Mounted medieval warrior
Accurately recreating a mounted, armoured rider from specific periods in history is a difficult task. Investments in time and money and in equipment and training, not to mention the knowledge of the subject which underpins it all takes time and great effort. A popular saying is that “You don’t just “try” jousting – you either do it or you don’t”. This is very true, and it is a discipline which requires a lot of commitment.
My initial focus is on the 15th Century, the classic “Knight in shining armour”. However, I have also invested heavily in the “high middle ages” in terms of equipment and knowledge. This was the period before the advent of full “plate” armours. Here the mounted warrior still ruled supreme on the battlefield, and on the tournament field as well there are important differences that make this period - mainly centred on the 13th century - for me fascinating.
The image of a mounted knight is a very powerful one in Western society which has deep subconscious roots, and witnessing the sight of fully armoured riders engaging in real jousting (as opposed to staged and scripted acting) is both exhilarating to participate in and exciting to watch.
Much of my experience has been gained on the tournament field in the UK and Europe. Even as a very established and experienced rider, the concept of strapping on layers of shaped steel plates and then riding accurately and under challenging situations was a big undertaking, in some ways more so than if I had never ridden. Obstacles are presented that one wouldn’t expect, but what initially seems to be something that is insurmountable isn’t actually that bad.
For example, my biggest concern before riding in harness (historically accurate terminology for armour) was the effect of using a fixed, rigid helm that has been designed to provide full protection for the head and neck, but by it’s nature is restrictive in terms of visibility, mobility and respiration. Whilst the “Grand Bascinet” (helmet) is limiting, other details have a big impact. These include not really being able to feel the horse through the leg, or not being able to close the elbows in against the torso - both due to being blocked by armour.
When these impediments are combined with the mounted melee, the part of a tournament whereby participants compete with (usually rebated) swords or clubs, then this becomes very, very challenging. This is separate to a joust - which is a different, contemporary activity. To contextualise this, there are approximately 35 or so people worldwide able to compete in historical solid lance jousting using a tilt rail. There are even less that can melee using solid wooden clubs made of pine. It is important to note that these events are not scripted, and whilst fought among trusted friends they are actual competitions, and fantastic to watch, and exhilarating to partake in.