Is Jousting DANGEROUS?

Jason Kingsley CBE, the Modern Knight, discusses how dangerous Medieval jousting might be, how to reduce the risks of injury and some of his own injuries and dangerous situations. #medieval #history #dangerous
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[@gnomoblu8015]

"You have a responsibility to your opponent" is the most knightly thing you could say, and it sounds perfectly natural from you. Respect.

[@daveharrison61]

It's also very true of a lot of other very traditional martial arts.

[@AspiringKnight]

@@daveharrison61 And also reborn martial arts and sports - HEMA, SCA, and bohurt come to mind.

[@user-eg5fr3xl6m]

Other analyses of the knightly ethic are available.

[@wobblysauce]

This…

[@auntlynnonline6206]

All good martial artists recognize the responsibility they have to their opponents. Without it, you cannot truly win a contest. 😉

[@vinny142]

Short answer: yes. Long answer: yes it is. Ofcourse you can take care to make it less dangerous, but there is nothing "safe" about taking a long stick, climbing on a horse and galloping at your opponent with the express purpose of hitting them.

[@chengkuoklee5734]

Long answer: Yes, like other extreme sports.

[@gergokerekes4550]

yeah, this can be said about any fighting sport really. here people use serious protective gear, meanwhile we have cagefights where people are beaten until the ref blows the whistle.

[@nartyteek]

They don't call them "martial arts" for nothing!

[@fjavierlaje]

The way Ghost looks while you say "it's a lethal sport" is hilarious 😂. Glad to see him back on track again!

[@susanscott8653]

Jason: Jousting can be lethal. Ghost: Um...really?🤨

[@JamesRDavenport]

I love watching Jason's horses. They're so expressive and curious, Ghost in particular.

[@gergokerekes4550]

those giant eyes can be soo expressive.

[@adamant4107]

I might have missed it if you hadn't said anything. Made me laugh!! So funny!

[@raraavis7782]

Perfect 'side eye' 😅

[@GardenData61371]

Petition to make it an Olympic sport.

[@talosheeg]

The only sport I'd watch besides figure skating and gymnastics

[@bruhdon4748]

That would actually be amazing & make me watch the Olympics

[@TheCaucusFlow]

Would watch that!

[@I_Willenbrock_I]

In an ideal world, jousting and historical fencing (armored and unarmored) would be a sport for the honorable gentlemen and women of our age. Fair competition, where the best techniques would win the price. Sadly, I fear that the modern interpretation of sportsmenship isn't good enough to honour this. In short - we can be thankful that good people are doing this for fun and the challenge to become better and not ultra competitive people, who will eventually ruin it for everyone.

[@wildwitchwest]

yes for real. it's the only sport i care about outside of archery. i always look forward to renfaire jousts

[@angustheterrible3149]

I really like how you took the time in this video to stop, make eyecontact with the camera, and explain little things to us. You're like the Mr. Rogers of medieval educational videos. Always kind, always compassionate, always taking time for your audience and your animals. Its hard to describe the feeling your videos give off, but they have this "you are a welcome guest here" vibe, and I enjoy it.

[@hannahrobbins1017]

I couldn’t have said that, but “medieval mr. rogers” is the perfect way to describe the vibe of this channel!

[@jeffreywebb2692]

I completely agree.

[@kartos.]

This is exactly why I love these videos, never could phrase it as perfectly, though!!

[@ssl3546]

LOL I am sure Mr Rogers would never mangle his hand in a jousting accident and say the sacrifice was worth it because he enjoyed the match.

[@MerryMoss]

I feel the same way ^^

[@metatronyt]

Loved it, great video. This was a perfect companion video to my recent video and I very much appreciate you making it. - Gosh your description of what can happen to your thumb made me cringe in discomfort as I was imagining it. I don't think I had ever considered the possibility of breaking your hand like that. I wonder if the type of gauntlet you choose to wear could help prevent that. - I also found the idea of you having a responsibility towards your fellow competitors and their safety to be a very intriguing thought. I wonder if something like that was implemented by some knights in period too, or not. They certainly had a different concept of what was safe and what was acceptable danger than we do. - Lastly you would probably embody the more noble of the kind in spirit, but as we read some knights took advantage of the joust as a way to try to legally murder people they hated (such as for jealousy), and it would be interesting to see exactly how such tilting was carried out. In those cases, being experts would they purposely try to hit the head? Maybe other areas of the body? Thanks again for sharing your knowledge

[@ModernKnight]

My pleasure, glad it was interesting and as always the more we look into a subject, the more questions we discover to ask.

[@andytopley314]

@@ModernKnight Could you guys please organize a collab discussing this (and anything else you like)? Just you two talking as a podcast would be awesome.

