Medieval Tournaments

Tournaments gave knights a chance to show off their skills and to practice techniques that they use in war.  It was also a way for knights to get rich.  When a knight captured a rival knight they would get to keep that knight's horse and armour and hold him ransom.  Since being a knight was very expensive, tournaments were an important way of getting money.

    Tournaments were very dangerous and initially, they were a free for all without many rules or regulations, so it was common for knights to be badly injured or even killed. In 1241 in Germany, 80 knights were killed in a tournament.  Over time, tournaments became more formal and knights jousted with lances one-on-one.  Tournaments were so popular, that sometimes knights would rather go than do their regular duty.  After tournaments, there would usually be a lavish banquet.  They would eat pudding, fruit, meat, wine and beer.

A knight needed several horses for day to day use.  He had a palfrey for transportation.  He would use a packhorse for carrying his possessions and armour.  A knight also needed a warhorse which was called a destrier.  This was a large and strong horse. it was perfect for charging the enemy.