Tournaments on Horse

Champion of the Emprise of the Black Lion Tournaments (Saturday)

The format of the "Champion of the Emprise of the Black Lion" tournaments are inspired by the 1460 treatise by René of Anjou "traictié de la forme et devis d'ung tournoy".

Our Noble Judges will be choosing the overall winners. This year there will be two overall prizes awarded, one for the joust and one for the display of equestrian skills.

First, all riders should plan to impress the judges with a concise presentation! Bring your pageantry -- banners, retainers, caparisoned horses, plumes, pennants, and heralds. Make it short and memorable, and you are sure to make a good first impression.

Then, a joust! Both wood and foam lances will be provided, so that as many people may participate as possible.

After lunch, a display of equestrian skills! One at a time, demonstrate your horsemanship to the assembled judges:

• Enter the field and manege your horse- for up to 2 minutes, show off your horse's training and your skill handling them (refer to Grisone & How to Ride Before a Prince for ideas)
• Receive a quintain lance and show your precision picking up a ring from the stand (left side, over the tilt)
• Show your precision and follow-through striking the quintain (left side, no barrier)
• Show your precision and adaptability striking heads at 3 heights (open field)
• Return your lance, thank the judges and crew and exit the field.

Riders of all authorization levels and skills are encouraged to take part. You don't have to be authorized for jousting to participate, as the joust will be scored separately from the other games.

Open Arena (Sunday)

The arena will be available on Sunday morning for authorizations, pick-ups, or any skills that people want to work on with their horses.