Yes, You Can Joust! Like, for Real!
Although most folks don’t choose to joust in authentic fashion anymore, there are those crazy, testosterone-driven males among us who just can’t resist the thrill. Fortunately, true historical jousting is a cost-prohibitive sport that only modern “royals” can afford!
Alternatively, a more tame version of jousting can be achieved on a more modest budget, depending on level of authenticity desired for costuming. Even here in the US there are jousting leagues already in existence on the east coast.
Starting a jousting league is actually quite easy in rural communities where there are plenty of horse owners, and where “tilt yards” (or at least A tilt yard) can be built.
Modern skill riding can be traced back to the medieval age (if not further), when jousting practice included skill riding to a large extent. Skill riding practice is what modern jousting leagues mainly focus on for all-age participation.
* * *
THE HORSES
The most widely recognized breed of horse for medieval jousting is the Friesian horse. They were actually developed in Europe during the middle ages as a war horse.
The only other breed we have found named as a period-authentic jousting breed is the Andalusian. Though not as big as Friesians, Andalusians also have a history of being developed in Europe (by the Spanish) as a war horse.
* * *
THE ARMOR
Due to the expense, most modern jousting leagues do not require full armor for participation. Chain-maille is very common, however, and it can be hand made.
* * *
THE LETTERS OF PATENT
During medieval times, only royalty could joust, and competing knights were required to carry their Letters of Patent so they could prove their nobility, should it be required.
Today mock Letters of Patent may not prove anything, but they’re fun to require for jousting participants!
Any large parchment with a period motif border will serve. Just create hand written text that explains where and when the person was knighted, and by whom.
The following border design is suitable for a mock patent, and is in the public domain, courtesy of KarensWhimsy.com. They also carry other designs that look more Medieval than this one does (this one looks a bit Victorian, don’t you think?).
* * *
RESOURCE SUGGESTIONS
Chain-Maille How-to: To our knowledge there are no extensive, historically authentic how-to books on this craft. As you search the web for instruction, keep in mind that there are different kinds of authentic weaves, and a true maille garment will not have seams. (These tips will help you distinguish the good online sources, from the less authentic sources). Common historical maille weaves include the box weave, the Byzantine weave, and the Japanese Hex.
If you are a maille expert, please consider yourself invited to create an instruction book to sell here on LPH.
Beginning Armor Making Book: Techniques Of Medieval Armour Reproduction: The 14th Century (Medieval & Renaissance), by Brian Price. This book also has a modest section on weaving maille.
Tournament Book: Knights at Tournament, by Christopher Gravett. This book gives a really nice, historically accurate overview of the Medieval tournament. There’s enough information in this book to authentically re-create a jousting event.
Group Start-up Charter: You can adapt this generic charter to better suit a Medieval reenactment group (scroll to the second section). PDF Download available here.
