National Jousting Association: The Sport of Kings

Visit the NPR website for a November 16, 2002 feature on the National Jousting Finals. Hear the audio

of the feature. Pictures too on the NPR website!

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From NPR...

The State Sport of Maryland:
NPR's Morning Edition, November 13, 2002

See Jousting Videos!

New! 4-H project jousting video

View short videos taken at a 2002 Virginia ring joust. MPEG and Windows Media Player versions.

WMV 1 - 20 sec (900 KB)
MPG 1 - 19 sec (5.5 MB)
WMV 2 - 8 sec (750 KB)
MPG 2 - 8 sec (2.2 MB)

Read...

Lords and Ladies of the Rings - Staunton Daily Progress feature on Jousting courtesy of The Daily Progress

The Lord of the Rings - Staunton News Leader article on Jousting courtesy of the News Leader

"Lance & Steed"
Read the News Virginian...

Fox 5 Morning News with Holly Morris

Baltimore Horse Country
Equestrian resource with emphasis on the eastern US

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

News

Fall Meeting, Nov. 1 at 11 a.m. at the Minnick home

Aiming for a Victory Read the article...

A Battle of Coordination Read the article...
4-H project jousting video

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 Rings - photo copyright Pat and Chuck Blackley

Rings - photo copyright Pat and Chuck Blackley

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. A full listing for 2002 is now available. 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."

Visit the Championships page!

Returning in 2010, Virginia's 6th biennial all-breed, all-discipline horse expo, equine tradeshow, and premier equine event!
For more information, visit www.equineextravaganza.com or call 410-647-3800

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."

History of Jousting | Hall of Fame | Schedule of Events

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