[@ducthman4737]

@@ModernKnight Can the character of a horse change because of an illness like this? Are there some signs a horse gives so you know he appreciates the care you give him? How do you discover a horse is sick ?

[@poppymason-smith1051]

@@ducthman4737 I have done my dissertation on horses and am a horse hobbyist but sadly not owner atm. I can give basic answers incase ModernKnight doesnt respond. Horses personalities can change from injury but normally from the care, pain and treatment rather than anything happening to the brain. Such as if you have to keep them restrained more than they are used to they can develop types of anxieties and perform repetitive stress behaviours called stereotypies (these are common in well horses that are stabled too much aswell.) They can become aversive to certain things due to the expectation of pain. I have known of some horses to hate being treated and others to understand the human is doing something for them. If you spend time with a horse not doing just "work" with it you can start to develop a more friendly relationship with a horse. I have scratched horses on the shoulder and chest and had them try to groom me like they would a horse they are herd mates/friends with. It can hurt a bit as they have strong thick lips and use their teeth to rake over the body of their friend horse during mutual grooming, but it is a very special feeling to have a horse seek you out for some mutual scratches. And there are all sorts of ways to see a horse is sick. Horses are extraordinarily prone to injuries or illness. Too little grass=death same as too much. Horses can go lame which means they are favouring a leg, Ghost actually may be slightly lame appearing in the beginning on one of his hind legs? But he walks it off so is likely stiffness from being ill recently? I can tell this from his head bobbing slightly more when he puts weight on that leg and him having a quicker stride on that leg. It also could not at all be the leg and be something to do with his abdominals from colic. Colic shows as discomfort in the belly, they may roll and thrash about on the ground. Its to do with the gut not functioning properly and can be minor or be untreatable. When you own a horse or spend a lot of time with one you will get to know even minor changes in their usual behaviour that could be from sickness or pain and you call a vet out, or farrier if it is hoof related and you want a cheaper first opinion.

[@Tennouseijin]

I presume something that must have happened historically is, knights jousting not just against someone they hate, but also against their friends and brothers-in-arms. I wonder how often it would happen back then that a knight would be worried about hurting their friend during a joust. Would there have been cases when a knight would refuse to joust against their friend, perhaps like in Jason's example 'until he gets some better armor' or such? Although that might have been different in that modern competitors joust as free individuals, whereas back then jousting might have been seen as a duty to ones king etc. There must have been also cases when someone would be worried about jousting against people of high status, like jousting against a king or a duke, if you get them injured etc. While defeating a person of high status in a joust could bring you fame perhaps, I wonder if there were cases of people losing on purpose because better not risk it.

[@C.G.Hassack]

Sorry to hear Ghost had such serious colic, very glad to see him looking so bright now. The buggers can give you a fright, can't they!

[@ModernKnight]

it was awful...

[@lorraineseymour5007]

So glad he's ok!

[@nancytestani1470]

@@ModernKnightso glad he made it ,❤take care

[@jamespaul6315]

Congratulations on the CBE Jason! You both deserve it!

[@ModernKnight]

Thanks so much!

[@Kargoneth]

Hear hear! From OBE to CBE! Hurrah!

[@inisipisTV]

Wow. One more step to KBE then we can call him Sir Jason.

[@Locahaskatexu]

@@ModernKnight Yeah, just read about it, Congratulations on the CBE!

[@bruhdon4748]

First video as an official knight if I’m not mistaken? Congratulations, 777k subscribers too, think you may need to buy a lottery ticket.

[@sevenproxies4255]

It's so inspirational to see a bloke who's done well for himself in life but choose to spend his earnings on something worthwhile (like warhorses, swords, armour and other educational items from history) rather than wasting it on partying and drugs.

[@jamespaul6315]

Yes! I really admire Jasons passion. His book is so good too. Its nice to see a company head who is normal, but has passions, kindness and is a genuinely great seeming bloke. No greedy bs most companies heads have. We need more like Jason and less like say Bobby kotick.

[@sevenproxies4255]

@@jamespaul6315 Aye. If or when I have my big break I hope to emulate Jason's example.

[@jeanlannes4396]

I like the mounting block public service announcement/public information film portion.

[@Kemulnitestryker]

Was just watching a western and watched how the saddle shifted when a man mounted his horse. The comment you made about mounting from the ground putting strain on the horse's back made a lot of sense. Never thought about this type of thing before. I do enjoy learning these types of things from someone who knows what he is talking about.

