Ok, how do I get started.

[Baron Alejandro]

Because you know, I have copious amounts of time on my hands. NOT!

But after seeing these, I can't resist anymore and I have to at least ask.

How does one get started in jousting?

A

[Maeryk]

Do you have any experience with horses?

Seriously.

[Baron Alejandro]

Some. Not a lot.

[Maeryk]

Get more.

Nothing more annoying than spending a metric boatload of money on gear simply to find out you are incompatable with the vehicle when it is all said and done.

Besides.. a horse is a hole in a barn you throw money into as fast as humanly possible.

(I _LOVE_ horses.. but I'll be the first to admit they can be wildly expensive, eat ridiculous amounts of time, and be a right pain in the ass to deal with at times. Plus, they can be even more mind bendingly stupid than chickens on occasion.)

[Mike Garrett (Orc)]

What Maeryk said!

Hey! I know at least four of those guys!

[Jehan de Pelham]

Go to your nearest horse people place and look into lessons appropriate to your level of skill. Your experiences with this will either feed your dream or quench it, so no further advice is necessary at this time.

By the way, this is what I am going to do. That and build a saddle according to Peter Lyons' plans.

John
Jehan de Pelham, esquire and servant of Sir Vitus
www.mron.org
Proprietor, The Compagniye Store

[FergusStout]

I would also suggest contacting any local equestrian folk in your area involved in SCA equestrian and/or jousting. It's not the 'real' thing but it is certainly a good starting point. If it is like here in Ansteorra, there are probably a few people not opposed to teaching you on their mount once you have shown the ability to be safe to you and the horse. Another resource would be the equestrian mailing list.

[Livia Tasia]

Maeryk's statement just depends on how you feel about them - in my opinon. I have a Percheron and he eats a lot and can be a stinker but I wouldn't change any of that for all the gold in the world.

Find the horse that is your equal in heart and soul and none of that stuff will ever matter (time -money - stinker attitude ).

If you want to do the serious jousting - get yourself started with SCA jousting. It'd be a good introduction to see if you like it before you buy all the gear needed for World Class level jousting.

There are many jousting schools - these guys usually attend Ren Faires for shows. They love to talk about what they do and they'll give you the lo-down on what is needed.

Many people show up to jousting school with little horse experience. It's just like fighting. The more you practice the better you will be.

Nothing better in the world than fighting and have a horse.

[Maeryk]

Maeryk's statement just depends on how you feel about them - in my opinon. I have a Percheron and he eats a lot and can be a stinker but I wouldn't change any of that for all the gold in the world.

Don't get me wrong.. I _DO_ love them.. and wouldn't have traded any of the ones I rode regularly when younger for the universe.

But they can be a pain in the ass too

I'm also partial to drafts, rather than silly little shaky-tails.

[Livia Tasia]

I'm also partial to drafts, rather than silly little shaky-tails.

They are kinda like riding a pencil - but I try not to say that too loudly!!!


Tasia

[Jonny Deuteronomy]

Our troupe gives 2 seminars a year to teach full-contact heavy jousting.
http://freelancers.faire.net

Here are some Ursus pics of us at tourney last year.
http://ursus.smugmug.com/gallery/812664

I am booked to joust twice tomorrow at MDRF, coincidentally...