Equestrian Draft:Games Rings
Rings of various sizes are suspended from the arm of a standard. The riders attempt to spear the rings on the tip of their lance. This martial game is usually run in a straight line. Smaller rings usually carry a higher point value.
Tilting at the rings involves using a spear to catch rings hanging from a post. The ring tilting course is made of 3 standards with crossbars for the rings to hang from. The rings range in size from 2.5cm to 15 cm, higher points being given for catching the smaller rings. The standards are set either 6.5 m or 9 m apart. The rider makes a straight run along one side of the standards, attempting to catch rings on the tip of the spear, turns around and returns on the other side of the standard, catching more rings.
Tilting at the rings is an exercise in lance accuracy and is documented at least to the 15th and 16th century in Europe, possibly earlier and to 14th century in Arabic manuals. The rings represent the rider's ability to place their spear such that the warrior could accurately target eye slots or chinks in an opponent's armor
There are various ways that ring-tilting can be set up. All versions of ring-tilting involve suspending rings from multiple standards. Rings should be suspended in an easily removed means such as Velcro, magnets or clips such that when the ring is speared it should come away from its attachment to the standard without knocking the standard over which could pose a hazard to the horse and rider. Both the Norman/Frankish and Saracen/Persian styles of holding the spear (see Tilting Conventions) are acceptable in most situations. For any persons interested in eventually jousting, the Norman/ Frankish style with the lance held in the right hand should be encouraged.
Set up will vary depending on how the particular game is set up as determined by the marshal that has designed the game/tournament. The most common setup is the use of three T standards set in a line 6.5 m apart and at least 9 m from the edge of the equestrian list. The rings are placed on/suspended from the arms of the "T". Rings can be on both the left and right arms of the T, or just one side. Normally the first T has the 2.5cm and the 15 cmh rings. The second T has the 5cm and 20 cm rings, and the third T has the 7.5 cm and 10 cm rings. It is suggested that the smaller of the two rings always be placed to the outside position.