[@paulinemegson8519]

Oh so sorry to hear that Ghost was sick. There was another favourite horse on a few pages I follow(several pages follow the same group) who passed away in the latter part of last year due to colic which was very sad. Colic is a bugger of a thing. It can be something as simple as a belly ache, or something that they can do nothing about. This horse in particular had the VERY best in vet care, and aftercare too and the best facilities for both but still to no avail. Very glad to hear that Ghosty boy is ok now. Just a case of steady conditioning now to build up muscle again until he’s back to his resplendent self. He’s a truly lovely lad. Ooops, I appear to have wombled on completely off topic 😮😂 Sorry Jason.

[@patmccoy8758]

Ghost is such a gorgeous horse!

[@fion1flatout]

Thanks that was a true honest speech. You probably hit that visor because it was on your mind.. I teach beginner cyclists and the worst thing to say to them is 'watch out for that bin' 😅

[@lynnegee6814]

​​@@fion1flatout 🏍 Bikers (& probably other activity groups) call it Target Fixation

[@wendypetersen7529]

I love the way you talk to your horses. So many people who "work" their horses don't take the time to acknowledge their contribution, and to let them know that they are important and loved.

[@emilyb4583]

I love seeing people share this kind of grounded perspective on risky activities, spoken so clearly. Especially the parts about responsibility for both yourself and your opponents/companions and not letting pride get in the way of safety. A calm assessment of risk and precautions is hard to come by on social media. Glad Ghost is feeling better and getting back under the saddle.

[@courtney1709]

Poor Ghostie, so glad he’s doing better now. ❤ I’m sure he’ll be getting his full strength back in time with all your great care! Thank you so much for your awesome videos, I always learn so much!

[@lesliemoiseauthor]

Good thoughts for Ghost's recovery 💕

[@billerator]

I'm glad to hear he's recovering and returning to form. This horse's eye is absolutely epic!

[@7Cherubim]

Listening to you it goes to show this can still be a very dangerous pastime. I think you need to get the best equipment you can afford, and then start at the most basic level to gain experience. I want to start this year and find it very hard to know where to go to start. You talk such sense, and your advice is so wise and valuable to someone attempting to get into this fantastic sport. Thankyou for producing such a useful and informative video.

[@ModernKnight]

Happy to help with advice.

[@7Cherubim]

Thankyou very much. I will be most likely taking you up on that. I messaged you last year letting you know I had trained my horse using your videos, so any further help would be greatly appreciated. We have made great progress and I do not want to undo any of the work put in to get her to joust as well as she does. Kind regards. Susan James.@@ModernKnight

[@vakama9053]

Very well said about the responsibility to your opponent. It's much the same (though generally with rather less danger) in fencing. It's harder for things to go wrong enough for someone to be seriously injured or killed, but it CAN happen, and it's everyone's responsibility to watch out for failures or issues with the equipment we use to mitigate that danger.

[@Chasmodius]

We're glad you're still with us -- please don't die doing this. Or cause anyone else to. I know you do what you can, and at the end of the day, as you said: it can come down to luck. So we can only hope.

[@SierraNovemberKilo]

Wasn't King Henry 8th festering leg wound caused by a jousting injury? I admit I do worry about certain older gents who engage in these sports. I have suffered a potentially blinding injury in a different sport - all because of undisciplined play (ie the person causing the injury not paying sufficent attention to or even having awareness of his team members' position). It was a bit like having an elephant partnered with Ginger Rogers to dance. Glad Ghost is back to health - funnily enough I had a feeling there was something wrong with one of your horses from your demeanour a while back. Thankfully you've had access to good veterinary/equine care. May this be a happier year!

[@gerardvila4685]

Henry VIII was very nearly killed jousting - he was in a deep coma. And it's been plausibly suggested that his brain was injured permanently, which would go a long way to explain what an absolute menace he was to everyone. Not that I have any medical competence myself, but it does fit with certain known cases of people's character changing completely, and very much for the worse, after certain brain injuries.

[@mandowarrior123]

​@@gerardvila4685 even just the recorded chronic pain he had over the years reasonably changed him. Not that much worse folks than him haven't existed but he seems to have been decent enough beforehand and it was only over years really he seemed to get bitter.

[@stephanieray5940]

Great video as always. I appreciate you talking about your injuries and your thoughts about them. I wonder if a medieval knight would’ve felt the same way about a broken hand? Would it be just an inconvenience to someone from that era and would his station have made any difference? Anybody’s thoughts on this would be great and helpful.

[@LynneFarr]

Ghost looks great, especially compared with his last video. I enjoyed your description of the different types of jousting. Learned something new. To me, however, the most important part was the ethical responsibility of participants to look out for their opponents safety. If that isn't an example of Chivalric behavior, I don't know what is.

