Jousting at the East Kingdom Fifty Year Celebration
Hear now the words of Master Rhys Terafan Greydragon, Society Equestrian Marshall, who will be visiting the East for the Fifty Year Celebration:
Unto the nobles of the East Kingdom does Master Terafan Greydragon send greetings!
Let all princes, lords, ladies, barons, knights, squires and men-at-arms of the East Kingdom, and all other noble kingdoms, who are not banished or enemies of the king, our lord, know that at the East Kingdom Fifty Year celebration there will be a great festival of arms and a very noble jousting tournament with lances of one measure, appropriate armor, with crests, and coats covered with the arms of the noble tourneyers, as is the ancient custom; And at this tourney there will be noble and rich prizes given by ladies and damsels.
Be it known, that I Master Rhys Terafan Greydragon, Companion of the Laurel, Companion of the Pelican, and Premier of the Golden Lance of Atlantia, in honor and celebration of the East Kingdom’s many years of glory, am hosting this noble jousting tournament. I do challenge all riders of the East Kingdom’s various marches, and all others from whatsoever kingdoms they are, not banished or enemies of the king, our lord, who wish to acquire honour, to compete in this tournament.
Moreover, I announce to all of you princes, lords, ladies, barons, knights, squires and men-at-arms who intend to participate in the tourney that you must come to the stable the day before the day of the tourney, and display your arms at the windows and your crests to the judges, on pain of not being allowed to participate; each of you must bring your helm, with the crest which you intend to wear at the tourney, and your banner, at the seventh hour after the noon, to the stable. You will set them up so that at eight o’clock, the ladies can come and see and give their opinions to the judges, and this I tell you on behalf of my lords the judges, so please excuse me.
Lastly, all who intend to participate in the tourney must be arrayed in appropriate armor and coats of arms, and astride your destriers covered with your arms so that all who may see your prowess and skill with the lance may know you. Be ready to enter the arena at nine of the clock the day of the tourney, and have your herald present you to the crowns, the ladies, and damsels who will watch your displays of skill. Once presented, the rules of the tourney will be announced, and jousters will then retire to make final preparations.
The populace is invited to attend and cheer on the competitors, beginning at 9 AM.
- To Ride Before a Prince – a competition in which individuals ride specific maneuvers which are chosen to display the skills of both horse and rider in a non-martial setting. Some general information on the concept can be found here: http://howtoridebeforeaprince.blogspot.com/
A separate competition will be held to determine Their Majesties’ Equestrian Champions on Saturday. The exact format of the competition is designed by the current Champions, and is generally not announced in detail beforehand. Typically there is a challenge course which requires rider and horse to negotiate obstacles, and a competition in martial skill games, not including jousting.- A Carousel will be held on Sunday afternoon. This is a non-competitive group ride in a choreographed pattern. This requires a different set of skills that the martial games, as participants must exercise fine control over their mounts, and cooperate with each other to maintain their spacing in spite of differences in horse size, gaits, and temperament.
Spectators are welcome at all of these activities.