Jousting

So one of my hobbies for a long time has been 14th and 15th century re-enactment. For a long time I was with a group based out of South London called The Paladins Of Chivalry.

Since moving to New Zealand kind of dropped out of it all. Then after a few years I came across a group called The Company Of The Lance, based in Auckland. I got in contact and meet up with them. Immediately I was hooked again, and while this was a jousting group instead of the foot combat I was more used to I joined up.

Since then we have added a foot combat element to the group and are hoping to add archery and living history as time and peoples interests allow.

When people hear that I am involved in jousting I get the 'standard' round of questions,What on a horse? Doesn't it hurt? Are you really trying to hit each other? etc

Well for the record.

1. Yes they are real horses.
2. Yes we really are trying to hit each other, although we aren't trying to knock each off just break lances on each other
3. Yes it can hurt, but injury's are fairly rare. The Armour worn is copied from period pieces and is very good at protecting us.
4. No I personally don't joust. On the whole I work in the list area as a marshal or squire. I can ride and I am working towards riding in Skill at Arms.
5. Yes the swords are made of metal, the ones used in combat are blunt but still very capable of causing serious injury.

Each year The Company of the Lance organises a tournament in Taupo, New Zealand and has combatants for all over the world attend.

If anyone is interested in getting involved in re-enactment for any period I would encourage them to do it. If your in New Zealand, especially Upper North Island let me know. But even if your not feel free to get in touch if you want to know more. I might even be able to help you track down a group to join.