September 23, 2006

Photos by Matt Bowers / Third Media / Zuma Press

mattw@thirdmedia.com
(209) 529-9000

    
International Jousting Championships

ANGELS CAMP, CA - The ancient sport of jousting came alive for spectators at the International Jousting Championships in Angels Camp, California. Participants from the United States and Europe competed for the annual title. Wearing more than 100 pounds of hand-made armor, each contestant rode against their opponents astride 2000-pound draft horses and bearing 25-pound lances. Nearly 600 costumed actors recreated the ambience of a medieval pageant for a crowd of several thousand.

Feature story available, call for details.
All images Copyright (c) 2006 by Matt Bowers/Third Media.

American TONY PARVINO prepares to ride in the International Jousting Championships in Angels Camp, California. The ancient sport of jousting came alive for spectators at the tournament as participants from the United States and Europe competed for the annual title. Wearing more than 100 pounds of hand-made armor, each contestant rode against their opponents astride a 2000-pound draft horse bearing a 25-pound lance. Nearly 600 costumed actors recreated the ambience of a medieval pageant for a crowd of five thousand. CLIFTON BASSETT prepares to ride in the International Jousting Championships in Angels Camp, California. The ancient sport of jousting came alive for spectators at the tournament as participants from the United States and Europe competed for the annual title. Wearing more than 100 pounds of hand-made armor, each contestant rode against their opponents astride a 2000-pound draft horse bearing a 25-pound lance. Nearly 600 costumed actors recreated the ambience of a medieval pageant for a crowd of five thousand. CLIFTON BASSETT rides in the International Jousting Championships in Angels Camp, California. The ancient sport of jousting came alive for spectators at the tournament as participants from the United States and Europe competed for the annual title. Wearing more than 100 pounds of hand-made armor, each contestant rode against their opponents astride a 2000-pound draft horse bearing a 25-pound lance. Nearly 600 costumed actors recreated the ambience of a medieval pageant for a crowd of five thousand. American TYSON OPENSHAW prepares to ride in the International Jousting Championships in Angels Camp, California. The ancient sport of jousting came alive for spectators at the tournament as participants from the United States and Europe competed for the annual title. Wearing more than 100 pounds of hand-made armor, each contestant rode against their opponents astride a 2000-pound draft horse bearing a 25-pound lance. Nearly 600 costumed actors recreated the ambience of a medieval pageant for a crowd of five thousand. PETTER ELLINGSEN receives assistance with his armor at the International Jousting Championships in Angels Camp, California. ELLINGSEN is a member of Compagnie d'Oslo, a jousting troupe near Oslo, Norway. The ancient sport of jousting came alive for spectators at the tournament as participants from the United States and Europe competed for the annual title. Wearing more than 100 pounds of hand-made armor, each contestant rode against their opponents astride a 2000-pound draft horse bearing a 25-pound lance. Nearly 600 costumed actors recreated the ambience of a medieval pageant for a crowd of five thousand.
TMS20060923A-03.jpg
 		 TMS20060923A-06.jpg
 		 TMS20060923A-10.jpg
 		 TMS20060923A-16.jpg
 		 TMS20060923A-22.jpg
 
