5 Things to Look For During Jousting Matches

The word jousting often brings to mind the image of two valiant knights in armor with a lance in one hand and the reins of a horse in another. With these powerful images flooding ones brains, its easy to overlook other small details that go into a jousting match. Jousting matches, however, are so much more complex and intricate than people realize. Theres much more to them than knights in steel armor and blushing maidens. These are 5 things you can expect to see during a jousting match:

1. Opening day invocation

The very first day of a tournament is called an invocation and marks the start of the tournament. This first day is full of pomp and circumstance. There is a grand procession during which the judges and tournament participants are paraded throughout the game grounds to the delight of the spectators. The first day and evening is usually more of a day of festivities. Often the excitement of the first day brings entertainers, merchants, and spectators ready to enjoy the games. 2. The challenge

This is when a combatant calls out whom he would like to challenge in the tournament. The challenge or call can either be a friendly invitation or a demand of war. The spectators are able to tell the participants apart from their colorful coat of arms. The last day of the tournament announces a final victor chosen by the judges. The winner receives the spoils and enjoy a grand feast.

3. The tilt barrier

The tilt (now known as the tilt barrier) is the wooden barrier that separates the two jousters from either side. Before this invention jousting proved a rather difficult feat, as the horses would collide into one another. The tilt allows the horses more control on their direction and allows the knight further concentration on the aim of his lance.

4. Equipment

From the start of the tournaments to its ban and eventual theatrical revival, the equipment jousters has used has changed over the years. In its early years, participants jousted with heavy armor and dangerous weaponry. Even though the intention of jousting tournaments was never to harm or kill the other combatant, the dangerous weapons used in its infancy would often lead to accidental fatalities. As the tournament evolved, armor became more ornamental and the weapons used became dulled and blunted so as to cause less harm.

5. Horse amour

Horse armor known as barding became popular during wartime when enemies would attack horses in order to dismount a fighter. Thus, horse armor was created.

The full armor consists of a few different pieces that protect the vital areas of a horse from sword and lance blows. The champron protects a horses head, and the criniere protects its neck. There are 3 other main pieces of armor that protect the horses hindquarters and sides. Caparisons are a cloth covering also used with the horses armor. The cloth is often embroidered with a knights coat of arms.

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