What a tournament! What a show this was! Where should I begin telling you about this event, which was so filled with positive energy?
What better location to stage a tourney than a castle, namely The Castle of Muskogee, located nowhere else but Muskogee, Oklahoma, U.S.A. Jeffrey Hiller, owner of the Castle, was a gracious host during our stay in Muskogee. Not only did he offer all tournament Knights and personnel a fine meal at the Boare's Heade Feast but his staff was invaluable in assisting with the performances. Thanks to Mr. Hiller, the press was out in force prior to the tourney.
The Knights, Performers and Personnel who participated in this tournament worked together with all the courtesy and respect for one another that I could ask for.
Two of my sons, Olissio, age 21, and Mattlock, age 15, presented an exciting Rosinback Riding Act, and a Roman Riding Display, complete with choreographed and sometimes unchoreographed falls. It was a bit more challenging for them than normal, as they only had a short time to get used to performing with our horses instead of their own. I must say that after the first rehearsal, my son, Olissio, gave Prince and Tuck some new names. Luckily the riders and the horses settled down before the first performance and worked well together. Matt's choreographed fall as well as the unchoreographed fall were equally exciting to watch. It was great working with them.
Brian Beard and his group, Noble Cause presented two high quality choreographed open field jousting matches during the tournament. They also competed in the skill-at-arms games. Their horses were extremely fleet of foot, and the members exhibited excellent horsemanship throughout. On one occasion, Michael Beaman hit the shield quintain so hard that the sand filled counter-weight bag exploded as it revolved from the impact. Brian and his Knights were chivalrous and respectful to everyone they worked with. Brian and another member of his group were part of the Shanghai China Jousting Show, which they helped establish. They also performed in the show before returning to the United States.
Lloyd Clark, the jousting director from the Bristol Renaissance Festival, came down from Kenosha, Wisconsin with two Knights that he trained, Matt Machtan and Chris Pavletic. These two young men were not big men, but nevertheless they sure knew how to hit hard! I would say that Lloyd did a fine job in training them. Jousting with Lloyd was a true pleasure. I realized how much of a pro he was during our first practice match. He maintained a consistent and deliberate rhythm after each course. We both broke a lance during our tournament match. His shield presentation was just right.
From neighboring, Whitehouse, Texas, came Dustin Stephens, owner and director of the Four Winds Renaissance Faire. I have had the privilege of working with Dustin previously. He is a real gentleman, with a fine attitude and a "never say die" outlook on things. Dustin arrived with his Percheron-Quarterhorse gelding and his more experienced mount, the Quarterhorse Sangria. Dustin and Lloyd had an intense match, both making strong hits. On one course, Dustin's helm went flying off. There was a tense moment as he seemed to be slowly fading in the direction of his helm. Just before it seemed he couldn't lean any more, he shook his head and got back into the saddle. Whew!
Our Chief Herald, Sir John, was energetic and easily heard by the patrons. He even did a sword fight during the tourney. When was the last time you saw that? And lastly but without whom we could not have presented such a fast paced professional show, our thanks go to our Squires and Ground Crew. They worked their tails off and avoided getting run over in the process.
All in all, this was an oustanding event. Judging from the noise made by our Muskogee patrons, they loved it. Everyone involved in this tournament pulled together in their physical effort and their great attitudes. I really believe this unity came across to the audience as well. It was a great pleasure and privilege to work with such fine people.
It is tournaments such as these that will enable us to grow and bring us the national recognition and popularity that our sport deserves.
May Chivalry Live On!
Tournament Results
Tournament Jousting
1st Place - Lloyd Clark, Kenosha, Wisconsin
2nd Place - Dustin Stephens, Whitehouse, Texas
3rd Place - Matt Machtan, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Ring Spearing
1st Place - Michael Beaman, Rosharon, Texas
Shield Quintain Hitting
1st Place - Michael Beaman, Rosharon, Texas
Spear Throwing
1st Place - Brian Beard, Jones, Oklahoma
James Zoppe
Founder and Director
American Jousting Alliance