American Jousting Alliance

See also: Renaissance Main Page | Programme ~ Passage of Arms

Mr. Zoppe has been training people and horses for 18 years, and Jousting for 20 years. He has trained people for "Universal Studios" and "Circus of the Stars." He has trained horses for "The Fisher King" and other films, as well as presenting hundreds of Live Performances. The horses being ridden for shows are Trained Veterans. Their sizes range from 15 hands and 1,000 pounds, to almost 18 hands and 2,000 pounds. Most are Percheron Horses. These horses were developed and fought on by the Normans. They derive their name from the Perche Region of France. Their size, intelligence, and agility make them much sought after Mounts. Our purpose is to present safe, entertaining, exciting, and competitive Jousting Tournaments and Shows. This is being done in conjunction with Renaissance Festivals, as well as establishing Tournaments held solely for competition and entertainment.

One of our functions is to help train and develop qualified Men-at-Arms and Women-at-Arms to compete in a friendly, gentlemanly manner in American Jousting Alliance Sanctioned Tournaments, with camaraderie and good will being an important part of our competitions. Another important function of the American Jousting Alliance is to raise and train quality Jousting and Tournament Horses for future Knights and Warriors.

Although this organization was started mainly to re-establish real competitive Tournament Jousting, another important aspect of our Alliance should be mentioned. The importance of a positive role model should not be overlooked. In this sometimes turbulent world we live in today people young and old need positive and good role models. We need more Heroes.

The Knight has always symbolized bravery and courage, dignity and respect, courtesy and fairness. Don't our young people, indeed people in general, value and need these qualities? If we can help inspire these qualities in others, we are truly doing a great deed. One is truly exceptional, and should feel a real sense of pride, when one can inspire the Human Spirit.

Whatever your primary interest is in the American Jousting Alliance, whether it be a Knight interested in jousting, a skill-at-arms competitor, a performer, a member of the support group or perhaps a jousting fan or spectator; the American Jousting Alliance has something to offer.