[@I_Willenbrock_I]

Same thing with bloßfechten. High levels of training and control is needed to be able to do it properly. And like you said at the end. You are fencing/jousting with a partner and not an enemy. The general problem with the modern attitude towards sport is that it's all about winning - sometimes at any cost - not the exchange between like minded people. A bit of competition is needed and great but at the end if the day, it should never sour the day and be the most important thing.

[@thgenral]

I agree strongly with your view of making sure your opponent is well equipped for tilt.

[@bunhelsingslegacy3549]

Poor Ghost, I'm glad he's feeling better. Colic sucks. My pony never had it but I've had several rabbits who colic (the longer I have rabbits the more convinced I am that bunnies are tiny fluffy ponies who get turnout in my living room). I've talked to a bunch of the folks from one of the local full contact jousting groups who use properly couched hardwood lances, and it's not something I'd ever do. Way too many injuries. And even when you're not trying to knock each other off horses (which that jousting troupe was, because the crowd LOVES it and we'd usually get a couple unhorsings in a weekend event where they're doing two or three shows a day), anything to do with horses is potentially dangerous. I even know of injuries in Medieval Times dinner theatre jousting where they use balsa wood lances, because horses be horses. Thankfully I haven't seen any horses injured. Full armoured ground fighting is quite sufficient for me. We had an eye scare once during a pratice and now everyone has perforated steel over their eye slits. And we only do exhibition fights, so before each bout the marshall will have us talk to each other about our various situations, now and then someone doesn't have leg armour, and I can't fit my gauntlet if I've got my shield on, and some of us prefer not to be takn to the ground in our full plate (most of is are getting into our 50s now), and we all really like the idea of reuseable opponents, so none of us really want to hurt anyone. I had to use a mounting block to get onto a saddle cause my pony was shaped like an oil barrel and the saddle would turn, but we were both fine without if we were bareback...

[@eledatowle8767]

"Reusable opponents" is the best phrase I've heard this month!

[@Cinnder]

Thank you, Ghost, for being so patient while the humans talked. And thank you, Jason, as always, for enlightening us and dispelling the common misconceptions.

[@janaunvoyles4293]

Thank you Jason for your candidness. Can we see you in a tournament, I'd love to see you joust. I have seen every MH episode iI could find. I find your Knowledge of medieval times and knighthood very impressive and enlightening. Please do more episodes as they are a highlight for me and all others who enjoy them. Have a happy and prosperous new year.

[@ravenbeast8639]

Graham Turner is an awesome artist. Didn't know he jousted!! I did know that he loved driving...

[@joanofarc1338]

As I’ve mentioned before, I’m an American rodeo cowboy, a team roper. And I’m here to tell y’all that anything equine is potentially very dangerous. Especially if ya let complacency seep in. Mounting blocks, they absolutely save wear and tear on older horses. I use ‘em. That’s a mighty handsome horse yer riding. I sure enjoy yer videos. Much obliged

[@sarahjarden8306]

Great to hear Ghost has recovered after such a serious colic.

[@markwynne725]

Thank you for the elaboration on Metatron's video on the subject. The anecdotes from personal experience make them tremendously interesting. I admire your professional attitude to safety and I wish it were held more widely.

[@Small_Bean_Regarder]

Saw you on telly earlier mate showing off your chariot Love your content, keep it up Glad Ghost is feeling better

[@EmeraldVideosNL]

Have been asking for jousting anecdotes many times, so very thankful for this. 😊

[@LilA-zl6tf]

I am so glad that Ghost made it! I just love him. Have you had made an "old fashioned" painting of him - like as he looks in 20:10 on the video? You should! I think you can imagine the type I mean. - - - Me being a huge TT fan, I had not even heard about this tragic accident. Very unfortunate, indeed. - I just loved this video! I know it is a lot of work, but this type is my favourite! And Ghost. He is so well trained and relaxed, he can stand still and wait for the next command for however long. Like any good "workhorse" should be able to do. Being a breeding stallion, do you own any of his offspring yourself? I would love to see some of them....

[@deborahdanhauer8525]

The painting is an excellent idea!❤️🤗🐝

[@stridertex]

Absolutely fantastic vid, Sir Jason. Also, I am chuffed beyond belief that you're friends and colleagues with Graham Turner. I've been a huge fan of his art for years and even own a copy of his Agincourt piece he did for the 600th anniversary back in 2015.

[@kristensmith6772]

I'm so relieved that Ghost has recovered from having colic! I lost my mare of 12 years in 2023 and I know how frightening and earth shattering it is to lose a precious friend like that. I'm so glad that didn't happen to you and Ghost. I've been watching your channel for a few years now and some of the most interesting and enjoyable things my horse and I used to experiment with were from your channel. Thank you Jason for the memories and for being such a kind, caring person towards your horses.

