Encased in Steel: Jousting, Determination and the Knightly Path

Andrew McKinnon is a modern day knight from the northern beaches of Sydney who, upon turning 40, took up medieval jousting despite having never before ridden a horse.* 

A pillar of the Australian jousting community and celebrated competitor at international events, Andrew is part of a growing movement of jousters practicing solid lance style, a historically-authentic method that attempts to replicate as accurately as possible the conditions and equipment of a 15th Century Western European joust. 

In our conversation Andrew explained many details of jousting such as armour and training as well as different competition styles, and the trusting partnership established between jouster and horse.

We discussed the willpower and intent that drives a person to pursue even their most challenging dreams, the resilience gained through the process of getting to the tournament field, as well as the complete presence of mind required to do well in a high speed, full contact sport that has no defense.

*a pony is not a horse