A jousting demonstration has been added to the already action packed Deniliquin Rodeo Under the Stars schedule on Easter Saturday, March 30.
Marisma Equine Entertainment will be providing the half-time entertainment at the popular event.
Co-owner Renae Marisma and another lady knight will go head-to-head in a realistic jousting demonstration.
“Jousting is done at a canter, which is one of the fastest gaits for a horse,” Renae explained.
“Depending on the horse, it means speeds of up to 27km an hour, which is quite fast.
“The goal is to break your lance on your opponent’s shield.
“We wear full armour custom made for us, which weigh between 35kg and 45kg, and have specialised saddles.
“It is all historically accurate, and while it is gaining momentum, it is still an uncommon sport in Australia particularly.”
Renae has been jousting for about five years after being taught by her jousting husband and business partner, Cliff Marisma, who has been participating in the sport for 10 years.
They don’t just offer demonstrations, they participate competitively and attend European tournaments yearly.
The jousting will complement a full schedule of the thrills and spills we’ve come to expect from the Deni Rodeo.
The rodeo is an Australian Pro Rodeo registered event that will draw the best professional riders and competitors nationwide for bull riding, saddle bronc, bareback bronc, rope and tie, steer wrestling, team roping, breakaway roping and barrel racing.