[@bilindalaw-morley161]

Poor Ghost. He must have been in agony. So glad to know he's all better!

[@Archangel144]

Thanks for sharing your experiences, and thanks for being a proper knight to the benefit of your opponents. Glad Ghost is on the mend!

[@captainthorrek262]

So glad to hear Ghost is on the mend!

[@eledatowle8767]

You are an incredible teacher, not only of the "what," but of the "how," which is always with good sense, practicality, and compassion. The "how" is often lost in teaching, yet is vital to those learning. The use of a mounting block, and your explanation for it, are a good example, as is your discussion about having a responsibility to your opponent. Even more importantly, I'm so glad to hear that Ghost has fully recovered from his colic. I've seen it go both ways, so it's always a word that strikes terror into anyone who loves horses. Much gratitude to the vet team, you, and your helpers, for taking such great care of this handsome boy.

[@The_New_IKB]

good to know Ghost is well, he is a very good looking horse

[@Legolas66709]

Yet another amazing video full of the love of history, learning, and asking questions

[@WhatIfBrigade]

I didn't know Ghost was sick. Wishing Ghost a full recovery! I don't have a horse, but I know dogs and cats can really struggle with waiting to do what they are used to. I'm sure Ghost feels better to work out again.

[@deborahdanhauer8525]

I’m so glad your good friend is healing nicely. I hope he gains back his strength soon. He looks as beautiful as ever. I saw a terrible accident in a joust once. A man was pierced with a broken lance. The other knight was his close friend and he was so horrified… i don’t know what the outcome was. I hope the man lived. So yes, when you say it’s dangerous, I believe you completely. 😔❤️🐝

[@MattRoszak]

Very wholesome channel.

[@karensykas3809]

Wow, what a great video. Very very interesting topic. Also, it was such a pleasure to see ghost. He did so much posing , he is just an absolutely beautiful creature and he’s very lucky to have you for an owner to love and care for him. All your horses are very different from what to expect they’re not usually a specific breed they come from different parts of the world and I’m sure you take a lot of time selecting just the right ones but they’re all so lovely and ghost looks stunning! . It was just a real pleasure to see him.

[@justinlewis2969]

Your concern for the safety of your opponent does you great credit sir! It's a shame that this must be said this day and age, but here we are. Perhaps we need a new slogan... "Make Nobility Chivalrous Again"! 😁 Keep up the good work.

[@earnestwanderer2471]

Thank goodness for Ghost getting well. Horses can be amazingly fragile.

[@vivianevans8323]

HNY, Jason - and thanks: this was most informative. And I'm glad all went well for Ghost who does look so very handsome. I loved his facial expressions, signalling where he was going to look with his ears. what a handsome Ghost he is! As for jousting: I recall how you showed us in one video a dent on one of your cuisses which you said you got jousting with one of your friends and which you kept as a sort of memorial. So now I wonder: this must've caused quite a bruise, and in my humble, non-jousting everyday experience, bruises especially on the thigh are rather painful ... You chivalry shone through the whole video and for that also: thanks!

[@kingdavidapple]

The head of jousting in Washington state, who jousted for at least 20 years, had a splinter fly from the lance, go through the slot in his (very well made) helmet and through his eye. Because of excellent & swift medical care he lived. He jousted three more years with one eye! When anyone practices any kind of combat at these events, we sign a waiver saying we are aware of the dangers, will practice diligently & hold all others harmless if injured or killed. I signed the form in order to do a quarter staff routine, which my opponent & I carefully choreographed, working on the speed of moves so it looked - & felt! - like real combat. This stuff is not child's play. I've seen men twice a big as myself knocked from the saddle in the lists.

[@k.w.4241]

Would it be possible to wear safety glasses under the helmet?

[@kingdavidapple]

@@k.w.4241 In a word: maybe. Since most knights wore a quilted cap within the helm & helms were already heavy and awkward, I expect the clearance within permitting safety glasses would be minimal. No doubt, our genial host in these videos could say much more about it.

[@jamesgoddard8375]

I knew Paul from reenacting, he was someone who I looked up to in those early days in my hobby. He was a lovely guy and missed by all who knew him

[@julialewis8794]

As a lady, I can say that only men would say, "I had a great time and thought it was perfectly acceptable when I broke my hand". I guess that's why men joust and ladies embroider.

[@MachaMongRuad]

As a lady jouster who belongs to an entire troupe of lady jousters, I can say that it's not only men who think broken bones are an acceptable outcome of playing with your friends. 😂

[@lynnegee6814]

​@@MachaMongRuad Amen to that. Females dressed in full gear (🐎 or 🏍) often enjoy their pastimes unrecognised 🙂.

