Controlling the Horse

Jousting had another set of problems to bedivil the participants, getting their horses started properly. War horses were often high strung and could sense the pressure of the event. It required a rider of consumate horsemanship to avoid the following miscues;

-Horse veering during the charge: Very common, the tilt was there to convince the horse that he wasn't playing chicken with the oncoming horse.

-Horse stumbles while starting or during the charge: This was always a possibility, although a small one.

-Horse rearing: A problem at the start of the charge, or after the lances had made contact.

-Lose footing: Another potential problem once the lance blow had been delivered