Sir Rodney, jousting is our second job. Since we both have "real" full-time jobs here in MD, we can't travel that far ![Sad :(](http://modernchivalry.org/forum/Smileys/default/sad.gif)
We're in lower NYS (Orange County) and all have full time jobs so I know that story. :-)
Sir Dimitry, we aren't trying to knock each other into the dirt either, though we have had the occasional jouster hit the dirt anyway. We use 3' balsa tips, but they still hit pretty hard and sometimes the tip blows apart and we take a hit from the socket. I agree, from the horse's point of view, it's no different, that trust has to be there. After all, it's a bit hard to explain the difference between solid historical lances, 3' balsa, SCA style "popcorn" lances, etc to a horse, lol! Who do you joust with? We love meeting other jousters ![Smiley :)](http://modernchivalry.org/forum/Smileys/default/smiley.gif)
We are depicting an earlier form of jousting, (late 1200s, early 1300s) using minimal armour (Arms, legs, gorget, helm) and we are striking for the outer most corner of the shield that's held out at a 90degree. Our solids are 11' x 1.75" poles and our breakaway's last 3' are socketed balsa, scored to make a huge "explosion". Several of our horses are rescued polo ponies (already used to all the craziness). And we are a very prop heavy group, especially with our Skill at Arms portion of the shows.
I am with "Spur of the Moment Jousting" which was up until a recent reorganization, The Silver Knights.
We redeisned the website, but we still haven't changed out the url... LOL One thing at a time
www.silverknightsjoust.com