[@86fifty]

Aww, I'm glad Ghost made a full recovery! It's always stressful when a beloved animal is sick, and a reminder to never take our health for granted!

[@MachaMongRuad]

So very glad Ghost has recovered from his colic surgery!!! My jousting troupe here in the States lost one of our bestest boys to sudden colic a couple of years ago- that's not the news you ever want to wake up to!! It's always bittersweet when photos of him pop up in memories or random photos/adverts. As far as human injuries, I think a broken hand is common enough among jousters that it's not really in the 'major' category anymore. 😂 Now if one had an accident like, say, the Aussie chap whose bits were hanging on by a thread, that's definitely major! (He's fine now, afaik- this was around a decade or so ago.) Sadly even the mounted games associated with jousting can be deadly. A man whom I had the great privilege of meeting and riding with, Peter Barclay (known in the SCA as Master Terafan Greydragon, z"l), died following a freak accident while participating in a round of tent-pegging. Such things are thankfully very rare, but they do happen! I love and greatly appreciate your channel for the 'insider view' that you're able to give into a most thrilling sport, and thank you for reminding us that it's one which must always be respected! 💜💜

[@nefasventures]

In my days as a squire for a jousting troupe I saw some injuries for sure, never to a horse tho.. Sword to the mouth, lance to the helm, chest, shoulder, hands and unhorsings onto the list. Even with all the armor and safety precautions those lances found a way to slip inbetween plates of armor. I worked with knights from Knights of Avalon, Full Metal Jousting and Knights of Mayhem. Currently Imperial Knights Live

[@JackyHeijmans]

I'm so very happy Ghost made it! He is gorgeous, and such a sweetheart! Give him a big hug from me? Much love to you! Very interesting video! ❤

[@kathleenorr9237]

Good that Ghost recovered, colic is nasty and sadly many horses die from it. Informative as always

[@sarahwatts7152]

The only reference I have for colic is a MASH episode, where it's treated very seriously. Glad Ghost is able to train again!

[@JamesRDavenport]

Been waiting for this as soon as I saw Raphael's video. Seems you might be right Jason, as the stastics he read off about serious injuries were from the later Medieval period I think. The more popular something is, the more people want to get into as quickly as possible to cash in. The same rule applies to all martial arts, you will get injured eventually. How severely though depends on how well you prepare. Training, training, training!

[@Michael-dj6pd]

Your video's are so relaxing and easy to watch, especially love them in these cold winter nights.

[@kkupsky6321]

“One of My warhorses”… this guy. Must be nice haha. Good boy good lad. You’re kind to them

[@Nickname-hier-einfuegen]

That guy is living every nerds dream. Oxford student, video game company CEO (Rebellion, they're making the Sniper Elite games), commander of the Order of the British Empire, owns multiple warhorse and sets of armor, competes in jousting tournaments all the time,...

[@lynnegee6814]

​@@Nickname-hier-einfuegen And yet remains a decent man.

[@susanscott8653]

HNY Jason and congratulations on your CBE. Well deserved, sir. So pleased to see Ghost looking so well after his surgery. I can sympathize as I suffered from colic when I was young and it is painful. I was also laid up for three months recently recovering from an unrelated surgery and am still not back to my previous fitness. All my best to you both.

[@kaz-h9919]

Your Modern History videos are very interesting & informative. Very good wishes to ghost after his operation and his strength building, loved ghost eye when you said that jousting is dangerous 😅 lovely horse 🐎 Happy New year!!

[@No_Way_NO_WAY]

Given the eye slit hits with the lance, i probably would try to put a polycarbonate plate/shield inside the visor (like a face shield) to prevent accidential blinding by the lance or debris.

[@LilA-zl6tf]

Ghost at 1:31 "- And now you tell me?"

[@m1dn1ght5un]

Great video...and great news about the CBE! It will be Sir Jason Kingsley before you know it.

