rather acted as our mentors, gave us advice and cheered for us. Ann Schilling was the only competitor to hit the boar with the crossbow which was a big accomplishment." – Joel Hill

Ann Shilling during the MSA competition(photo by Brad Holderman)

The final scores of the MSA competition
(photo from the Tournament of the Phoenix Facebook page)

You can see more pictures from the tournament in the Tournament of the Phoenix 2013 album in Brad Holderman's Flickr account.