The Original Full Contact Joust Team
Founded in 1982 by Kelly Bailey
Blending amazing stunts with real hard hitting jousting, the New Riders have established themselves as America’s premier joust team.
The New Riders of the Golden Age from War Horse Farm in Sarasota, Florida have been jousting professionally since 1982 and have appeared at Renaissance Festivals, state and county fairs, and other events all over the USA and Canada. The use of Belgian, Percheron, Shire, and Clydesdale horses and full suits of period-designed 16th century tilting armor differentiates the New Riders of the Golden Age from groups and organizations presenting staged theatrical medieval jousts. The use of period equipment allows the New Riders to engage in an authentic full contact joust, and the great horses add an unmatchable sense of power and presence to the joust.
Over forty years of developing equipment, refining technique, and performing live at large outdoor venues have polished a unique presentation and repeatedly confirmed that audiences do appreciate the real thing.
The War Horse Farm has been the training center for our knights and horses alike. Under the direction of Kelly Bailey, assisted by horse trainer Art Grunig, our riders are schooled in horsemanship following the discipline of western reining. The farm is also home to our armory and workshop, where we make and maintain our “hard-wear”. All swords, shields, horse armor, costumes, and any other equipment we use are kept and maintained here.
From leather and chain mail to full plate steel armor, riding lessons and reining shows, we continuously hone our skills in all aspects of our profession both as performers and as horsemen.