[@Beryllahawk]

Glad that Ghost is recovering! The best of good boys! His expressions, as always, are always so fun to watch, almost as if he is silently commenting on your chat (though I know he likely isn't, just enjoying the sound of his knight's voice). And I deeply appreciate how candid you are and have always been about just how dangerous this sport can be. It is, after all, a war game: in a tournament things are taken down a notch as it were but these are still martial techniques meant to kill the opposing knight. You cannot expect such a sport NOT to have its risks, and to approach it as if it is not risky is foolishness. I agree with some of the other commenters who say - this could and should be an Olympic sport; I think mounted combat altered to suit the sports arena would be riveting to watch and extremely challenging. Though I suppose there would be a need and obligation to include more than just European medieval jousting, so it couldn't be exactly like the tournaments you're familiar with, could it? (At the same time, it could be so very exciting!!! Imagine even just as some kind of fabulous pageant, a Crusader versus a Mongolian of Genghis Khan's time!) Even with as dangerous as this is, I think it's important that we continue to do it - to research it as history, experiment with it to figure out more of what it might really have been like, to participate in competitions and exhibitions, all of it. Even purely as an exercise in horsemanship it's so valuable, to the riders themselves. People do this because they're passionate about it, just the same as why my only cousin goes about climbing impossible looking rock faces. It's horribly dangerous - he's broken a leg doing it! - but that does not stop him. And I think that's something that new people should be aware of when they're coming into the sport: what the risks really are and what counts as a minor or even negligible injury within the context of the tournament and the practice and the learning. A broken hand would be the end of me, but I'm NOT a horsewoman, I'm NOT a jouster, I'm just a homemaker with a few little hobbies who constantly uses both her hands. (Also, I'm a terrible coward when it comes to pain, haha) But for you, the situation simply didn't impact you the same way. And for my cousin, that busted leg was rough, but he went into the sport knowing such injuries were possible and accepting that even with the best gear and best preparation, the risk never goes away. Not everybody can muster that kind of determination, and not every sport demands it, but for rock climbing and jousting alike, I think that level of intense enthusiasm and tough attitude is as much a requirement as the gear. You manage to make that clear without making a big deal out of it, and I respect that so very much. Here's to a wonderful new year, to Ghost coming back into proper form and being better than ever, and to all of us achieving important things, risks or no risks!

[@talosheeg]

Aww, get well soon Ghostie!

[@MrMighty147]

I think it's cool that jousting is still being done in a historically authentic way. But I have to say I would like it more if there were more modern safety precautions. I would imagine that helmets could be made in a way that the eyes would be protected better, while still being mostly authentic. I mean just building them so you can wear industrial eye protection underneath for instance shouldn't be too hard.

[@Maritimesgestein]

You could probably just have a piece of panzer glass where the eye slit need to be. Though that might be to thick.

[@lievenpetersen]

I do very much enjoy the atmosphere of this video. And by that I am not necessarily speaking of the barn or the air.

[@minerwaweasley1008]

Brilliant video, thank you! It appeals to the imagination. So now we know what was wrong with Ghost. Thanks, I admit I was worried when you said he had surgery. Toby Venables, describing John de Rosseley after the tournament, gave a really vivid idea of what can happen to a man hit with a lance

[@ModernKnight]

If I remember de Rosseley was partly based on me!

[@minerwaweasley1008]

@@ModernKnight Partly? In my opinion, it was all you 😀 I was dying of laughter reading all the scenes with Sir John.

[@Egilhelmson]

Toby Capwell described what happened when he jousted without using a vambrace on his lance, and the lance ripped into his hand/wrist, sending him to the hospital. The end of that weekend, his opponent jousted and was injured the same way and went to the same hospital, where the ran into each (no pun intended).

[@kirkbrown8189]

Great video. I have zero knowledge in this area but fascinating to learn from your experience and knowledge. I enjoy the conversational style of presentation too.

[@susandolan9543]

Good to hear that you're communicating with The Metatron. Hopefully his mother is doing well as she's fighting cancer. Have you had a chance to talk to Shadversity yet about war horses? Or perhaps with Living Anachronism? I would love to see the three of you doing a video or videos about the use of the horse in Medieval warfare.

[@Likexner]

Im happy that Ghost has recovered. Hes such a lovely horse. You arent bad either, James :D

[@pierre-olivierjanelle3413]

This was genuinely one of the best response to a question.real honest opinion with some real life experience to back it up. At the end of the all sport have risk. Riding a 1000kg horse while wearing 35kg of steel, trying to hit the other rider with a long wooden pole is pure risk. I would love to try it one day and the question on injury was on my mind. To me jousting is the ultimate knightly sport. For now HMB and IMCF activity will have to do. I really love your content cheers.

[@susannekalejaiye4351]

Thank you for this. Great view of the sport. As someone who has broken my wrists multiple times (ice can be dangerous too - even when walking on one's own feet) I agree that I wouldn't call a broken wrist as a major injury. The details you mention, especially suitably good armour, and good training are well-made points. Thank you. Hope Ghost continues to recover and reconditions fully.

