First May weekend means SA Medieval Fair! This year we took Phoebus, Algernon and Keldan. For the first time, we did a melee, or club tournament (German: Kolbenturnier).
After spending several months preparing and making new gear, we enjoyed the new show and the horses did well. A melee is very different to a joust, requiring much more riding skills and horse education. Instead of riding a straight line for a single hit along a barrier for the joust, the melee requires turns and multiple approaches and departures. In full harness that really tests horses and riders. Additionally, fencing with clubs on moving horses can be a fun challenge. The goal is to get in range and try to smash the opponent’s crest, while at the same time protecting one’s own. So there is jockeying for position, trying to get in range, aiming blows, and tactical retreats.
We smashed crests and we broke some clubs in the process. The shows were well received.
Of course, like every other year we also did the arming of the knights and the skill at arms presentations and the meet and greet with the horses. And Tim from Inquisitive Images took amazing photos again.