American TYSON OPENSHAW prepares to ride in the International Jousting Championships in Angels Camp, California. The ancient sport of jousting came alive for spectators at the tournament as participants from the United States and Europe competed for the annual title. Wearing more than 100 pounds of hand-made armor, each contestant rode against their opponents astride a 2000-pound draft horse bearing a 25-pound lance. Nearly 600 costumed actors recreated the ambience of a medieval pageant for a crowd of five thousand. JEFF SANDERS from Nevada scores a hit at the International Jousting Championships in Angels Camp, California. The ancient sport of jousting came alive for spectators at the tournament as participants from the United States and Europe competed for the annual title. Wearing more than 100 pounds of hand-made armor, each contestant rode against their opponents astride a 2000-pound draft horse bearing a 25-pound lance. Nearly 600 costumed actors recreated the ambience of a medieval pageant for a crowd of five thousand. CLIFTON BASSETT of California (left) rides against CHARLIE ANDREWS at the International Jousting Championships in Angels Camp, California. The ancient sport of jousting came alive for spectators at the tournament as participants from the United States and Europe competed for the annual title. Wearing more than 100 pounds of hand-made armor, each contestant rode against their opponents astride a 2000-pound draft horse bearing a 25-pound lance. Nearly 600 costumed actors recreated the ambience of a medieval pageant for a crowd of five thousand. ANDREWS placed 1st overall in the tournament followed by BASSETT in 2nd place. American TYSON OPENSHAW prepares to ride in the International Jousting Championships in Angels Camp, California. The ancient sport of jousting came alive for spectators at the tournament as participants from the United States and Europe competed for the annual title. Wearing more than 100 pounds of hand-made armor, each contestant rode against their opponents astride a 2000-pound draft horse bearing a 25-pound lance. Nearly 600 costumed actors recreated the ambience of a medieval pageant for a crowd of five thousand. CHARLIE ANDREWS of Utah (left) rides against CLIFTON BASSETT at the International Jousting Championships in Angels Camp, California. The ancient sport of jousting came alive for spectators at the tournament as participants from the United States and Europe competed for the annual title. Wearing more than 100 pounds of hand-made armor, each contestant rode against their opponents astride a 2000-pound draft horse bearing a 25-pound lance. Nearly 600 costumed actors recreated the ambience of a medieval pageant for a crowd of five thousand. ANDREWS placed 1st overall in the tournament followed by BASSETT in 2nd place.
TMS20060923B-02.jpg
 		 TMS20060923B-08.jpg
 		 TMS20060923B-16.jpg
 		 TMS20060923B-18.jpg
 		 TMS20060923B-20.jpg
 
CLIFTON BASSETT receives assistance with his armor at the International Jousting Championships in Angels Camp, California. The ancient sport of jousting came alive for spectators at the tournament as participants from the United States and Europe competed for the annual title. Wearing more than 100 pounds of hand-made armor, each contestant rode against their opponents astride a 2000-pound draft horse bearing a 25-pound lance. Nearly 600 costumed actors recreated the ambience of a medieval pageant for a crowd of five thousand. The ancient sport of jousting came alive for spectators at the International Jousting Championships in Angels Camp, California. Participants from the United States and Europe competed for the annual title. Wearing more than 100 pounds of hand-made armor, each contestant rode against their opponents astride a 2000-pound draft horse bearing a 25-pound lance. Nearly 600 costumed actors recreated the ambience of a medieval pageant for a crowd of five thousand. The ancient sport of jousting came alive for spectators at the International Jousting Championships in Angels Camp, California. Participants from the United States and Europe competed for the annual title. Wearing more than 100 pounds of hand-made armor, each contestant rode against their opponents astride a 2000-pound draft horse bearing a 25-pound lance. Nearly 600 costumed actors recreated the ambience of a medieval pageant for a crowd of five thousand. The ancient sport of jousting came alive for spectators at the International Jousting Championships in Angels Camp, California. Participants from the United States and Europe competed for the annual title. Wearing more than 100 pounds of hand-made armor, each contestant rode against their opponents astride a 2000-pound draft horse bearing a 25-pound lance. Nearly 600 costumed actors recreated the ambience of a medieval pageant for a crowd of five thousand. San Francisco-based Irish band, CULLANN'S HOUNDS, entertained the crowd between competitions at the International Jousting Championships in Angels Camp, California. The ancient sport of jousting came alive for spectators at the tournament as participants from the United States and Europe competed for the annual title. Wearing more than 100 pounds of hand-made armor, each contestant rode against their opponents astride a 2000-pound draft horse bearing a 25-pound lance. Nearly 600 costumed actors recreated the ambience of a medieval pageant for a crowd of five thousand.
TMS20060923C-07.jpg
 		 TMS20060923C-12.jpg
 		 TMS20060923C-14.jpg
 		 TMS20060923C-22.jpg
 		 TMS20060923D-01.jpg
 