[@lindsaydrewe8219]

Poor Ghost, sending him the mental equine equivalent of a bunch of grapes!! Such a beautiful horse. I expect any injury you can walk away from / regain full use of are “good” injuries. A very interesting chat, especially for those of us who can just about tell one end of a horse from the other😊❤❤

[@deejayk5939]

O poor baby, so glad he made it thru colic! So many horses don’t. Glad to see him again. Love your videos!

[@ithidil]

Always excited when I see you make a new video! And congratulations on the CBE. Well deserved.

[@123canadagirl]

I’m so glad Ghost is feeling better! He’s a beautiful horse 🐎 And I’m glad you haven’t been injured. Stay safe! Personally I’ll watch 😅

[@Zephyrosis-zt6py]

I just found out you are a game developer too, I had no idea after like 4 years or more of watching your channel, that's awesome, I work in the games industry, congrats on becoming a real knight, that's so cool!

[@billkipper3264]

Great video. It puts more perspective on how dangerous the medieval joust actually was. To follow up though, a video on how injuries have increased, the types of injuries and their severity through the use of solid lances would be interesting as well. Thanks.

[@Nagassh]

Sad to hear Ghost was unwell, glad to hear he's come out of it okay. Always a joy to see an upload on the channel, a wonderful variety of topics but always the same fantastic delivery that has me enraptured whether it be a silly fruit or a (potentially) lethal sport.

[@norskattforfun8575]

Very informative and so glad Ghost is ok. Most fiction books that include jousting often describe people getting broken limbs and ribs or being trapped in the armour due to metal warping. Congrats on the CBE

[@dewitp]

Wonderful videos, I appreciate that you take the time to include personal experiences and stories and how they relate to the people who did this in the past

[@CentauriSphere]

that was an incredible video

[@user-vo2fh4zs7t]

You are truly noble Mr Kingsley, very Knightly 😊

[@TheHeroicE]

Love how Jason picked up on Metatron's invite and knkcked it out of the park

[@hattyburrow716]

Loved the video, glad your Ghost is better .

[@Shounendiver]

So glad Ghost is fine. I hope he'll get back in perfect happy shape soon :D Also super interesting stories as always! I really have to come see a jousting tournament at some point. One that is not scripted I mean. But they are super rare where I live.

[@TrishBlassingame]

So glad to know Ghost is well, hale, and hearty now! That must have been worrying indeed. Best wishes for his continued health! Thanks for the overview of the dangers, or possible dangers, of Jousting!

[@ModernKnight]

It was awful. A horse in pain is terrible to see and dangerous to manage too.

[@gergokerekes4550]

I found that in these sort of "man-on-man" sports a good contest brings people closer more often than not, which would be rather weird I think for outside people. the best after-fight beers are always with people who just barely beat me or got beaten.

[@FuncleB]

I'm really pleased your horse is feeling better. Great videos. Big fan. Love the content. Thank you.

[@marissabulso6439]

😮 Unrelated, but I just starting riding (yay yay!!) and I immediately started saying, “Good, lad!” to my horse while working with him. Which was somewhat unexpected, being an American. I thought maybe ai picked it up because I read books set in England. But, Jason! I picked it up from you! That is so dear. ❤❤

[@ModernKnight]

brilliant!

[@thomasvardy2068]

Hi Jason, You may not see this, but I wanted to tell you that your content on this channel means so much to me. During the pandemic, i was holed up in a tiny inner-london flat, with my wife who became very ill from covid and then complications with another illness. For myself, and i'm sure many around the world, it felt like the world of before had ceased to be, and 'normality' was a thing of the past. During this time of massive uncertainty, I looked forward to your posts, as a sign that maybe good things could still occur. Every new video was a reminder that maybe things could get better, that people were still going about sharing their passion. Every time I hear your intro music, i'm transported to that tiny flat. But instead of feeling fearful, i feel hopeful. All the best!

[@ModernKnight]

I'm glad our work helped you. It was a very strange time to live through.

[@kernowpolski]

I love the way Ghostie was looking at you with concern when you mentioned jousting could be lethal. He is a clever horse.

[@ducthman4737]

It seems to me today we really met the real you. I could hear emotion in your voice what made it very personal. Glad to see you back on a horse again. But what would medieval knights think about riding around in a metal box or on a metal horse at 120km/h. We all do it but know how dangerous it is.

[@rosieb6886]

I often watch your channel with my husband, who is very much into riding. The headline of this video intrigued me. I actually knew Paul Allen, who you spoke of. We had taught at the same school. We were all very sad when we heard the news. So pleased to hear Ghost is doing well. The equine vets at Newmarket is very good, so I'm sure Ghost had the best of care.

[@majorfallacy5926]

Ghost seems so sweet for a horse with such crazy eyes

[@gtbkts]

Thank you for all the awesome content and great videos!!