Why I Ride: Jousting

Admiration From a Young Age

Growing up in the horse world, there were a number of riders who fascinated me, who made me want to be like them, to ride or train my horses in much the same way. I think many young riders looked up to the pros of our chosen discipline, like the dressage riders and showjumpers who lived at the top of the rankings throughout our childhoods.

However, having been lucky enough to attend a range of interesting equine shows and events, I cast a wider net when I think about the horsemen and women I admire. The fabulous cast of Cavalia, who I’m so grateful to have seen at their stop in Boston years ago, comes to mind, as well as the wonderful horse and rider teams who showcase their skills at Equine Affaire’s Fantasia every year. There's also all the amazing Hollywood stunt riders, of whom I once wished to be. But there's another incredible set of riders, and a particular favorite sport of mine: Jousting.

Who are The Jousters

Who doesn’t love knights on horseback? From A Knight’s Tale to Medieval Times to Renaissance Faires, it’s a beloved event for a lot of us. Some of you may have read my previous blog about an awesome jousting troupe I watch perform at the New York Renaissance Faire (NYRF), The Jousters. Check out that story to find out how it all shakes down in the Sterling Forest.

I love that venue and this group’s starring role there, and now, I’ve also had the great pleasure to see them in action at the Carolina Renaissance Festival (CRF) in Huntersville, NC, for the last couple of years, as well. New York always has a big and energetic crowd, don’t get me wrong. But the southerners put us 'Yankees to shame. Being at that faire, in the stands, with the vast crowds and wild energy is electric. It’s like the best rock concert you’ve ever been to. The Jousters group is also bigger here. Instead of two knights like in New York, here there are four, which brings some extra fun and mayhem to the ring, where they all play off each other hilariously.

They are joined here by their emcee, the very cool Countess Cordelia, Lady of Chivalry, their ever helpful and hard-working squires, the many ring stewards who protect the tilt yard; and Lady Morgan, who not only sells flags and pins representing the knights and their horses but also does a great job of explaining who to root for and who to boo for. These folks get the crowd well enthused, and then the knights come out and further rock the yard.

So, Why Jousting?

While I’ve been in love with horses since the womb, it took me a while to find my own niche. Because of this, I'm always enjoyed learning why riders I’ve idolized chose the disciplines and sports they excel at. To ride in a combat style, carrying a big stick, wearing heavy armor and essentially trying to knock their competitor off their horse- there had to be a story there. Riding is already tough and dangerous, with teammates who have their own mind and a heightened flight response. So what, exactly, propels one to be a knight, bringing that risk level up to Mach10?

Thankfully, Matt Mansour, aka Sir Maxmillian, the Jousting Earl of Braden, and the man in charge of The Jousters, was gracious enough to answer this and some other burning questions I had.

Having grown up in New York City, young Matt was fascinated by the carriage horses and met a driver who allowed him to help maintain his steeds. Through this man, Matt met other drivers, many of whom were actors, and one of these men had just started a joust show at the NYRF. When Matt got the chance to travel to the Hudson Valley and see this sport live in action, he knew right away that this would be his life. And as soon as he was of age, he was on the road as a knight.

From then on, he perfected this sport and made it his own, combining skill, and humor, along with some very realistic blood spatter, fantastic swordplay, and awesome horses. He’s also been a pioneer in using bitless bridles for this sport, which can be a far kinder tool than some of the bits we use.

As someone who has seen other jousting teams at different venues, I can attest to how unique their show is in comparison. But what has always stood out to me, really why I admire them, is because their horses are a very big part of the show. With other jousts I’ve watched, the horses are an instrument of the sport but the focus is on the knights. Here, the horses are just as much the stars, and we get to know them, too.

In fact, the fans often root for the horses as much as the knights, if not more so!

While this is at heart a serious sport, the humor they bring to the tilt yard, coupled with the personable nature of the knights and all of their team, makes them stand out. The roar of the crowds and the devotion of their fans proves this every show. When one takes into account just how hard it is to combine all those elements, it’s truly impressive. How many of us could gallop on horseback while holding a lance and wearing full armor and a shield? Especially when that gear weighs upwards of fifty pounds!

Now, Why the Horses?

As for the horses, their equine partners tend to be gentle draft crosses, primarily mixed with Percheron, ideal for their size and dexterity, as the knights are all quite tall, and the horses need to carry them and all their gear with ease. They are initially trained in much the same way we train most of our horses, through consistent desensitization and making sure they are comfortable with the job they are asked to do. Young horses get to grow and mature into the role, jousting only when and if their bodies and minds are ready for it. Between flags and rattling bleachers and lots of noise, then moving on to carrying armor with some light combat, these horses are given a nice long intro to the job. If it turns out it’s not a good fit for them, that’s okay too! It isn’t for everyone – human or equine alike.

Having seen their horses’ big personalities in action, I asked Matt if he looks for that specifically, and he said that as the horses learn they are the stars of the show, those character traits make themselves known and those dispositions shine through. It’s hard not to fall in love with all of their horses – they are at once noble steeds and most loyal companions to their riders – and I have become a fool for all of them. Whether it’s Elliot or Copper, Apollo or Drax, Jasmyn, Victor and now their newest addition, Bob (who I’ve only seen on social media so far), they truly shine as the stars they are.

The Jousters consist of three families that live and work together, with children who have grown up in the business and excel at this as well as other ventures separate from it. But everyone on tour works hard every day to make their show a success.

I think I can speak for all of their fans when I say they’ve certainly triumphed in that regard.

Huzzah!

Having been a Ren Faire aficionado for over two decades now, and horse crazy for twice that, I can attest that the combination of these two together is pure magic. I hope you visit a faire someday, if you haven’t already, and if you’re really lucky, it’ll be the Jousters in the tilt yard.

Huzzah!