The current session will be held May 6 and 7, 2006.

An article on "Knight School" can be found in the Historic Enterprises Journal, issue #7: http://www.historicenterprises.com/journal/07

The instructor, Jeffrey Hedgecock, has competed in numerous tournaments at the Royal Armouries Museum ( http://www.internationaljoust.com ) in Leeds England, as well as other tournaments in the US, New Zealand and Scotland. Jeffrey is an internationally known armourer of 20 years experience and is a level 4 jouster and executive member in the IJA. He's also a founding member of the Order of the Crescent which has jousted at the Royal Armouries Sword of Honour team joust for 2 years ( http://www.historicenterprises.com/journal/02 ).

We'll work with at all levels of experience, from rank novices to skilled jousters. We've had attendees from as far away as Pennsylvania. Although we are not equipped to provide riding lessons at this time, participants are welcome to bring their own mount. Please phone Jeff to discuss accomodations for your horse. All participants will be required to sign a “Hold harmless” agreement releasing us from liability in the case of injury.

“Knight School” is a one-day event, broken into 2 sessions. If out of town visitors attend, we extend the school to include the entire weekend. There is a morning session at 10AM to 1PM, a lunch break, then the afternoon session from 3PM to 5PM. Participants should bring their own lunch or be prepared to chip in for a group take-away order.

Novices with no experience and non-riders will learn:
*Basics of being around horses
*Basic grooming and care
*Basic tack use and care
*Fundamentals of the tournament
*Support for horse and rider during a tournament

Riders will learn and practice:
*Excercises to prepare your horse for jousting
*Introducing your horse to jousting
*Riding in armour
*Balance with and without a lance
*Focus
*Coordination for both horse and rider
*Lance handling techniques

Participants should wear and/or bring the following:

Non-riders:
*Sturdy, closed toe shoes. No flipflops, sandals, Birkenstocks, etc.
*Comfortable, long jeans or trousers that do not drag on the ground
*Comfortable shirt (preferably not oversized and floppy)
*Sunhat
*Sunscreen
*Close fitting work gloves (optional)
*Water or sports beverages

Please limit jewelry and accessories to close fitting, non-hanging items. Please be prepared to leave your mobile phone in your vehicle for the duration of the sessions.

Riders:
*Riding footwear
*Riding clothes
*Riding helmet
*Sunhat
*Sunscreen
*Riding gloves (optional)
*Water or sports beverages

Please limit jewelry and accessories to close fitting, non-hanging items. Please be prepared to leave your mobile phone in your vehicle for the duration of the sessions.

There is no charge for Knight School at present, although contributions in the form of snacks and refreshments are always welcome. Lance breaking ends will be available at cost. Loaner lances and shields are provided.

“Knight School” is held at Jeff and Gwen’s place in Ramona, California. Ramona is in north San Diego county, 45 minutes from downtown San Diego and about 2 hours from LA. Out of town participants are welcome, and pick up at San Diego Airport (SAN) can be arranged. Accomodations are available on a limited basis or we can recommend local hotels.

Please contact us for directions and other information if you plan to attend.

jousting@historicenterprises.com
760-789-2299 during business hours
760-807-4478 nights/weekends
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Cheers,
Jeffrey Hedgecock

Level 4 Jouster - IJA
Companion - Order of the Crescent
Armourer, President - Historic Enterprises, Inc.