The
following are pieces of equipment, some essential and some optional to
the joust. While the basic equipment is provided during the course,
those who stay with the sport will need to eventually acquire their
own. The following is a basic list with brief descriptions of each as
they apply to jousting.
Ring
Lance
This
is a lighter lance, with a 1 1/2" to 1 5/16" diameter wooden shaft and
a
8" to 12" hand grip (usually cloth or leather) that is placed 2 to 3
feet from the base. The ring lance tapers from mid-shaft to a finer
point at the tip, making it easier to collect rings.
Contact
or Tournament Lance
This
is a heavy lance that measures 10 feet in length. The base averages 2
7/8" in diameter and tapers to the 1 1/2" tip, which is covered with a
flat metal cap to help prevent splintering at the point of contact.
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Spear
Spears
range from 6 to 7 feet in length with a sturdy leaf or diamond-shaped
spearhead that is mounted to the end of a 1 1/2" to 1 5/16" diameter
wooden shaft. A 10" cloth or leather grip is wrapped securely onto the
handle at the balance point. |
Shield
There are several accepted types of jousting shields.
One
of these is made from layers of plywood that are bonded together and
covered with cold rolled steel that is secured with steel rivets. A
sturdy strap and handgrip are bolted to the back of the shield. The
back edge is leather trimmed to prevent or reduce minor injuries, with
the top and bottom of the back being padded to lessen impact on the
knees or helm.
Another is made from lighter, stronger steel that is bonded to a wooden
base and cushioned on the back for protection.
Lord Greg Norton slams the shield quintain
during a tournament.
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Shield
Quintain
The
shield on this Quintain can be designed similar to the first model of
shield described above. It is mounted on a branch (for authenticity) or
4 x 4 (for practice) and is counter-balanced with a sandbag or similar
weight. Attaining a perfect balance will depend on placement of the
shield, length of the wood, and weight of the sandbag. When fine-tuned
to a perfect balance, it should spin freely when struck. |
Ring
Quintain
Usually
10 feet in height and made from 4 x 4s and 2 x 4s. Holds the ring
securely in place with 2 adjustable clips that allow the ring to pull
free when taken with a lance.
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Helms
A
variety of styles to fit different-sized heads and personae
accordingly! The most important factors for a good helm are thickness
of metal, adequate padding, and small openings for sight. 14 and
16-gauge thickness of steel is recommended for ultimate safety. Your
neck might hate you for the weight but your head will thank you if
accidentally hit! Any “X” pattern cut into the metal should be
reinforced with a spot weld in the center of the “X.” Some examples of
style are Great Helm, Sugarloaf, Pig-faced Bascinet, and Close Helm. |
Gorget
This
secures around the neck and protects the neck and upper chest.
Thickness of metal should be 14 or 16-gauge thickness of steel.
Chainmail
For authenticity, go with steel. For parades, go with aluminum. Big
difference in weight!
We
will be set up to sell helms, gorgets, and Chainmail in the future. If
you are interested, contact us and we will be glad to provide you with
a few options.
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Jousting
Saddle
(optional)
A
variety of styles to choose from, but the most important factors are
correct fit to your horse, correct fit to you, and protection for the
Netherlands! Some of these are modifications from McClellan or Aussie
saddles. Prices for actual custom jousting saddles start around $1200
and go up from there. One outfit requires the owner to provide a
McClellan saddle and charges $1400 on top of that. You can get by with
a regular Western saddle that has a decent-height swell for protection.
One of these will normally run less in cost, and don’t rule out a good,
used one. |
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Chamfron (optional)
Horse
head armor, usually used for fancier shows and parades. Prices vary
depending on how ornate you want to go. This is not used in the school. |
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Equestrian
Armor
This
is where things start to get spendy, again, depending on how fancy you
want to go. This is seen more in fancier shows and parades, but is not
used in the school.
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We will be selling lances,
spears, and shields in the future but are not set up to do that at this
time
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