The Longs Peak Scottish Highland Festival held in Estes Park, Colorado, was once again the host of the U.S. International Jousting Championships, and some of the best jousting in the world. And once again, Knights from three countries gathered to compete for top honors in the only International Jousting Tournament held in America.

This is really a high caliber tournament. There are several reasons for this. The first and foremost reason is the quality of the Knights themselves. These skilled Warriors are able to compete in the hardest hitting jousting matches that one will see anywhere. Not only is the jousting extremely hard hitting, but it is also accomplished with the utmost of respect between competitors.

Another important aspect of this tourney is safety. During the two days of competition, and 20 jousting matches that were held, there were no injuries to man nor beast. This is an amazing feat and can only be accomplished with skilled jousting and good judgment.

And let us not forget the sometimes unsung heroes of the list - the squires or ground crew - for without the experienced personnel on the ground, the man or woman on horseback would be at a loss. We were very fortunate to have experienced ground help from three different countries as well. Everyone on the ground seems to rise to the occasion during this exciting Tournament. In particular, one fine Englishman from the Nottingham Jousting Association named Wixie stood out as the Squire's Squire, if I might use that term. Wixie was everywhere on the field and he understood very well how important it was to be there when needed.

The training and practice that take place during the two days prior to the Tournament are invaluable. This is the time for Knights and Warriors to adapt to new horses and a chance for some to adapt to a somewhat different style of jousting. For others, it is a chance to qualify for the competition.

Last but certainly not least, are the Warhorses, for without these highly trained and experienced steeds we would be in trouble, indeed. Once again our brave horses, both American and Canadian, put on an impressive performance. We must always protect them and appreciate them.

Now on to the jousting matches. Our first match of the day was between Peter Webster from Nottingham, England and Bil Woodford from Redding, California. It was a real eye opener for all of us. Peter came barreling into the list at lightning speed, with Bil meeting him in the center of the list. What terrific double hits they were! On the next course, it was the same exciting approach, with two Knights from two different countries charging at each other at two different speeds. One at top speed, the other at a slow gallop and then Wham! Sir Peter is dramatically unhorsed, surprising all of us, but most especially Peter himself. His body and spirits were undaunted, however, as he remounted his steed and finished the match.

My match with Shane Adams of Ontario, Canada was one of the most intense matches I've ever experienced. The hitting was, shall we say, a good grouping and hard. Both of us slammed the center of each other's shield and both were quite exhilarated after the match.

Steve Weems from Marina del Rey, California, and Beltrain, his Quarterhorse-Percheron cross, did a heck of a job together. They both exemplified true gameness in the list. Steve took and gave some impressive hits.

Patrick Lambke of Sunland, California jousted well as always, riding the Clydesdale gelding, Nickodemus.

On the second day of competition, Philip Humphrey of Nottingham, England amazed the audience with his blazing speed in all of the skill-at-arms events.

The jousting matches on day two were even harder, making for some Knights with a few aches and pains, and a thoroughly amazed audience. Brian Knapp from Ontario, Canada gave us a scare when Patrick Lambke unhorsed him, leaving Brian with the wind knocked out of him. After a few tense moments, Brian courageously finished the match.

Everyone competed in a brave and respectful, safe and chivalrous manner. A fete-d-arms that we can all be proud of.

Although injured while doing a jousting perofrmance in Belgium some months earlier, Edward Kopel from Nottingham, England joined us at the Championships as Chief Herald and a fine job he did.

There were a few differences in this year's tournament compared to last year's. We started a separate Women's Jousting Division, a first for the Alliance.

All Knights had a total of four matches compared to only two at the 1997-1998 Championships.

Shane Adams won top honors in this prestigious jousting competition for the second year in a row with his strong, unwavering approach in the lists. Shane began his career at Medieval Times in Toronto, and now runs his own jousting group. Shane rode his new black Percheron stallion, Dragon.

Philip Humphrey of the Nottingham Jousting Association tied for second place this year - a notch better than his third place of last year. Philip rides fast and faster, a new test for some of the American Knights. He rode Shane and Cassandra's fine light Canadian charger.

Bil Woodford, a newcomer of only two years with the Alliance, took his first training at the Valhalla Renaissance Festival in June of 1997. He has come a long way since that first seven day crash course in Lake Tahoe. Bil also tied for second place. He sits up straight in the saddle and approaches the opponent in a slow steady gallop. He rode the Great Percheron Warhorse, Salazar.

Our first women's tournament jousting division was won by Cassandra Adams of Ontario, Canada. Cassandra is quite the accomplished horsewoman. This proved to be to her advantage against Cynthia Morrison of West Palm Beach, Florida. Cassandra galloped through the list on her beautiful Friesian stallion, Valor.

I would like to thank all the people who took part in this event for helping make this a great tournament.

May we always have such great, exciting, safe and skillful jousting for years to come!

May Chivalry Live On!

James Zoppe
Founder and Director
American Jousting Alliance

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