Equestrian Draft:Games Tilting Conventions

There are two basic methods of running the passes at the ring tilt or quintain, although for anyone interested in jousting, only one technique is allowable for safety reasons.

These first method is called the "Frankish" or "Norman" style, and the second is called the "Saracen" or "Persian" style.

Anyone who may be interested in eventually jousting should be encouraged to master the "Frankish" or “Norman” style, and specifically for jousting, by holding the lance in the right hand (even if they are left handed) due to safety requirements.

Norman or Frankish Style

This style of tilting requires the rider to lower their lance across their horse's neck and spear the target on the side opposite their lance arm. (A right-handed rider would pass with the T-bar on their left).

The Frankish method requires that the target be higher than is necessary for the Persian method in order that the lance not be jostled by the horse's neck.

In jousting, this is the only allowable method, and the rider must hold their weapon in the right hand (even if left handed).

Saracen or Persian Style

This style of tilting has the rider lower their lance vertically on the same side of the horse as their lance arm. (A right-handed rider would pass with the T-bar on their right, and a left handed rider with the target on their left.)

This form of tilting cannot be used at the joust, as hitting straight on is not forgiving.

This method was also used jousts in parts of Italy, and was considered exceptionally dangerous during period!