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The thrill of a rider and horse thundering down the track with the skill
and precision to "pick off" three small rings IS the present day
sport of jousting! Even though the origin of the sport is more than
160 years old in this country (see the History of
Jousting), there has been a recent revival
in interest and participation in "The Sport of Kings." Jousting
is the State Sport of Maryland and now includes clubs
from Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. Participants are
from all backgrounds and all ages and compete in four different skill levels.
When most people think of jousting, they think of the medieval knights
charging against one another for a fair maiden’s hand. What the
King figured out early, was that he lost a lot of good knights to injury that way!
Tournament jousting (just called "tournament" in the early days) was the
result. Tournament was a way for knights to prove their combat skill and
horsemanship, yet avoid unnecessary risk of injury.
Today, jousting (or ring jousting) is a more recreational sport, yet the
competitive spirit of the knights and maidens remains alive and well. It is
not uncommon for participants
and spectators alike to nervously watch
and cheer as their favorites take their charge! Riders from all five states participate in several of the larger tournaments during a season that
starts in April and culminates in State and National Championship Tournaments
in October. Each state (and region) involved also have smaller, local
tournaments throughout the summer and each come adorned with
"bragging rights" for that season!! Local communities get in the act as
well, some sponsoring local tournaments, craft fairs, bake sales and art shows as
part of a community event!
Browse these pages to see why so many are enjoying this equestrian sport
with the flavor of the past! Check out our schedule for
more information on actual tournaments. Visit our
Jousting Hall of Fame online and get directions to visit it
in person. If you are interested in participating, visit the Learn to
Joust page. Enjoy your visit and please feel free to email us with any questions that you
may have about "The Sport of Kings."
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Farm Credit, Equine Services - sponsor of the National Jousting Association
www.farmcreditequine.com
The National Jousting Association is a non-profit organization
dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the equestrian sport of jousting, also
known as the "ring tournament."
Contact Info:
Buck Schuyler, President - P.O. Box 92, Henderson, MD 21640,
410-482-2176,
email: buckschuyler@comcast.net
Terry Casady, VP - 204 West main Street, Sch Haven, PA 17972
570-449-0953,
email: ttcasady@comcast.net
Maria Vogel, Secretary -5751 Mountville Road, Adamstown,
MD. 21710, 301-874-2162,
email: rhvogel50@gmail.com
Tracy Casady, Treasurer, 204 West Main Stree, Sch Haven,
PA 17972, 570-449-0953,
ttcasady@comcast.net
National Jousting Association
P.O. Box 14
Mt. Solon, VA 22843
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