Special Sub-Topic: Jousting - Medieval and Modern Click Here To Play: Jousting - Medieval and Modern

What is the fence-like barrier between the two opponents called?

tilt. The opponents run in a straight line at each other trying to lance each other. There is a fence inbetween them to keep them on opposite sides and going in a straight line called a "tilt". It also prevents collisions.

Each jouster has a colour scheme or coat of arms used to identify them by. The horse wears a garment bearing these colours. What is the name of this robe like garment worn by the horse?

caparison. The sheet like garment that bears the jousters coat of arms is called a caparison. A gamberson is a form of medieval soft armour. A hauberk is a chain-mail shirt. A tunic is a cloth garment worn by medieval men.

Which famed historical figure has the name of the weapon used by jousters in his name?

Sir Lancelot. The famous Sir Lancelot from King Arthur's court! The lance is the weapon used by jousters.

Jousters use a small shield mounted on the shoulder. What is the name of this specific design of shield?

ecranche. The ecranche shield style is held close to the chest. Its use is not to take the force of the blow but to spread the force evenly over the body of the jouster when hit.

How long is the typical lance used in jousting?

12 feet long. The lance is a 12 foot long pole weapon consisting of two parts. The main body, this has a 6 foot long handgrip. There is also a 3 foot tip which is the aim to shatter in modern jousting. A quarterstaff is 6 feet long. A pike is 14 feet ong. A spear is 9 feet long.

In movies and fiction jousting is often used as a way to attract the attention of whom?

Fair maidens. Two men who love a beautiful maiden have a joust "to the death" and whoever is victorios wins the lady's heart and marries her. What about the poor guy who died trying to get her. She never, EVER appreciates what he did for her! Selfish woman!

The "joust of peace" became poular in which century?

14th century. The "joust of peace" is a style of jousting where points are awarded for how well you strike the opponent, most points are awarded for shattering the lance. This is the style used today. This is opposed to the earlier style of "full contact" where you aim to kill your opponent.

In medieval times the targets in Jousting were what?

torso and head. The modern targets are the torso from waist upwards, but in medieval times the targets were the head and torso as you were aiming to kill. Nowadays it is deemed too dangerous to aim for the head so we only aim for the torso which is fully protected by steel plate armour.

Jousting training today is probably quite different from those in medieval times. What is one of the most important exercises a training jouster must do to develop accuracy and control?

rings. The rings were placed on poles and a rider would have to catch the ring on his/her weapon while going at full speed on the horse. This is a great way to learn accuracy of targets and gain control of the lance. it also teaches consentration because the rings aren't large and you need a great deal of consentration to aim correctly. Tent pegging, flag races and the quintain are all essential skill at arms exercises but the rings is the one that teaches accuracy and control the best.

The International Jousting Championships are held in which country?

Australia. Jousters from all over the world go to this evwnt to try and win the title of world champion Jouster. As if just learning to joust isn't hard enough!