American TYSON OPENSHAW dons his armor to ride in the International Jousting Championships in Angels Camp, California. The ancient sport of jousting came alive for spectators at the tournament as participants from the United States and Europe competed for the annual title. Wearing more than 100 pounds of hand-made armor, each contestant rode against their opponents astride a 2000-pound draft horse bearing a 25-pound lance. Nearly 600 costumed actors recreated the ambience of a medieval pageant for a crowd of five thousand. Competing in his third tournament, OPENSHAW is a civil engineering student at the University of Nevada at Reno. American TYSON OPENSHAW dons his armor to ride in the International Jousting Championships in Angels Camp, California. The ancient sport of jousting came alive for spectators at the tournament as participants from the United States and Europe competed for the annual title. Wearing more than 100 pounds of hand-made armor, each contestant rode against their opponents astride a 2000-pound draft horse bearing a 25-pound lance. Nearly 600 costumed actors recreated the ambience of a medieval pageant for a crowd of five thousand. Competing in his third tournament, OPENSHAW is a civil engineering student at the University of Nevada at Reno. American TYSON OPENSHAW dons his armor to ride in the International Jousting Championships in Angels Camp, California. The ancient sport of jousting came alive for spectators at the tournament as participants from the United States and Europe competed for the annual title. Wearing more than 100 pounds of hand-made armor, each contestant rode against their opponents astride a 2000-pound draft horse bearing a 25-pound lance. Nearly 600 costumed actors recreated the ambience of a medieval pageant for a crowd of five thousand. Competing in his third tournament, OPENSHAW is a civil engineering student at the University of Nevada at Reno. American TYSON OPENSHAW dons his armor to ride in the International Jousting Championships in Angels Camp, California. The ancient sport of jousting came alive for spectators at the tournament as participants from the United States and Europe competed for the annual title. Wearing more than 100 pounds of hand-made armor, each contestant rode against their opponents astride a 2000-pound draft horse bearing a 25-pound lance. Nearly 600 costumed actors recreated the ambience of a medieval pageant for a crowd of five thousand. Competing in his third tournament, OPENSHAW is a civil engineering student at the University of Nevada at Reno. American JEFF SANDERS dons his armor to ride in the International Jousting Championships in Angels Camp, California. The ancient sport of jousting came alive for spectators at the tournament as participants from the United States and Europe competed for the annual title. Wearing more than 100 pounds of hand-made armor, each contestant rode against their opponents astride a 2000-pound draft horse bearing a 25-pound lance. Nearly 600 costumed actors recreated the ambience of a medieval pageant for a crowd of five thousand. SANDERS is a horse trainer and former professional rodeo athlete with multiple degrees in martial arts.
TMS20060923D-06.jpg
 		 TMS20060923D-08.jpg
 		 TMS20060923D-18.jpg
 		 TMS20060923D-23.jpg
 		 TMS20060923E-16.jpg
 
American TYSON OPENSHAW receives assistance with his armor at the International Jousting Championships in Angels Camp, California. The ancient sport of jousting came alive for spectators at the tournament as participants from the United States and Europe competed for the annual title. Wearing more than 100 pounds of hand-made armor, each contestant rode against their opponents astride a 2000-pound draft horse bearing a 25-pound lance. Nearly 600 costumed actors recreated the ambience of a medieval pageant for a crowd of five thousand. Competing in his third tournament, OPENSHAW is a civil engineering student at the University of Nevada at Reno. JEFF SANDERS (left) rides against TYSON OPENSHAW at the International Jousting Championships in Angels Camp, California. The ancient sport of jousting came alive for spectators at the tournament as participants from the United States and Europe competed for the annual title. Wearing more than 100 pounds of hand-made armor, each contestant rode against their opponents astride a 2000-pound draft horse bearing a 25-pound lance. Nearly 600 costumed actors recreated the ambience of a medieval pageant for a crowd of five thousand. CLIFTON BASSETT (left) rides against Canadian MIKE ELDERKIN at the International Jousting Championships in Angels Camp, California. The ancient sport of jousting came alive for spectators at the tournament as participants from the United States and Europe competed for the annual title. Wearing more than 100 pounds of hand-made armor, each contestant rode against their opponents astride a 2000-pound draft horse bearing a 25-pound lance. Nearly 600 costumed actors recreated the ambience of a medieval pageant for a crowd of five thousand. BASSETT placed 2nd overall in the tournament. American TYSON OPENSHAW prepares to ride in the International Jousting Championships in Angels Camp, California. The ancient sport of jousting came alive for spectators at the tournament as participants from the United States and Europe competed for the annual title. Wearing more than 100 pounds of hand-made armor, each contestant rode against their opponents astride a 2000-pound draft horse bearing a 25-pound lance. Nearly 600 costumed actors recreated the ambience of a medieval pageant for a crowd of five thousand. Competing at his third tournament, OPENSHAW is a civil engineering student at the University of Nevada at Reno. American TYSON OPENSHAW prepares to ride in the International Jousting Championships in Angels Camp, California. The ancient sport of jousting came alive for spectators at the tournament as participants from the United States and Europe competed for the annual title. Wearing more than 100 pounds of hand-made armor, each contestant rode against their opponents astride a 2000-pound draft horse bearing a 25-pound lance. Nearly 600 costumed actors recreated the ambience of a medieval pageant for a crowd of five thousand. Competing at his third tournament, OPENSHAW is a civil engineering student at the University of Nevada at Reno.
TMS20060923E-18.jpg
 		 TMS20060923F-05.jpg
 		 TMS20060923F-13.jpg
 		 TMS20060923F-15.jpg
 		 TMS20060923F-17.jpg
 
