In hot pursuit! Having tied the score with lance, our knights have now drawn sword and set to against each other on horseback. It appears that the Blue Knight has turned craven in this view (Photo, Left), fleeing from his opponent -- but not so! Instead, he was riding for a better position at the other end of the Tournament Field, whereupon he turned and disarmed his foeman with a mighty backhanded blow, sending his opponent's sword sailing across the Lists!
Of course by the rules of Chivalric Combat, that meant that both of them then had to dismount and continue their combat on foot. This led to much banging and crashing of steel on steel -- much like the sounds of a metal-fabricating plant in full production! -- as these two knights flailed, battered and bashed each other with sword, shield and even mailed fists (Photos Left, Right and Below).
The Victor! Here (Photo, Left) the Marshal of the Lists congratulates the new Champion on his victory. His stunned opponent was quickly revived, whereupon both knights were roundly applauded by the LRF audience. As usual, the Tournament ended with a chance to "meet and greet" the knights, have their pictures taken with adoring ladies and passing the hat for some well-earned tips. Hey, jousting must work up a ravenous appetite -- and both knights and horses have to eat too, y'know!
Unsung heroines: while the knights were basking in the attention of their audience, the squires were busy addressing -- or in this case, undressing! -- the horses (Photo, Right). Even in November, the days were hot enough that the squires had to work quickly, stripping off the horses' armor and caprisons to prevent them from overheating. They also had to gather up all the loose equipment -- lances, swords and stray bits of armor -- and clear the field of shattered spears, too. In the meantime, the horses also needed a brisk rub-down, some fresh cool water and mayhap a little food. Indeed, a squire's work is never done!
When you come to the end of a perfect day...! Finally, put out to pasture for some well-earned rest and relaxation after the jousts. These are truly magnificent beasts! Not only are they well-fed and well-groomed, but they are HUGE. Regretfully, you can't tell that from this view (Photo, Left), but even standing five-foot-six, I can't see over their backs! It is truly awesome to see them -- horse and rider -- in action together as a team. And you can see them, when the New Riders of the Golden Age next joust at the Louisiana Renaissance Festival in 2002!!!
Standard Disclaimer: This webpage is strictly an *Unofficial* look at the Louisiana Renaissance Festival held near Hammond, LA in the Parish of Tangipahoa. The author of these pages is in no way, shape, manner or form connected with the Louisiana Renaissance Festival (OFFICE ADDRESS: PO Box 220, Robert, LA 70455-0220) and/or any of the sponsors associated with this event. All opinions expressed are strictly this author's own. LRF logo courtesy of the Louisiana Renaissance Festival. Unless noted otherwise, all photographs are copyright ©2000-2002 by George Laking.
