Est. 2023
THE WORLD
WHEELBARROW
JOUSTING
FEDERATION
History
Centuries of Heritage & Tradition
Wheelbarrow jousting originates from medieval times where knights would use horseback riding skills to spear objects. Horses are expensive and temperamental, so the trusty steed has been replaced by a standard builders wheelbarrow.
In wheelbarrow jousting one person (the knight) holds a lance while the other person (the horse) pushes them along in a wheelbarrow towards their opponent. Jousters try and knock the opponent out of the barrow. Points are scored by body and helmet ‘strikes’.
One person tells stories how before World War One if travelling significant distance to a tournament the host would greet them with warm elderflower wine. Tradition says that the ‘Horse’ should play barefoot, but the Health & Safety Police have put a stop to that.
Hereford Cathedral has medieval parchment that shows the first documented ‘wheelbarrow joust’,believed to have taken place near Monmouth in July 1273
BRECON JOUST
The Brecon Joust takes place in August every year. It is open to all and is a great day out for all the family!
THE RULES
THREE ROUNDS
2 POINTS BODY OR HELMET STRIKE
1 POINT SHIELD STRIKE
WIN FOR DISMOUNTING KNIGHT
WHAT MAKES A TEAM?
In wheelbarrow jousting, there are several unique roles involved. These include:
The “Knight”: This refers to the individual who sits on or in of the wheelbarrow, holds the jousting lance and attempts to strike their opponent . Their role is critical to success, requiring focus, balance, coordination, accuracy, and strength.
The “Squire”: The squire assists the knight during a match. Their primary responsibilities include helping the knight mount the wheelbarrow, placing the helmet and lance on the knight, communicating strategies and updates, and providing encouragement.
The “Horse”: While traditional jousting uses living horses, modern wheelbarrow jousting relies instead on human participants pushing and steering wheelbarrows. Despite this substitution, the idea remains focused on recreating the experience of medieval jousting with emphasis on speed, agility, accuracy, and power. After all, this combination leads to unpredictability and the potential for upsets, making each battle suspenseful and exciting to watch. When well executed, participation in championships may require exceptional balance, hand–eye co ordination, endurance, physical fitness, and skill in using a weapon effectively.
Overall, the three positions within the “team” form a collaborative partnership complementary too many professional industries, such as business management, construction services or manufacturing production lines.I