Canadian MIKE ELDERKIN takes a direct hit at the International Jousting Championships in Angels Camp, California. The ancient sport of jousting came alive for spectators at the tournament as participants from the United States and Europe competed for the annual title. Wearing more than 100 pounds of hand-made armor, each contestant rode against their opponents astride a 2000-pound draft horse bearing a 25-pound lance. Nearly 600 costumed actors recreated the ambience of a medieval pageant for a crowd of five thousand. PETTER ELLINGSEN of Norway gets dismounted by his opponent during the International Jousting Championships in Angels Camp, California. The ancient sport of jousting came alive for spectators at the tournament as participants from the United States and Europe competed for the annual title. Wearing more than 100 pounds of hand-made armor, each contestant rode against their opponents astride a 2000-pound draft horse bearing a 25-pound lance. Nearly 600 costumed actors recreated the ambience of a medieval pageant for a crowd of five thousand. A member of Compagnie d'Oslo, a jousting troupe near Oslo, Norway, ELLINGSEN placed 3rd overall in the tournament. PETTER ELLINGSEN of Norway gets dismounted by his opponent during the International Jousting Championships in Angels Camp, California. The ancient sport of jousting came alive for spectators at the tournament as participants from the United States and Europe competed for the annual title. Wearing more than 100 pounds of hand-made armor, each contestant rode against their opponents astride a 2000-pound draft horse bearing a 25-pound lance. Nearly 600 costumed actors recreated the ambience of a medieval pageant for a crowd of five thousand. A member of Compagnie d'Oslo, a jousting troupe near Oslo, Norway, ELLINGSEN placed 3rd overall in the tournament. CLIFTON BASSETT (left) rides against Norway's PETTER ELLINGSEN at the International Jousting Championships in Angels Camp, California. The ancient sport of jousting came alive for spectators at the tournament as participants from the United States and Europe competed for the annual title. Wearing more than 100 pounds of hand-made armor, each contestant rode against their opponents astride a 2000-pound draft horse bearing a 25-pound lance. Nearly 600 costumed actors recreated the ambience of a medieval pageant for a crowd of five thousand. BASSETT placed 2nd overall in the tournament followed by ELLINGSEN in 3rd place. American TYSON OPENSHAW prepares to ride in the International Jousting Championships in Angels Camp, California. The ancient sport of jousting came alive for spectators at the tournament as participants from the United States and Europe competed for the annual title. Wearing more than 100 pounds of hand-made armor, each contestant rode against their opponents astride a 2000-pound draft horse bearing a 25-pound lance. Nearly 600 costumed actors recreated the ambience of a medieval pageant for a crowd of five thousand. Competing at his third tournament, OPENSHAW is a civil engineering student at the University of Nevada at Reno.
TMS20060923G-01.jpg
 		 TMS20060923G-06.jpg
 		 TMS20060923G-07.jpg
 		 TMS20060923G-09.jpg
 		 TMS20060923G-16.jpg